Lisa Ongart, Owner, Inner Strength Pilates
Lisa Ongart is a fitness enthusiast with 15 years of experience employing different exercise models including: circuit training, weight and resistance training and kettle bells. Lisa found these workouts physically fulfilling but they became increasingly difficult due to chronic back pain. Lisa began searching for an exercise regime that did not further aggravate her injuries and found Pilates.
Pilates was initially only part of Lisa’s workout regime as she prepared for major back surgery. Once fully recovered, Lisa continued her Pilates practice, finding it pain free while still mentally and physically challenging. Lisa continued to take advanced workshops and is now trained in the STOTT Pilates method.
Thanks to Pilates, Lisa enjoys whole body strength, increased focus, flexibility, better body awareness and the core strength needed to protect her back and other important joints.
She opened Inner Strength Pilates in 2011 to share her passion for Pilates with others. Lisa designed the studio and her classes to inspire, challenge and help students achieve their fitness goals. Lisa’s classes are both fun and focused. When attending one of her classes, expect to experience her radiating enthusiasm for the Pilates practice with an equal focus on intensity and maintaining proper form.
Sara Tull
Sara Tull has over two decades of training in Classical Ballet, learning both Vaganova and Balanchine techniques. She danced professionally for Ballet Austin in Texas working with well known choreographers such as Stephen Mills, Viktor Kabaniaev, Gina Patterson, and Thaddeus Davis; expanding her knowledge in other forms of dance such as Contemporary, African, Jazz, and Swing.
While dancing she suffered a serious injury which led her to Pilates after rehabilitation. Pilates and personal training helped her regain strength and stability, improve alignment, focus towards effective movement patterns, and develop a stronger core along with balanced muscles to avoid future overuse injuries.
She has heightened body awareness and enjoys helping people reach their fitness goals and maintain their daily functions through STOTT Pilates training methods. Pilates is for everyone who desire increased health and wellness.
A special thanks to Chip Werner who pushed her to be strong again with professional athletic training, and Boo Ruiz who inspired her to become an instructor.
Sherry Saginaw
Sherry Saginaw is a long time practitioner in the fitness industry. Sherry is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Polestar Pilates Instructor.
Former co-owner of Get A Grip Fitness in Keego Harbor and former owner of Get a Grip Pilates in West Bloomfield, both known for their standard of excellence and innovation, Sherry has worked with clients of all ages and fitness levels.
After a lifetime biking, dancing, kickboxing, and karate, Sherry started to have many injuries. After a weight lifting accident left her in the hospital for back surgery, Sherry started looking for other ways to stay in shape. Pilates helped her feel better and have less pain. She started to add Pilates to all her clients’ workouts. Before long, she did nothing but Pilates with all her clients.
In 1998, she completed her Mat and Reformer training with the world renowned Pilates Instructor Elizabeth Larkem. Sherry finished her full studio Pilates certification in 2001. She took an advanced movement review in 2007 with Tracey Weibel, who at the time was Celine Dion’s personal Pilates instructor in Las Vegas.
Sherry would seek out the most well known Pilates Instructors around the country for additional continuing education credits including: Jillian Hessel, Michele Larson, Lolita San Miguel,Madalyn Black, Marie Windsor, Ellie Herman, Leslee Bender, Julian Littleford, Elizabeth Larkem, Brent Anderson, Karen Clippinger, and Valentine.
Sherry has worked with many ice skaters and dancers including Olympic Silver Medalist Tanith Belbin.
Sherry has received other Pilates certificates including: Pilates for Golf, Pilates for Men, Pilates Rehabilitation, Pilates for Pregnancy. She has also taught TRX, spinning, kickboxing, Pilates Bosu, Pilates on the Ball.
PJ Catalano
Growing up a dancer then a dance instructor, it was a natural progression that led PJ to Pilates. With over 25 years teaching experience, she began teaching mind-body fitness after developing a passion for Pilates through a local gym.
Known for her hands-on approach, detailed corrections and the enthusiasm she brings to each session, PJ has worked with clients from all walks of life and varying abilities. In addition to teaching, she continues to be a student learning and exploring the possibilities of body movement.
PJ is a Certified Pilates Master Teacher, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Thai Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Certified Level I GYROKINESIS® Trainer.
