About Rachel

Rachel has owned and operated Energy Within Pilates for over 30 years and now lives in the Roanoke, VA area. Working as a massage therapist and fitness instructor, she discovered Pilates at age 35.

"I was uncomfortable in my body, never sitting or standing still for any length of time without moving or stretching. I had broken several bones, sliced 2 tendons in my foot and ended up with a twist in my pelvis. Pilates totally changed my life. I have learned much about the body and movement by understanding how my own body works, heals, and stays healthy."

Each person is unique, but the principles of movement remain the same. For every movement, it is important to understand the fundamentals: which muscles stabilize and mobilize your bones. Rachel ensures that each and every client is taught to connect with their body and control their movements. She is an active and attentive teacher, observing and correcting everyone in her class for proper, controlled movements.

"Little corrections make the biggest difference when the exercises are performed. If we are conscious of the way we move and how we hold ourselves erect our posture will improve to help alleviate pain and discomfort.

"I love what I do! Let me help you here in Vinton in the Roanoke, VA area."

Certifications & Training

  • 1984

    AFAA aerobic training certified in Buffalo, NY & taught macrobiotic cooking classes

  • 1986

    Instructed aerobics, taught macrobiotic cooking & nutritional counseling in New Zealand

  • 1988

    IDEA/ACE certified as an aerobic trainer in Toronto, Canada

  • 1992

    Entered massage school & received HHP (Holistic Health Practitioner) from IPSB in San Diego, CA

  • 1993

    Discovered Pilates at JL Body Conditioning with Julian Littleford, 9-10 months later teaching under his tutelage.

  • 1995

    Opened her first home Pilates studio & began to study at On Center Conditioning (later becoming BASI) with Rael Isacowitz. She attended several workshops with Moria Stott in LA. During which time, she went to England to visit the Alan Herdman Studio. She also went to several other prominent studios while in England.

  • 1999

    Moved to Toronto, Canada for 4 months to attend the Stott Pilates Master Training course where she obtained a certification as an advanced Stott Pilates Instructor on the mat and all equipment.

  • 1999

    Received a certification as a Stott Certified Instructor Trainer.

  • 2000

    Opened a Pilates Studio & Stott Instructor Training center in Leucadia, CA

  • 2001

    ACE certified personal trainer

  • 2007

    Received Level I Gyrotonic tower training at San Francisco Gyrotonic with Debra Rose

  • 2008

    Received Level II Gyrotonic tower training with Lisa Marie Goodwin Rice

  • 2012

    Pfilates certified (Pilates for pelvic floor strengthening)

  • 2013

    Align Barre certified & began Stott Stability Barre training

  • 2013

    Entered Pilates Therapeutics™ Scoliosis Master Specialization Program taught by Suzanne Martin, DPT

  • 2013

    Learned Melt immersion with Sue Hitzmann, Creator of MELT Method®

  • 2013

    Melt Method Hand and Foot Instructor certified

  • 2017

    Relocated to the Roanoke Valley area in Roanoke, VA opening a small personalized studio in the town of Vinton, VA

1345 Duke Dr, Vinton, VA 24179