Studio L2- Pilates Wellness Center

Pilates…so much more than just exercise!
Seven years ago I took my first Pilates class looking for a way to get back into shape after the birth of my second child. At the time, I had no idea that Pilates would end being so much more than just exercise! I have always lived an active lifestyle and loved trying all the latest and greatest fitness programs whenever something new came out. Once I tried Pilates, though, I was hooked and knew I had found something I could stick with long term. Pilates not only challenged me physically, it also challenged me mentally and made me more aware of how my body moves and how I can help keep it moving well. Pilates became part of my every day life like no other exercise ever had. I found that I had more strength, more stability, and more flexibility than ever before.
As I continued to practice Pilates, I found myself naturally helping others during group classes and wanting to share it with everyone I knew. I had been fortunate enough to stay home with my kids while they were small, so once they were both in school I knew the time was right for me to take the next step in my Pilates journey and become an instructor. I moved to Minnesota in January 2014 with my husband and two kids after spending three years living abroad in Singapore. I had practiced various Pilates methods in different studios over the years and was looking for a place here that could continue to challenge me personally and offer me an opportunity to continue to grow. I was also looking for an instructor that shared my passion for Pilates. Once I met Laura at Studio L2, I knew I had found the right place.
As a Pilates student, I continue to learn more about Pilates and challenge myself every time I am in the studio. One of the things I love most is that Pilates continues to evolve….no matter how experienced you are, there are always new ways to challenge yourself. As a Pilates instructor, I truly believe that Pilates can benefit everyone and I love helping others challenge themselves in ways they never expected. Whether I am teaching a group mat class, a barre class, or a private session, my goal is to help every student feel their best physically and mentally when they walk out of the studio so they can live life to the fullest every day.

Fifteen years ago, I had just completed my first marathon, graduated with a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology, and started my shiny new job as the Health Education Director at the Marsh in Minnetonka, MN. Prior to that, I had very little experience working with injured clients, those with chronic pain, or anyone over the age of 30 for that matter!  Seeing how the Pilates, personal training and physical therapy departments worked so closely together was not only intriguing to me but, ahead of its time for a traditional health club. I decided that I wanted to be a bigger part of holistic wellness so, in addition to my strength and conditioning, personal training and group fitness certifications, I decided to also become a comprehensive pilates instructor!  

A few years later, with my husband, a baby boy and another one on the way, I thought I was going to be a stay-at-home mom and teach a few group fitness classes. Well, somehow that turned into a new role as the Pilates Certification Specialist for Life Time Fitness. I spent the next few years retraining my Pilates education to become comprehensively trained through Peak Pilates.  I would also become a Master trainer for Peak and travel around the world certifying other instructors.  Talk about unplanned but, SO rewarding!  In fact, that is how I met Laura at StudioL2! 

Over the last 15 years, I've taught Pilates, group fitness, filmed fitness videos, trained hundreds of clients, coached young athletes, and became a certified nutrition coach. In that time, I have not only gained wisdom and perspective with age, I have had the privilege of working with clients young and old, injured and at the height of athletic performance.  One thing remains the same, the body's ability to heal through movement. As Joseph Pilates once said, “The body learns by doing and movement heals.” That quote couldn't be more true today.  I am glad to be the catalyst to your progression through health - no matter where you are starting from or where you plan to go.  The sky is the limit!

In addition to teaching at Studio L2, my husband, Jayme and I own Sussner Performance Coaching.  We are also raising 2 active boys, love all kinds of exercise, cooking, and sneaking away to our lake cabin.    

Happy Hour, Happy Place, Happy Life…

My Pilates experience started in 2012 when my daughter’s dance teacher suggested Pilates as a way for her to get a stronger core to help in her technique.  I was suffering from a lower back disc herniation and had some steroid injections that were just not helping at all.  I decided my core could probably stand to be strengthened too.  Laura was so welcoming and was able to teach to both of us based on our individual flexibility and abilities while allowing us to both gain the strength we needed.  My daughter was able to do her moves with confidence and grace and I was pain free for the first time in years.  I became addicted.  I started taking two to three classes a week.  It was not enough!!

Laura saw that I was absorbing the work of Joseph Pilates and learning how it can improve our lives in so many ways and she asked me to consider becoming an instructor.  At first I was not sure I could do it.  I have three very active teenage children and a full time career but in the end decided that I love the social aspect of Pilates so much and it was time to do something not only for myself for now, but for my future as well, and to help others reap the benefits that only Pilates can offer.

I have enjoyed my experience learning each of the classic exercises in depth and sharing that knowledge with others.  I love seeing the look of satisfaction on a client’s face when they can do an exercise that they could not previously do.  Pilates is so much about movement in our everyday lives it helps us to maintain a healthy life style at any stage.   

Studio L2 Pilates Training Center is my happy place.  Whether I am in class myself, practicing some of my exercises with the other instructors, or teaching a class or private lesson I love being at this studio.  I want to share that with others.  Find your Happy Hour and join me at Studio L2 Pilates Training Center.