More on Pilates
Benefits of Pilates
- Improved posture and balance.
- Increased flexibility and coordination.
- Increased strength, specifically "core" muscles-back and abdominals.
- Improved lung capacity.
- Decreased overall stress with focus on mind and body rejuvenation.
Who can benefit from Pilates?
- Elderly clients who need to gain postural strength without stress to their joints.
- People with a history of musculoskeletal problems or injury.
- People with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Very fit individuals and athletes who are looking for a challenge.
- Anyone who wants to strengthen their "core" without adding bulk or size.
Our Great Team of Instructors
Our team of instructors, combined, has over 40 years experience, and continually updates their training with nationally known teachers. In addition, they have logged countless hours of client instruction so they are able to guide anyone through a program that is safe, effective and progresses logically. Choosing quality teachers is vital to the success of any Pilates program, and we feel that our team is superior to any other in the area. Balanced Body is led by Pilates Director, Jude Chatelain.
Jude Chatelain has studied and taught Pilates since 1995. Jude's clientele includes beginners through advanced students, physical therapy patients, clients with special needs, high school football programs, college football, softball, tennis, golfers, track and field athletes, along with various athletes and dancers. He holds 2 certifications, one with Polestar Education and another with Kathy Corey Pilates (formerly West Coast Pilates). Jude began his fitness career with at B.A. in Kinesiology/ Health Studies. He taught Physical Education and was also an athletic director and coach at the middle and high school levels. He has also been a certified personal trainer and an Olympic style weightlifter. He is currently the Director of Balanced Body of Louisiana, a division of Baton Rouge Physical Therapy-Lake Rehabilitation Centers.
Nancy Chevalier has been with Balanced Body since it began in 2000. During that time, she has served in all phases of the business of Pilates. She is currently the office manager and doubles as a Pilates instructor. She received her West Coast Pilates instructor certification in June of 2006 and has since taught classes both full and part-time. Nancy has a strong dance background as a student and an instructor of Ballet, Jazz, and Tap.
Tara Elkins has been with Balanced Body since 2001. She first started as a very dedicated client attending classes 5 days a week. She received her West Coast Pilates instructor certification in June 2006 and has taught classes at Balanced Body ever since.
Heidi Hebert started taking Pilates in 2009. She is currently a high school head softball coach and Physical Education Teacher. She received her Pilates Mat/Coreband/Magic Circle certification in 2009. Heidi is currently pursuing more of her Pilates certifications with Kathy Corey Pilates.
Brittany Drive Clinic Director, Greg LeBlanc, receives an award recognizing his 3 years of service as President of the LPTA from former President, David Qualls.
Welcome to our next newly hired therapist, Michelle Jones, PT, DPT. Ms. Jones is a native of Ruston. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion in May of 2008. In May 2011, she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
Luke is a native of Baton Rouge. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans, where he played basketball for the Wolfpack. He is also a graduate of LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2011.
