Karen Liggett

Karen’s movement and fitness journey began when she took her first acrobatics class at three years old.  Her teachers were original vaudeville performers and she is now sure their work was inspired by Joseph Pilates himself.  The impression they left on her life was the foundation for her current path.  After performing and competing throughout high school, Karen wanted to stay in touch with her passion for movement.  To do so she completed a degree in Exercise Science.  Following graduation, she migrated from Washington State to beautiful Arizona.  Her career began at the Phoenix Jewish Community Center Athletic Club working in all aspects of club operations.  In the years that followed, she worked in the fitness industry in different management and teaching roles for health clubs, resorts, and corporations.  In 2001 Karen discovered Pilates.  It was a refreshing and inspiring moment that brought her back to her joyful dance and acrobatic roots.  She earned her STOTT PILATES certification and then streamlined her career to focus solely on teaching Pilates.  In 2008, she was blessed to join the beautiful Pilates Body-Arcadia studio with Lisa Bettini Moro.

Under Lisa’s guidance, her Pilates teaching flourished.  In 2017, Karen’s interest in a complementary discipline known as fascial training was birthed.  The incredible research being conducted led her to New York where she trained with the Merrithew organization.  Most recently Karen completed her fascial stretch therapy training with two leaders in the industry, Ann & Chris Frederick, owners of Stretch to Win.  With over 30 years in the physical fitness industry, Karen still sees so much to look forward to.  She is honored to witness time and again the benefits Pilates brings to the human body and very humbled to play a part in that transformation.

Education:  BA Exercise Science/Corporate Fitness, University of Puget Sound 1985

Pilates Education:  STOTT PILATES Essential, Intermediate and Advanced Mat, STOTT PILATES Essential, Intermediate and Advanced Reformer, Merrithew Fascial Movement Instructor Foundation Course-Level 1 , Reformer with Fitness Circle, Stability Bar Training with Reformer & Cardio-Tramp Rebounder, Focus & Conditioning for Golf on the Mat, Focus & Conditioning for Golf with Toning Balls, Focus & Conditioning for Golf on the V2 Max Plus Reformer, Myofascial training on the Stability Chair, Mini Foam Roller Flow, BASI Pilates for the Mature Client, , Marie-Jose’ Blom – Sling System Approach to Core Intelligence

Stretch to Win Institute – Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist CFST, Level 1,

Other Continuing Education:  Stuart McGill, Ph.D. – Fitness Myths and Low Back Disorders, YogaFit Level  1 & 2, Pavel Tsatsouline – Power to the People Kettlebell Training,  Staley/Tsatsouline Strength Seminar, Charles Staley Training Summit, Cooper Clinic