Debbie Downey

“I have found Pilates to have immeasurable benefits!”

Debbie headshot

Staff Instructor

Hometown:  Phoenix, AZ (Native Phoenician) – has also lived in Del Mar, CA

College attended and degree earned:  Studied Interior Design and Architecture at both Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University.

Years teaching Pilates: since 2012

Years taking Pilates:  since 2009

Trained by:  Owner & Legacy Teacher Trainer, Katrina Foe and Kellee Stooks through Balanced Body.

Continuing education: Pilates on Tour 2014, A Healthy Back workshop, and Beyond Scoliosis workshop

Hobbies: I enjoy being active and love spending time with my family and friends. This includes the great outdoors, vacationing at our cabin in the White Mountains, fly fishing and horseback riding with my handsome husband. I also enjoy tennis, cycling and dancing, but my real passion is Pilates. I look forward to our vacations and traveling to far away islands, exploring new cultures, snorkeling and fishing in the beautiful crystal clear waters.

Children:  Three talented and beautiful daughters.

Pilates Philosophy statement:  It’s simple. In my experience, I have found Pilates to have immeasurable benefits that positively impact the mind / body, which in turn effect your overall health and well-being, irrespective of age.

Favorite Pilates exercise and why:   I love a good challenge. The Cat walkover, Snake and the Semi-Circle are ‘advanced’ exercises that require precision, control and coordination while challenging your overall muscle strength and flexibility. It requires a great amount of spinal articulation and mobility which is key for maintaining a healthy back.

How Pilates helped me: Pilates has become my daily conditioning exercise and has become my way of life. Pilates has helped me develop core muscle strength, along with balanced muscles, and flexibility. It has also greatly improved my overall posture while integrating correct spinal / pelvic alignment. It has enriched my life and given me the ability to focus and reconnect with my mind / body, while keeping balance in my everyday life.

Why I enjoy teaching Pilates:  It inspires me and I am enthusiastic about the benefits it has on the entire body.  I love being able to share my passion with my clients, friends and family. Within a few sessions I can see personal change and a sense of accomplishment within my clients. The private lessons allow me to watch my clients become personally empowered by strengthening their bodies and keeping their mind’s focused. All this encourages positive change in their everyday lives.