Lisa Wark got her start in Pilates in New York City. She began by taking private lessons, and after four years
After running her own business in New York for 27 years not related to Pilates, Lisa made the move to Utah in 2011 and saw a need for a Pilates studio in her community. She wanted to take all that she had learned in New York and bring it to her new home as a way to continue her own practice, and provide locals with an opportunity to expand theirs as well. Her business acumen and love for Pilates were a perfect combination for starting The Pilates Studio Utah in 2012.
As an instructor, Lisa focuses on individualizing her classes to each person attending and is skilled at teaching all levels in one class while ensuring each person focuses on precision and gets a good workout in. She enjoys helping clients with injuries adjust their practice, and wants every person in each class to leave the studio feeling energized.
her instructor suggested she become certified to teach. This led her to be certified in 2006 at Power Pilates in NYC, which is a school with a strong foundation in classical Pilates philosophy by Joseph Pilates, and she has been teaching ever since. Being based in New York allowed Lisa the opportunity to surround herself with industry leaders and top level instructors to help her hone her skills both in her own practice and as an instructor. She continues to keep up with the newest developments in the industry by traveling to take classes and attending workshops online.
LISA
Lauren Karr fell in love with Pilates as a student in 2001, shortly after having her second child. Her
passion and belief in the method grew to such a point that she wanted to help others discover the benefits as well. She received her first mat certification in 2005 and completed the Power Pilates of NYC teaching program shortly thereafter, with an advanced apparatus certification. She is also PMA certified through the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP). In 2019, Lauren became a Teacher Trainer for the Beacon Pilates certification program in Beacon, NY.
“I’m committed to helping others achieve better health through the amazing methods of Joseph Pilates,” Karr says. “Almost everyone comes to the studio with a physical issue … a weak core, tight hamstrings, back issues. I love designing customized workout programs that help people become stronger, less stressed, and pain-free.”
Lauren is originally from New York, but she and her husband now call Utah their home. She enjoys skiing, tennis, hiking, pickleball, and of course, Pilates.
LAUREN
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Esther Mullen moved to the U.S.A. 20 years ago. Her journey as a
teacher began in 2011, after having her first child and needing to keep an active lifestyle. She earned her certification as a comprehensive Pilates teacher in Equipment at Physical Mind Institute, further developed her skills with Hilary at WAP Pilates, and then became certified in Mat Pilates at Peak Pilates. A year later, Esther opened her first Pilates studio in 2012 in Conroe, TX, and then opened a second location in 2019 in Montgomery, TX. In 2020, she moved to Heber City, UT.
“I enjoy seeing my clients realize they can do more and move more than they think possible. I am always seeing the positive side of life and movement in my clients.”
When Esther isn’t teaching Pilates, she loves to play tennis, ski, hike, and really enjoys doing anything outdoors with friends and family.
ESTHER
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