Chantal Kersten

Certified Pilates Instructor

Hello I am Chantal, Aussie expat, single mum, and Pilates and functional movement enthusiast!

Before discovering Pilates I had been “on again/off again” exercising, trying all manner of things to see what felt right and “stuck.” Then I threw my back out doing the most mundane of things- laundry. The pain was terrible and once I recovered I was very nervous to get back to exercise for fear of re-injuring myself, because I was always taught that “exercise = pain” My daughter had started Pilates at the suggestion of her PT ( to help avoid hip surgery from a dance injury) so I decided to try that as well, and my friend Molly  offered me a great deal to come try it out… After 2 sessions I was hooked! Finally something had clicked, and the rest as they say, was history! 

What I love about Pilates is that it has taught me to be present and connected to the moment and my body through its nuanced movements. I have gained strength and control and I am able to move through my day with more ease and confidence and less pain. I bit the bullet and became an instructor in 2017, completing my training through Momentum Pilates with Jeanie Chrisman at Pearl Pilates. I have also completed further training doing Pilates for Neurological Conditions with Mariska Breland in 2020. I love teaching people to tap into that mind/body connection and use Pilates to maximize the functionality in their movement. I also love a good puzzle so if you have an issue in your body, let's work it out together!

Outside of Pilates, I also work as a caregiver, and if I have time after that, I like to cook, go thrift shopping, hunting for vintage treasures, and annoying my kids and my dog with too many squeezy hugs!