LESLIE OTTO

Hi - My name is Leslie Otto.    I had been supplementing my outdoor activities of biking and hiking for years with Pilates and Yoga to cross-train and help find more balance in my life.  After years of working in the high-stress, physically demanding food industry as a Pastry Chef, I decided that more balance could only come with a career change. I decided that the benefits I had found in my mind-body pursuits would translate into meaningful professional work.  In 2008  I began training to become an instructor of Pilates, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis.  I completed my Balanced Body University Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training which includes Certification Programs for Mat and all the Pilates  Apparatus.  I also completed specialized Fusion Pilates for Pregnancy & Post Pregnancy Training and the Comprehensive SmartSpine Training.  I then went on to complete my  Foundation Training for both Gyrotonic Level 1 and Gyrokinesis Level 1 and in the spring of  2010 was certified in both.  Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis are a movement system which uses spiral and circling movements and flowing, three dimensional movements to create strength and flexibility in the body.

  In 2011, I also completed the 100 hour training in the Franklin Method to become a Franklin Method Level 1 Educator.  The Franklin Method is a unique system which helps educate people on correct biomechanical function using Dynamic Imagery, Experiental Anatomy and Reconditioning Movement.  In 2011 I also  added to my advanced education with  “Sole to Spine”  and "Hip Connections" workshops with Madeline Black and a 3 day intensive study as well as "3 Core Perspectives" Workshop with Wendy Leblanc-Arbuckle at her studio in Austin Texas.  I  also advanced my Gyrotonic knowledge with “Therapeutic Applications for the Pelvis” and “Therapeutic Applications for the Shoulder” workshops in NYC. 

In 2012 I became Certifed in two more pieces of Gyrotonic Equipment - the Leg Extension Unit and the Gyrotoner.  And in 2013 I was Certified in the exciting new program Melt Method in the Hand and Foot Training.  This method works on both the new found  importance of the connective tissue system of the body as well as the neurological component of health and fitness to eleviate  chronic pain and stress and enhance performance.  

My aim is  working toward being more than just an instructor of mind/body practices, but someone who really helps and inspires others to find freedom and joy in the movement of their bodies.  I feel I have  found my path in the mind-body field helping others find joy and health in movement.