Club Pilates

Bios

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  Marv Thomas

  GM and Instructor

  Marvin loves people and he loves life. People who know Marv know that he also loves fitness. So being an Instructor and the General Manager at Club Pilates Harbour View are great fits. There has not been many days over the past few decades that somebody hasn't seen him either in the gym, on the basketball or tennis court, running on the roads or on some trail. He believes that what is happening on the outside is a picture of what is happening on the inside and visa versa. Marv knows the joy of feeling good, fit and emotionally positive and it's his desire to help as many people as he can to feel likewise! Join him in one of his classes and you'll likely leave feeling good mentally, emotionally and physically. Marv has been married to Sharon (also one of our instructors) for 30+ years. Together they have raised 2 fine adult children and love each other and their children dearly.

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  Sharon Thomas

  Instructor

  Sharon Thomas is a teacher at heart and has spent many years in various realms of teaching. Although never aspiring to be a Pilates instructor, once she began seeing its benefits in her own life, the natural teacher in her desired to share it with others. She loves helping newbies get started on their Pilates journey as she remembers well what it feels like to be new to the Pilates world. She also finds great joy as she sees them begin to experience the benefits of a healthy, strong and flexible body. When she is not in the studio teaching, you will find Sharon leading the non-profit she began in 2006 and spending time with her family and friends. She loves doing anything creative and her clients get to experience that creativity in her class flows at Club Pilates. Sharon is married to Marvin, the Club Pilates General Manager, and they have two amazing adult children.

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  Skyler Islas

  Instructor

  "I am so grateful to get to work with clients I love, doing what I love, alongside my Club Pilates family that I love!" Skyler was born and raised in California. She started off weight training and studying nutrition. Skyler found Pilates and saw what it can do for the body and has been interested in it ever since. The military brought Skyler's husband to Hampton Roads and she and her baby love it. She is happy to be here and to help others enjoy the benefits of Pilates as well. Skyler enjoys fall mornings with a cup of tea and a good book or hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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  Anna Kupke

  Instructor

  Anya first discovered Pilates in 2006, and immediately fell in love with this form of exercise. She completed instructor's training in Richmond Virginia and became a Stott Pilates Certified Mat and Reformer instructor in 2007. She subsequently earned certifications through Stott Pilates in Stability Chair, Arc Barrel, Zenga and Barre. Anya is a former world class swimmer. Born in Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Russia, she was a member of the Soviet Union's National Team for nearly 4 years, and she is a graduate of the prestigious Leningrad Institute of Physical Culture. After graduation during 6 years she was an assistant coach for her country's national swim team. She next served as a fitness consultant at the exclusive World Class Gym in St.-Petersburg, which catered to business travelers from around the globe. She came to the USA in January 1998. In 2004 her passion for fitness led her to become certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a personal Trainer. She later received training and certifications in TRX, SandBells, PiYo. Anya's motto is " It's never too late to begin something new and exciting", and she looks forward to instilling a sense of excitement and accomplishment in all her clients. Anya loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, hiking in the mountains, swimming, paddle boarding in the ocean. She has 30 y.o. daughter ( Naval Academy graduate), and 18 y.o. son (Freshman in Virginia Tech, avid soccer player), 2 y.o. Golden retriever Aurora.

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  Alysia Hamrick

  Member Rep

  Alysia started at Club Pilates in August of 2019. She is from Portsmouth, Virginia and graduated from Churchland High School in 2018. She's a huge dog lover and also currently has a 10 year old tortoise named Scooter. She always has a big heart and she loves helping people. She's also a ray of sunshine and will always brighten your day! Alysia is 100% committed to being positive, being an encourager and helping everyone she meets to have a great day.

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  Susan Allen

  Member Rep

  Susan is so thrilled to be a part of the Club Pilates team. She became a member of the Newport News studio when it first opened. She loved it so much, and loved her so much that she began to work with us as a Member Rep. Her upbeat attitude and sincere affection for all our members and guest is contagious. Susan says, "The positive energy of the instructors, staff and the members provides an upbeat atmosphere that is inspiring. Everyone is meeting their health and fitness goals at Club Pilates!"

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  Kate McLendon

  Instructor

  Kate loves movement of any kind. From gymnastics to weightlifting and everything in between, Kate has been involved in various forms of physical activity beginning at an early age. Originally from New Hampshire, the Navy brought her to the Hampton Roads area. In 2019 she graduated from ODU with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science. She highly recommends Pilates to anyone looking to feel and move better. You will enjoy Kate's attention to detail, her friendly demeanor and her drive for excellence.