My Approach
Hello there! In addition to traditional Pilates, I utilize neurological concepts to help you create sustainable, pain-free movement patterns. I use a whole-body approach to movement, rather than focusing on isolated areas of discomfort. I believe that I am the guide and not the driver of your body's recovery process, so that the adjustments you make in a session will last when you walk out the door.
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Testimonials
"Debbie is THE BEST TEACHER I’ve ever had, in any discipline. She has a way with words that allows me to immediately understand how to move or adjust my body in the right way. When we started working together, I had just undergone spine surgery for a seriously bulging disc. I lived with pain for so long and couldn’t walk right for the bulk of that year. Meeting Debbie was a godsend because she helped me relearn how to walk and strengthen my body. Having her guidance through my healing was invaluable. She truly cares about clients and wants to figure out our pain or issue. I will forever be indebted to her for helping me get my life back.” --Angie H. (she/they)
"I initially started working with Debbie because of lower back pain and some old shoulder injuries. Debbie was exceptionally good at helping me to visualize what was happening in my body such that I could make the subtle corrections necessary for long term improvements. My overall body awareness improved and I caught myself making micro adjustments over time that allowed me to improve my posture, resolve my old injuries, and correct the curve of my spine so that I didn't have perpetual back pain. And I swear that I grew almost an inch! In particular, I loved Debbie's technical approach, her excellent memory and attention to detail, and that she always comes to her practice with kindness and care. She set me on my, now, 10 year journey with pilates and I truly appreciate that she gave me such a solid foundation.” --Leslie N.
"Debbie is very body aware and has a grounded and friendly disposition that made me feel at ease and focused. As someone who has faced lower back and knee issues for the past several years, it was important for me to work with an experienced practitioner with a physical therapy type approach, who had extensive familiarity with "how the body works". I highly recommend working with Debbie if you want to use Pilates as a way to heal an old injury, to re-align your body into more healthy positions or to gain a greater awareness of how you currently move/walk/etc. compared to how you can move/walk/etc. Working with Debbie gave me all of these things. I would definitely work with her again without hesitation." --Christine T.
"Fabulous. Debbie Lai's one-on-one instruction has been invaluable for me, as a person with severe scoliosis. She tailors everything to what my body is capable of - while continually ensuring my body is capable of more each session than the last. Can't recommend SF Pilates & Debbie Lai highly enough - especially for those with chronic pain & motor disorders." --Jean B.