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Vanessa Kelly

Master Pilates Educator

Vanessa Kelly is the Founder and CEO of Function Pilates, based in Arizona. With over 15 years of experience in Pilates instruction, she specializes in postural alignment, movement science, instructor training, and mentorship. Vanessa earned her comprehensive certification through Body Arts and Science International (BASI) in 2009, became a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) in 2010, and holds a Postural Alignment Specialist (PAS) certification from Egoscue University. In 2014, she founded Function Pilates Studio, which has grown to three studio locations. Vanessa later developed her own comprehensive teacher training curriculum, Function Pilates Teacher Training, offering both in-person and online certification programs. Her mission is to elevate the Pilates profession through education, hands-on mentorship, and empowering instructors to grow with confidence and skill.

Education

  • Body Arts and Science International, BASI

Professional Achievements

  • Founder and CEO of Function Pilates, a multi-location Pilates studio and education center based in Arizona
  • Trained hundreds of instructors and developed a comprehensive certification program that blends classical Pilates principles with modern movement science, postural assessment, and evidence-based teaching methods
  • Expanded her teacher training program internationally through online certifications, allowing students worldwide to study and apply the Function Pilates method

Certifications & Organizations

  • BASI Pilates Comprehensive Graduate (2009)
  • Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT/NPCP) (2010)
  • Egoscue University – Postural Alignment Specialist (PAS) (2013)
  • Function Pilates Teacher Training (Founder & Lead Educator of Comprehensive Certification Program) (2014)

Favorite Piece of Advice

Always start by asking, ‘How is my body feeling today?’ Each day is different, so rather than forcing what you think you need, listen closely—your body will tell you what it needs if you allow it to move safely and with awareness.

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Forum Comments (4)

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Some say to wait for last-minute deals, but I think booking early usually helps. I use Hopper to track flights—it uses AI to help predict the best times to book. I’m not a fan of skiplagging, but Hopper has worked great for me.
Do squats make your butt bigger?
I think squat exercises help to create definition because you are strengthening the gluteal muscles that are being reshaped. Squats are also really good for hip stability and building hip strength, as your pelvis supports your spine. So, we want really strong hips.
Is there an easy way to get rid of hip dips? If so, how?
I would focus on glute activation exercises and posterior side exercises that are going to involve the hamstrings and the glutes, because you want to turn that fat into muscle. And I think that's going to vary on the individual themselves and how they carry their bodies.
Can you make yourself taller by stretching?
Yes, absolutely. When we are sitting at our desk, when we're driving, we become a little bit more kyphotic, which means that we're getting a little more hunched over. This also means our chest is getting tighter, and our back muscles are getting weaker to support us from standing upright.

So, when we stretch our chest and strengthen our back muscles, all of a sudden, we can enable ourselves to sit up taller, therefore we grow taller. And it takes little by little because it's hard. Our muscles are not used to that, they're weak and naturally want to go back to what felt comfortable.

Co-authored Articles (4)