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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 (3)

Co-authored Articles (9)

How to

Exercise Your Abs While Sitting

Busy schedules and family commitments can keep you from exercising. An important part of exercises is strengthening your abdominal and core muscles. This can improve your posture and protect your back from injury. But yo...

How to

Tone Legs While Sitting

If you work while sitting down, you might spend a large part of your day immobile. However, just because you work from a desk doesn’t mean you can't get some exercise in! There are a variety of workouts you can do whil...

Working Out When You Have Bad Knees: Great Exercises That Will Help You Lose Weight

Don’t let injured, stiff, or achy knees keep you from hitting your weight-loss goals If you're trying to lose weight, you know you need to exercise—but that can be tough when your knees are acting up. The good news i...

How to

Remove All Tension from Your Body

In today’s hectic world, tension is a common ailment experienced by many people. Caused by stress and anxiety, both intermittent and chronic tension can be a literal pain for anyone. If you suffer from tension, however...

How to

Do Pilates

Try these pilates moves during your next workout to tone your bodyPilates is a type of fitness system that consists of movement exercises that are designed to tone the body, strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility a...

How to Spot for Squats: Proper Technique & Safety Tips

Learn to spot someone squatting with 1, 2, or 3 spottersWhether you’re working out with a friend or you’re approached by someone at the gym, if someone asks you to spot a squat, you might not be sure what to do. Spot...

Can Pilates Build Muscle? The Benefits and Best Exercises

''A close look at the pros and cons of Pilates for muscle gain'' Pilates has become a popular low-impact exercise for beginners and gym enthusiasts, but can a simple mind-body regime help you build muscle? The short answ...

22 Leg Extension Alternatives to Build Bigger Quads

Blow up your quads with these leg extension variations Leg extensions are a great way to build bigger quads, but they’re not the only option out there. Whether you want to get in a leg workout without going to the gym,...

Can You Exercise with Sore Muscles? Plus, How to Recover

Why working out creates sore muscles and how to alleviate sorenessAlmost everyone has felt the soreness that hits your body like a freight train a day or two after exercising. This phenomenon is called delayed onset musc...