Liliane Younes- Pilates Instructor

Born in the Ivory Coast, Liliane grew up in Lebanon and France, and became fascinated with the power of healing at a very young age.  As soon as she graduated, she enrolled in Nursing School in Nice, France.  In her twenties, she joined a team of Human Relations Specialists who implemented a "Peacemaking" program in local public schools.  Within two years, she had developed a curriculum for Cultural Exchange and Conflict Resolution for students and teachers in grades Kindergarten through grade 12.  During her subsequent tenure as a School Climate Specialist, she worked with young children at risk of physical health deficit (obesity, lack in large motor skills), and others who needed mental health support due, for example, to depression, problems at home, or lack of self-esteem.  Her belief that "a healthy mind resides within a healthy body" was reinforced on a daily basis. In the late 1980s, she began teaching movement and dance based on a multicultural dance curriculum that she developed.  By 1995, she had enhanced her repertoire to include Oriental and West African dance as well as Afro-Haitian, Jazz, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Cha-Cha and Swing, to name a few.

With a strong desire to integrate culture, movement and exercise into one comprehensive Wellness program, Liliane furthered her experience by doing Yoga, Dayan Qi Gong and Pilates. Liliane received her mat certification in 2007 and completed her Pilates training at Synergy Fitness located in Albany, CA.  She received her full Pilates certification in 2008 after completing intensive mat, reformer, trap table, barrel and chair training.  Liliane works with clients who are referred for chiropractic services and physical injuries.  She is a teacher at West Contra Costa Adult Education and she teaches private Pilates lessons.

Liliane developed her own approach to fusing culture-based physical, mental, emotional and spiritual Wellness. With her clients she focuses on how Pilates and the practice of Pilates relates to everyday life.  She thrives when she effects healing, wellness, self-awareness and natural balance.  Her unique approach to Pilates brings about total engagement of the body and mind into one integrated source of everyday energy and power.

Links of interest:

What is Pilates?

http://pilates.about.com/od/whatispilates/a/WhatIsPilates.htm

Mind Over Matter-The Fusion of Mind and Body:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

Benefits of Pilates:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/36350.php

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/alternativetreatments/qt/pilates.htm

http://www.todays-women-and-health.com/benefits-of-pilates.html