Graduates and Trainees

Karen Carlson’s clinical work focuses on training the body appropriate to its needs; bringing each client to a greater level of power ease and agility. She is also a consummate educator, and as a student privileged to be accepted into her certificate program, I have seen firsthand the quality and thoroughness of both her sophisticated pedagogy and sound methodology. She is truly a teacher of teachers.

I continue to be humbled by the depth and breadth of Karen’s knowledge, her ease of delivery in the classroom, and her willingness to share this knowledge base with those committed to a high standard of performance, all in service to Joseph Pilates’ guiding principles.

I came to Karen Carlson’s studio as a ballet dancer transitioning into a career as a ballet teacher in 2003. After years of working with instructor Lea Yeager, I was able to not only develop a balance between strength and flexibility in my body, but also find a refinement in my technique as a result of a new understanding of biomechanics.

In 2009, I participated in the two-year Pilates certification program, under the direct instruction and supervision of Karen Carlson. The wealth of experience and information Karen brought to the program, not only opened a new avenue of teaching through Pilates, but also informed my ballet teaching. With a greater understanding of functional anatomy, I am able to offer my ballet students a new perspective for understanding ballet technique.

Karen, her instructors, and the certification program are an invaluable resource for dancers in Philadelphia.

I was tired of Pilates gimmicks and continuing education that only served to profit large Pilates organizations. As a seasoned teacher I looked for a mentor who had a sophisticated understanding of Pilates. I wanted a thoughtful teacher who understood how to use the method to address the needs of an individual. Karen Carlson teacher training is not generic or rote Pilates. The curriculum reflects Karen’s rare understanding of the body. Karen trains serious teachers for a career in movement education. I’m grateful to call Karen my teacher.

Karen Carlson embodies excellence in education. Her knowledge of the Pilates Method and its various applications from post acute rehabilitation through high level precision in both dance and athletic realms is extensive. However, it is her ability to manipulate the equipment in the moment to achieve a desired affect that is uncanny. She is a true mentor with a certification program more concise and comprehensive than I have ever encountered.

As a teacher of both modern dance and Pilates I have attended Karen Carlson’s highly technical, substantive, professional and demanding teacher training sessions.

The value to myself and my students is immeasurable. The knowledge gained supports an in depth understanding of safe and appropriate anatomical use and enhances a true sensitivity to each individual body.

There are true masters but they are few and far between. Karen is a true master of Pilates. I feel so fortunate to have a chance to learn from her. Karen is completely proficient in Joe Pilates’ work plus she has successfully embellished and deepened his work.