About Pilates Essence Studio
Pilates Essence is a full Pilates Studio and Training site for Balanced Body Univers
ity. They offer privates, duets,
classes and Pilates certification.
Pilates Essence is co-directed by Kathleen Harper and Lisa Potts.
The instructors at Pilates Essence work with the beginner, rehab client, athlete, to advanced clientele focusing on each clients individual needs. Their goal is to make each person achieve a strong, leaner, better posture, so they can live a happier, healthier, and pain free life.
Our instructors' background transcends a variety of movement disciplines, we draw from a large movement “toolbox” to fit individual needs. Our Pilates education is enhanced by evolved study influenced by updated Western scientific research and Eastern health philosophies. We strive to update our knowledge with continuing education in Pilates and other movement and healing arts to offer our clients the best training available.
Our Instructors
Kathleen Harper has been part of the fitness world most of her adult life and is a Master Level Pilates Instructor with over 20 years experience in the Pilates world. She was first trained and certified by Eve Gentry, she also holds certifications from PhysicalMind Institute, Polestar, and Balanced Body University. She has a BS in Kinesiology and Bio-Mechanics/Dance. She is a Personal Trainer and Orthopedic Massage Therapist. Kathleen is very innovative and creative in her classes. She likes to keep up with the latest fitness trends while still using the traditional Pilates concepts. In working with private clients, she develops programs for improving clients imbalances while getting them stronger and healthier on all levels.She works with all types of injuries bringing the client to a point of no pain and a better quality of life. She is currently a Master Trainer for Balanced Body University teaching certification programs locally and all over the world.
Lisa Potts began Pilates in 1999 and instantly felt the benefits of core strength. In 2002 I received my Pilates certification with expertise in Pilates mat and Pilates equipment including the fit ball, theraband, reformer and trapeze table. As an ex-performer for the innovative Cirque du Soleil, Pilates helped me maintain an elevated level of fitness needed to perform ten shows weekly as a trapeze artist with Las Vegas’s ‘O.’ My background includes many years as an international gymnast for Canada as well as a collegiate gymnast for the University of Michigan. My diverse experiences with sport and the performing arts have heightened my awareness for the importance of achieving optimal physical and emotional health. Pilates is total body conditioning with emphasis on strengthening and lengthening our core muscles through balance and stabilization exercises. My classes are creative, challenging and engaging as each class gives you an intensive yet personalized workout you need to sustain and advance your overall fitness.
Kate Kresge is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kate graduated with a BFA in Dance from the University of Akron in 2003. After performing in Barcelona, Spain and doing work as a commisioned choreographer Kate decided to fulfill her childhood dream of moving to New York City to pursue a carreer in dance. In order to stay in shape Kate began practicing yoga. She soon realized that yoga gave her greater joy and a healthier mindset than dance ever could. Kate was accepted into the OM yoga center in NYC where she deepened her practice and recieved her 200 hr Teaching certificate. Making peace with New York, Kate moved west in search of fresher air and a slower pace. As of October, 2006 she has called Colorado Springs home, as well as a place to grow as a student and teacher. Kate hopes to create a better sense of humanity and peace through her teaching. Kates Yoga teaching style is a fun, quick-paced vinyasa flow class that emphasises the connection of breath with movement. Yoga class works to cultivate positive qualities, reduce negative emotions, and works to bring the mind and body together.
Jennifer Skorcz studied Classical Pilates under strict PMA guidelines with Richard Rossiter at Pilates of Boulder, CO. and is a DPOS certified Pilates Instructor. She is the Founder of Cycling Essentials, a unique company that integrates bike fit, cycling posture, and Pilates to improve the overall cycling experience. She was the first woman to participate in Bhutan’s inaugural bicycle tour and race in 2004. She guides adventure tours in the Himalaya through her company Bicycle Sambhava. Jenny helped develop Giant Bicycle’s Ride Society and Giant For Women. She has fifteen years experience in the field of Health & Fitness, with special emphasis on bicycling and trail running, and has over twelve years of professional teaching experience, including Senior Instructor at the prestigious Barnett Bicycle Institute. “I discovered Pilates by accident, really. I was slowly recovering from a serious low back injury I suffered during my years as a competitive mountain biker. Everything I did – running, walking, swimming, stretching –threw my back into spasms. It was the combination of awareness and deep muscular conditioning inherent to Pilates that finally brought me back to the healthy side of life.” Jenny started trail running competitively three years ago, placing 2nd in the Leadville Heavy Half Marathon, her first foot race since high school. She credits the Pilates work: “ My breath work has improved immensely and my mechanics of movement are refined beyond my wildest expectations. It’s wonderful!”