Val Russell

Val Russell is a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor. She has spent the past ten years studying the mechanics of the human body and continues to explore cutting edge therapeutic, rehabilitative and exercise techniques. Val is a Pilates and Yoga Rehabilitation Practitioner, Pilates and Yoga Fitness Instructor, Aerial Fitness Instructor and Aerial Performer.

She completed Pilates teacher training in San Francisco at the Ellie Herman Studio in 1991. She holds two teacher-training certifications in yoga through Om Yoga with Cindi Lee, 2004 and Richard Freeman's Astanga Teacher Intensive, 2007. In addition to these certifications, she is currently studying aerial arts and exercise with Carrie Heller in Atlanta.

With extensive sports back ground; she has practiced movement-based arts since she was four years old. Throughout her life, she has been involved in dance, gymnastics, water and snow skiing, scuba and circus arts. This active background has given Val a great appreciation for the body, an honesty to overcome obstacles, and ability to inspire teachers and clients with injury, sports specific training, or just overall conditioning. Her focus is to tailor a personalized program and training regimen that best fits the individual's needs and characteristics.

Val is the owner and director of PUSH Pilates as well as the lead teacher for the education programs at PUSH. She is honored to open and run the first Pilates Studio in Midtown Memphis as well as being one of the first forerunners bringing an evolved method of Pilates to Memphis. She has trained and educated numerous Pilates instructors in the Mid-South area and beyond.

Keri Gerosa

Keri is originally from New Orleans, currently residing in the University of Memphis area. She studied literature at the University of New Orleans and worked for 12 years in 18th and 19th century antiques at auction for New Orleans Auction Gallery, Inc.

As a former tap and ballet dancer, Keri has always been passionate about health and fitness. After one private session at Push, she became fascinated by the precision and body awareness of Pilates and the way in which it improved how her body moved. Having spent years in the gym at what felt like a frantic pace, she fell in love with the details and technique of Pilates, realizing that one can have an awareness of the body and its movement while achieving core strength, flexibility, proper alignment and beautiful posture.

Keri hopes to use Pilates as a tool to help performers, athletes, and those who are recovering from injuries or simply interested in moving their fitness goals to the next level.

Sarah Wright

Sarah is from just east of Memphis. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a BSED. After suffering a back injury in 2001, she saw specialists and went through physical therapy, but found no relief from her back pain.

Her Orthopaedic Doctor recommended Pilates, and in 2006 she began taking Mat classes. After seeing a huge improvement in her mobility, flexibilty, and finally experiencing relief from her back pain, she decided to pursue the 800 hour Teacher Training Program at Push Pilates.

Sarah is more than half way finished with her 800 hour Teacher Training Program, and is excited to be able to help people achieve personal health goals through Pilates.

Valerie Abeln

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