Kelly Atherton

Kelly Atherton is a Balanced Body certified Pilates instructor in all levels of Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Spine Corrector and Ladder Barrel. After years of playing soccer, running track, and lifting weights, Kelly developed chronic knee pain as a result of overuse and improper training. In 2004, after two failed knee surgeries, she began her study of Pilates on the advice of her physical therapist as a means of rehabilitation and to physically prepare her body for two more reconstructive knee surgeries.

Through this experience, Kelly stayed committed to her Pilates practice and saw firsthand how powerful Pilates can be in correcting muscle imbalances, decreasing chronic pain, and rehabilitating the mind-body connection. Kelly’s teaching philosophy is highly influenced by her own firsthand experiences, and she believes that Pilates is accessible to everybody, no matter what physical limitations one might have.

Kelly has worked with clients ranging in age from 11 to 87 and has worked with many different populations, including rehab clients and athletes. She has received additional training in the Balanced Body EXO™ Chair and Orbit™. Kelly is also an attorney in St. Paul and represents Pilates instructors and studios throughout the Twin Cities.