who we are
Donna Rosen, Owner, CPI, Rehabilitation Specialist
Certification: Ellie Herman Studios, San Francisco, CA, 2000
Hometown: Haverford, Pennsylvania (Suburb of Philadelphia)
Where else have you lived?
I Went to college in Boulder from 1990-94 (with six months in Tanzania, Africa), then lived in Portland Oregon for four years, and in San Francisco for four years. I moved back to Boulder in 2002.
Describe your first Pilates class.
HARD!!!!!
Why did you decide to keep going?
I had severe back pain for a long time. Pilates was the first thing in a very long string of activities I tried, that actually MADE SENSE to my body. I felt like it was working immediately. I couldn’t stop.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
Helping people find their own ability to shift and transform their bodies into strength and wellness. It is incredibly rewarding, and FUN! Plus, I feel so grateful to live and teach in Boulder, where people care so deeply about their health and well being…I truly believe I have the best clients in the world.
How would you describe Pilates to someone who had never heard of it?
Pilates is like a massage for your insides. It works the body from the inside out, strengthening the muscles that support and stabilize the spine to create perfect alignment, posture and balance. I have never seen anything that transforms a body so completely. It kicks serious butt…and so will you from doing it!
What is something about Pilates that most people don’t know?
Pilates is NOT just for women. It is for anyone looking to become stronger and healthier in their bodies. Tiger Woods swears by Pilates, and calls it his “secret weapon.” Come on, guys…what are you waiting for?
What else do you love to do?
I am an avid scuba diver; nothing makes me feel more at peace and in awe of our natural world. Here in Boulder we are a bit landlocked, so my activities tend toward hiking and walking with my insanely adorable dog, spending time with my wonderful friends, and salsa and samba dancing…outdoors if possible.
What do you love about living in Boulder?
Everything! The majestic mountains, the people, the quality of life, all of it. Boulder and I go together like peanut butter and jelly, like dark chocolate and red wine…like, well…you get the idea. I love it here, and am grateful every day to call it home.
If you weren’t a Pilates instructor…?
If I HAD to do something else, I would be a holistic veterinarian. I love animals, am not the least bit squeamish.
Well….that, or I’d be the next huge hip-hop singing sensation (think Fergie).
Korinne O’Rourke, Certified Pilates Instructor
Certification: The Pilates Center, Boudler, CO, 2005
Hometown: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Where else have you lived?
I was born in Salem, Mass, I then lived in Rockport, Mass when I was very young and most summers until I went to college. I lived in Australia the year after I graduated high school, and then moved to Boulder, CO!
Describe your first Pilates class.
I started doing Pilates before I ever knew what Pilates was. My wonderful ballet teacher growing up was a Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet and was introduced to Pilates in the 70’s. She started many of our ballet class warm-ups with ‘Floor exercises’ that I now know as the Pilates mat exercises.
Why did you decide to keep going?
I continued to Dance through college and doing Pilates regularly gave me the strength I needed to keep growing as a dancer. Now that I am no longer dancing rigorously I rely on Pilates to keep my body and mind fit and feeling healthy.
What is your favorite thing about teaching?
Helping people. Whether clients just want to get stronger or are using Pilates for rehabilitation after a serious injury, it is very rewarding helping clients reach their goals.
How would you describe Pilates to someone who had never heard of it?
Pilates is a very effective all over body workout; the best part of Pilates is the versatility it provides. It is gentle enough for older populations yet rigorous enough for the professional athlete. I can honestly say that I have never had a client give Pilates a try and then say “It’s not for me….”
What is something about Pilates that most people don’t know?
I think most people are most surprised to hear that Pilates is not just exercise done on a mat, like yoga. There is a lot of equipment and ‘machines’ used in Pilates, and it never gets boring!
What else do you love to do?
My Hobbies include dancing, hiking, biking, skiing and spending as much time in the company of good friend’s as possible.
What do you love about living in Boulder?
This is a tough one, so many things to talk about here…I really like the community feel; I never had a strong sense of community growing up on a resort island. I love the support of ‘local’ business and the sense of loyalty that people have here in Boulder.
If you weren’t a Pilates instructor…?
I would probably be swinging from a trapeze on stage with Cirque du Soleil.
