Elizabeth Larkam

Elizabeth Larkam is internationally recognized as an innovator of movement education. She was awarded the Medal of the Danish Society of Military Medicine in 2010 in recognition of her efforts to improve the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. The Pilates Method Alliance initiative Heroes in Motion was inspired by Elizabeth's work with clients experiencing severe impediments to motor control. She created the Balanced Body continuing education course, 'Movement Strategies' to prepare Pilates...See more

Elizabeth Larkam is internationally recognized as an innovator of movement education. She was awarded the Medal of the Danish Society of Military Medicine in 2010 in recognition of her efforts to improve the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. The Pilates Method Alliance initiative Heroes in Motion was inspired by Elizabeth's work with clients experiencing severe impediments to motor control. She created the Balanced Body continuing education course, 'Movement Strategies' to prepare Pilates teachers to provide effective instruction for these clients. As a Dancemedicine Specialist at Center for Sports Medicine, Saint Francis Memorial Hospital 1985-2000, Elizabeth created Pilates protocols for orthopedic, spine and chronic pain diagnoses. And as Director of Pilates & Beyond for Western Athletic Clubs, 2000-2010 she developed the internationally acclaimed Mind & Body Center within The San Francisco Bay Club where she served as Pilates & Yoga Director. Elizabeth began her Pilates studies in 1985 while teaching dance at Stanford University, where she had received her bachelors and master's education. A Gold Certified Pilates Method Alliance teacher, she was educated by the first generation Pilates teachers. Elizabeth co-founded and co-owned Polestar Education. When Balanced Body Pilates Education was founded in 2004 she became a Master Teacher and Mentor, conducting courses throughout the world. Elizabeth is a Feldenkrais (R) practitioner, Franklin Method teacher, Gyrotonic (R) and Gyrokinesis (R) instructor. She is qualified in Gyrotonic (R) II and Gyrotonic Specialized Equipment. Elizabeth authored the chapter 'Fascia oriented Pilates Training' for the book Fascia in Movement and Sport edited by Robert Schleip (2015). She has worked as a Pilates Specialist with the San Francisco Ballet and Cirque de Soleil, a lecturer at the University of San Francisco in Exercise and Sports Science, a lecturer at San Francisco State University in Dance, Fitness Editor for PilatesStyle and as a Reebok Master Trainer. She is a media spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. Since 1992 Elizabeth has created instructional DVDs for fitness, therapeutic, education and home markets. As program director of Balanced Body Pilates, she developed the instructional video series that launched the Pilates Allegro Reformer and created a range of programs. Elizabeth is a Distinguished Instructor on Pilates Anytime with 14 programs on www.pilatesanytime.com. She choreographs and performs with PilatesPerformance. Her podcasts and the dance that launched Allegro 2 are on www.pilates.com. Elizabeth's instructor education workshops are on www.fusionfitnessonline.com. See less