Clare Baxter, MPA (Studio Owner & STOTT PILATES certified Instructor)
Clare’s experience teaching: I started teaching group fitness in 1999, and Pilates in 2001. I’ve taught formats such as Step, Floor Aerobics, Senior Fitness, Circuit, Pilates Mat, Pilates Reformer, Wall-Unit, Pilates Chair, and Spinning. I’ve worked with clients that vary in age from youth to senior citizens. I’ve helped people reach their fitness goals who have various back, knee, hip, shoulder, and neck issues.
Clare’s Certifications and Training: I have completed the full STOTT PILATES certification (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pilates Mat, Reformer, CCB, Injuries and Special Populations). My full certification on all of the equipment and training in STOTT PILATES, required over 600 hours of formal coursework, and additional time observing, teaching, and practicing Pilates. I received my AFAA Group Exercise Certification over ten years ago. I’ve also trained under a physical therapist and completed additional coursework on the Cervical spine and Shoulder Girdle Stabilization, pre-natal fitness, senior fitness, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis, and Pilates Back-Care.
I am grateful to be able to teach something I absolutely love. As a West Linn resident, I’m happy to continue to offer the West Linn community small group classes, and a beautiful space to relax, stretch, and strengthen. It has been very rewarding to help clients increase range of motion, tone, and decrease or even eliminate back pain. Flourish Pilates is a community gathering place, and it has been rewarding to see close friendships form among clients. I’m thankful for the support from my clients that enables me to do meaningful work, and helps us all “Get Fit, Feel Fabulous, and Flourish.”
Clare’s Unique Training:
In 2011, I continued my education with Pilates elder Lolita San Miguel (who trained directly with Joseph Pilates). Lolita holds the distinction of being one of only two practitioners to have been officially certified by Joseph and Clara Pilates, and is recognized as one of the five “Distinguished Elders.”
Clare and Lolita San Miguel, distinguished Pilates elder
Clare’s Pilates and Yoga Certifications:
I have a full STOTT PILATES certification (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pilates Mat, Reformer, CCB, Injuries and Special Populations). My full certification on all of the equipment and training in STOTT PILATES, which incorporates modern theories of anatomy and physiology, required over 600 hours of formal coursework, and additional time observing, teaching, and practicing Pilates. Further, I completed a Group Exercise Certification and Pilates Training through AFAA, the American Fitness and Aerobic Association. Moreover, I completed training in Pilates, cycling, step-Aerobics, floor-Aerobics, and weight training through Bally Total Fitness’s B-Fit University. I completed YOGA training while teaching at 24 Hour Fitness.
Clare’s Education:
I received a Masters Degree from Portland State University in 2000, and I complete continuing education through STOTT PILATES each year. I continue to train under a physical therapist and have completed continuing education coursework on the Cervical spine and Shoulder Girdle Stabilization, Pre-natal Fitness, Senior Fitness, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis, Advanced Postural Analysis, and Pilates Back-Care. In addition, my own sessions with a physical therapist after a car accident where we used Pilates exercises in my rehab have not only helped me rehab my injured wrist and shoulder, but this in turn has helped me with working with injured clients.
What is Clare’s Background?
I started dancing at age 4. I took ballet, tap, and jazz through high school, and then African and Modern Dance during college. While in graduate school, I developed a knee injury which led to my interest in teaching group fitness in 1998. I then got certified and started teaching group fitness in 1999. This led me to my first introduction to and training in Pilates.
Clare’s Experience:
Teaching Group Fitness since 1999 and Pilates since 2001, I have experience teaching at a variety of facilities and formats. I taught at Bally Total Fitness for 9 years, and taught Pilates for Providence Health Systems for 4 years. Moreover, I taught Pilates at 24 Hour Fitness, the Mountain Park Recreation Center, the Southwest Community Center, and Portland Community College. I taught formats such as Step, Floor Aerobics, Senior Fitness, Circuit, Pilates Mat, Pilates Reformer, Wall-Unit, Pilates Chair, and Spinning.
Is Clare familiar with the needs of special populations?
I have experience working with people of all ages and fitness levels, and I have taught many Senior classes. As a new mother I am familiar with the needs of pre-natal and post-partum women, and have formal training in this area. An un-planned C-section has given me first-hand experience on what is like to recover from abdominal surgery and re-gain core strength. I feel like it has made me a better teacher because I can provide advice for people recovering from surgery or people starting Pilates for the first time.
Pilates was an essential part of my recovery process after a car accident.
My own experiences with injuries and surgeries has helped me greatly in so much that I am empathetic regarding the needs of clients. I’ve also personally made so much progress in terms of range of motion for my injured wrist and shoulder after practicing my exercises regularly, that I’m happy to encourage others.
Why does Clare love teaching Pilates?
I love teaching Pilates because it has helped me in so many ways. I enjoy teaching and sharing the benefits with others. I am happy to be able to do work that is meaningful and assists people with developing a stronger core, developing a stronger self-image, relieving back pain, improving posture, and improving well-being. Feel free to talk to me more about my enthusiasm for Pilates!
What are Clare’s Hobbies?
Outside of teaching I love spending time with my young family and friends, walking my dog, hiking, reading, gardening, and cooking. Each summer I look forward to the local West Linn events including; the farmer’s market, outdoor community concerts, and festivals.
What is Clare’s greatest athletic achievement?
Climbing Mount Hood and running three half marathons.
Why Clare chooses to teach Pilates: I first became interested in Pilates as a healthy young adult over 20 years ago because it was a great way to relax and stretch and strengthen. Then after having a child, and an unexpected C-section, Pilates became a great way to get back into shape. Pilates has also become an essential part of my recovery process after a car accident that required wrist surgery. My own experiences with injuries and surgeries has helped me greatly in so much that I am empathetic regarding the needs of clients. It is very rewarding to see clients increase range of motion, gain tone and strength, and decrease back pain.
A funny unknown fact about Clare: I sang Karoke on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation outside of Glacier National Park in Montana with Cuba Gooding Junior when they were filming “What dreams may come,” while I worked as a Tour Guide for the park one summer.