Who We Are
Hilary Opheim
I have been teaching Pilates for over 25 years and have my studio and Teacher Training Program here in LA! I found Pilates through my fitness career and as a Group Fitness Director at a private club in Houston, Texas. I have always loved being active and moving. Pilates opened the door to move and heal for me. I then began my journey as a teacher. I opened my studio in 2005 and began my teacher training program to give others that journey to become a teacher.
In 2019 I moved my studio to LA. I enjoy seeing my clients realize they can do more than they think possible and to see and keep learning about themselves and their movement. I always see the positive side of life and movement in my clients.
I teach Traditional Pilates and am a graduate of the Heritage Training a post grad program on the work of Kathy Grant. I continue into the grad program of Movement Science Made Simple a post graduate program MSMS joins current concepts in biomechanics, motor learning theory, and pain science with time-tested movement training strategies.
When I am not teaching I love biking, hiking, reading, being on the water and spending time with my husband and fur babies. I love Pilates, cookies and puppies as my other Pilates chick does. For me this podcast is a way for us to share our passion and outlook for not only our teaching way but, how that filters into the outside world for all of us.
Davita Paul
My approach to teaching Pilates comes from my dance and Kinesiology background. I have been teaching and practicing Pilates and movement studies for over 15 years. I have a Master’s of Science degree in Kinesiology specializing in Orthopedic Rehabilitation/Corrective Exercise, and Geriatric Exercise/active aging. I also have a BFA in dance performance, specializing in Ballet studies, as well as certifications in corrective exercise, and am NPCP certified.
In 2014 I founded the Pilates program at BCC and created Davita Pilates Movement Therapeutics and the newly established Ergonomics in Motion system in 2020.
I focus on corrective exercise for chronic pain relief, active aging, sport-specific cross training, dance science, and improving overall wellness through Pilates-based movement modalities.
When I am not in the studio I enjoy jogging, biking and hiking with my husband and dogs, or reading. My favorite things are staying active, learning more, cookies, and puppies. I’m excited to share my passion of movement and teaching in our conversations.
How 2 Pilates chicks met!
Collectively, we have over 40 years of movement experience. We’ve been working together since 2020.
Back in 2018 both Davita and Hilary were attending the PMA conference in Las Vegas. Davita signed up for Hilary's workshop. Just over a year later, Hilary moved to the Los Angeles area and opened her studio within walking distance from Davita's studio! At the beginning of 2020, Davita recognized a familiar name on the window and reached out to connect.
Hilary invited her to come to the studio to see the space and chat. Afterward, Davita started her own privates with Hilary. After ONE session the pandemic hit and everything had to shut down. After two years of weekly virtual sessions, they finally reconnected in person back in the studio!
The rest, as they say, is history and the passion from sharing the work of Pilates has continued into a deep friendship and Pilates practice together, along with shared interests in hikes, cookies, and puppies. AND of course our continuing projects.
Here's to friends, a supportive Pilates community, and inspiration!
You never know what can develop from reaching out to someone to say hi.