In this advanced-level Reformer session, Shan combines classical and contemporary Pilates exercises to help us to explore how unilateral training can help create greater symmetry through the body. Shan works through the different planes of movement, layering deep core stabilisation with effective strength training and increased proprioception.
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With thanks to Judy Tams
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Added March 2025
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Shan Alphin, MBA, MSc, NCPT has taught movement for over 25 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology/Kinesiology from the University of Georgia, USA, where she specialized in Cardiac Rehabilitation, starting her career at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. After training with the Mind Body Institute at Harvard Medical School, she started to integrate her knowledge of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation with Hatha Yoga, mindfulness, and exercise rehabilitation. She incorporated these skills into the medical fitness programs at the Duke Medical Center, where she was the Director of the Duke Health and Fitness Center.

Drawn to studio-based Pilates in the Copenhagen, she fell in love with Pilates. After moving to the UK, she completed her Mat and Studio-Equipment training with Body Control Pilates, went on to complete her Classical Pilates Certification, and Pilates Method Alliance Certification. In 2014, she started presenting Pilates Teacher Workshops in Brazil, UK, and USA. In 2015, she opened her own studio Pure Pilates New Forest and became a mat and reformer supervising teacher for Body Control Pilates.

After living abroad for 17 years she returned with her family to the USA. Currently operating Pure Pilates with Shan, she is working as a boutique fitness and studio consultant and CPD Provider for the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) in the USA, presenting teacher workshops online, in-person, and on-demand. She loves combining the principles of kinesiology and biomechanics into the Pilates Method and sharing it with others.
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Filming by Joey Barlow (Instagram @joeybarlowfilms)
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