Our Instructors

 

Esther Armendaiz

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Esther has been teaching for over 10 years. Her sports background is based on strong ballet and gymnastics programs as well as many other athletic activities. Esther has received some of her fitness studies in Boston, MA. She is certified by the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, THE TOP-GUN INTERNATIONAL Instructor Training Sherry Catlin, CYCLE REEBOK, SPINNING, POWER CYCLING, BODYPUMP, FRA Fitness Resource Associates, ACE American Council of Exercise Personal Training, FITNESS YOGA and PILATES. She has participated in several conventions such as ECA East Coast Alliance, IDEA, THE REEBOK Resolution, AMERICAN HEART Association Health & Fitness Expo and workshops provided by FITOUR. Very involved in the industry, she is a member of IDEA, AFAA, and East Coast Instructor Alliance of New York. Her commitment to the importance of physical fintess and well-being is demonstrated by the high caliber and variety of her classes as well as her personal attention to members. She has more than 3 years experience as a Group Exercise Manager and international experience teaching workshops and master classes in Mexico, USA, and Europe.

Shebah Carfagna

Shebah has been a devoted to fitness follower for more than nine years. After years of weight lifting and participating in a variety of strength training, spinning and step aerobics classes her interest in fitness increased. Wanting to increase her knowledge of fitness combined with the desire to share her knowledge with others, Shebah began a series of certifications. Currently, she teaches mat pilates, spinning, boot camp, step aerobics, and core conditioning. She believes that everyone can be empowered to enhance their mind, body and spirit through healthy lifestyle activities and her five “D” philosophy: decision, diet, discipline, desire, determination, and applies these principles to her daily life and activities.

Maria Forrest

Maria Forrest is a Certified Pilates Instructor and founder of the Forrest Pilates Studio in Downtown Miami. She helps people of all ages look younger and feel better with personalized Pilates training. Maria loves teaching and is very passionate about Pilates. Her clients include Mandarin Oriental and Fisher Island International Spa among others. Pilates allows her to help people increase their stamina and develop core strength and flexibility. She enjoys making a difference in people’s lives by helping them feel good about their bodies and themselves. Credentials: · Pilates certification from the Physical Mind Institute of New York. · Children’s Yoga certification from Yoga Ed. in California. · Certified to facilitate DNA Theta Healings.

Jot Prakash Kaur

Jot Prakash Kaur is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with the Yoga Alliance, and is currently teaching at various studios throughout the Miami-Dade area. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer (ACE) and has been active in the fields of Personal Training, Dance, and Pilates for 23 years. Born in Toronto, Canada, Jot (“Jot” sounds like “Jote”) also speaks French and Russian. Jot is passionate about health, fitness and spirituality and enjoys eating an almost 100% Raw, Vegan Diet. She continues to learn new techniques to bring fresh energy to every class, while at the same time maintaining a level of consistency to allow her students to measure their personal growth. Jot’s warm-hearted approach to asana practice and particular attention to detail, makes her class a pleasure to participate in. Jot has a genuine care towards every student and is always mindful that they are being safe in every pose, while at the same time guiding them to explore their edge - minus the “performance” factor. Jot’s students step off their mats feeling Blissful and Refreshed… Commit to your Bliss!

Patrick Shields

Patrick joined the University of Miami Medical Wellness Center in June 2006.  Prior to UM, he was the Pilates instructor for Jackson Health System Wellness Division.  He is certified as a Pilates Practitioner through Polestar Pilates. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and earned an Advanced Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at University of Miami. He is a senior physical therapist at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He has collaborated with University of Miami faculty in research associated with the fitness level of the morbidly obese and the psychosocial aspects of chronic pain.