About Melissa Connolly

Melissa Connolly is a dancer turned Pilates instructor and is dedicated to improving the body and the spirit of herself and others through the transformation within the Pilates work. She has been involved in dance, movement and exercise since the age of 3.

She is a faculty member instructing teacher trainers with the world renowned Pilates training center Balanced Body.

Melissa began Pilates in Boston and received her first Pilates certification through the Physical Mind Institute. Soon after her certification in 2001 she moved to Southern California, the heart of health and wellness, and while living there for over 10 years she gained the majority of her high level of training.

She ran the Balanced Body teacher training program at one of the most prestigious Pilates studios on the west coast, J.L. Body Conditioning. She worked along side her mentor Julian Littleford, who is a former Martha Graham dancer and one of the most sought after Pilates presenters and educators in the world.

At his beautiful Del Mar, California studio her personal Pilates practice and her teaching skills soared to a new level. She became the studio manager and lead trainer. Her experience included working with professional athletes including, NFL, pro-baseball, pro-golfers and pro-tennis players, as well as recreational athletes. She also worked with the elderly up through age 95. She had clients with injuries on a daily basis and was very capable of working with and around their injuries.

Melissa’s first video for Pilates Anytime was specific to post natal Pilates mat work. She has instructed a number of classes including work on the mat, reformer and tower and has been a participant in many of Julian Littleford's videos.

Currently she is teaching Pilates and Barre with Zayna Gold at Boston Body, the largest Pilates studio in New England and one of the largest certifying centers for Balanced Body.

Melissa is passionate about what she teaches. Pilates has helped to enhance physical, spiritual and personal growth, awareness of postural alignment, overall improved health and… tight abs, firm thighs, toned arms and a Big Happy Smile!!!