Hi! My name is Deborah Lavinsky, PMA®-CPT, owner of BellaBody Pilates. I discovered the exercise system known as Pilates over seven years ago and quickly fell in love with how I felt after my first lesson. Since starting on this journey, I have lost over 70 pounds; going from a size 22 to a petite size 6; ran the PF Chang’s “Rock & Roll Half Marathon,” and competed and finished nine sprint triathlons. Pilates has helped me gain a leaner and stronger body, improved my balance, gave me a sense of relaxation, and allowed me feel more confident. It has helped me through arthroscopic knee surgery and various rehabs with more flexibility than I had even in my 30’s.
As a result of the fantastic transformation of my own body and health, I pursued advanced comprehensive Pilates training through the Pilates Sports Center (PSC) Certification Program. PSC combines classical Pilates with a contemporary, athletic approach with over 500 hours of hands-on training including anatomy, student teaching and thesis project. Loving barre classes, I also completed and am certified through PSC’s Burn at the Barre program, one of the hottest fitness classes today. Burn at the Barre combines ballet-type movement, uptempo music and effective core strengthening mat work.
Concerned about aging gracefully and the effects of osteoporosis I have done extensive training with Rebekah Rotstein’s Buff Bones® Program and I am the only licensed Buff Bones® instructor in Phoenix. Buff Bones® is a medically endorsed exercise system designed to promote bone health and balance. It is ideal for anyone with osteoporosis, osteopenia, arthritis, auto-immune diseases and spinal conditions. Combined with my expertise using the innovative CoreAlign®, I design customized modalities to help my clients achieve optimal fitness. I have also completed several specialized trainings for working with clients who have undergone mastectomy/breast reconstruction.
In July 2015, I completed the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Functional Training Specialty Certification. This will help me to work more effectively with competitive athletes, post-rehab patients and everyday people who need to improve their core, posture, balance, flexibility, strength and improve overall quality of life. I am looking forward to integrating new Functional Training programming into all BBP group fitness classes.
Professionally, I am a PMA® Certified Pilates Teacher, a member of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), and IDEA. I am involved in a number of community activities including serving as appointed council member on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, a member of West Valley Women and was the 2013-2014 Director for Central Phoenix Women. I enjoy playing golf with my husband, knitting, and playing with my adorable Yorkie, Swiffer Wetjet.
Pilates Sports Center, CoreAlign, Burn at the Barre, Buff Bones
