540-455-6975
INSTRUCTORS
Caroline Pearce
Yoga Instructor
Caroline is passionate about yoga and mind-body awareness. Her warm and welcoming demeanor instill calm in all who take her classes!
Caroline pursued her Yoga certification in Spring of 2020; her thirst for knowledge has led her to delve deeper into meditation, breath work and the use of song bowls in her classes.
Leslie S. Maryk, BS, MA
OWNER
Leslie has over 25+ years of Fitness Industry experience, and has taught in Arizona, California, Florida, and Colorado before landing in Culpeper, VA.
Leslie is passionate about providing her clients and members with a fun, effective, and safe exercise program while continuously challenging their limits.
She has a vast array of certifications from Schwinn Cycling, Water In Motion, Les Mills BodyPump, CXworx, BodyVive, TRX, Pilates, Anusara Yoga, Balletone and Barre Above.
Aric Conto
Martial Arts Instructor
Born in Malone NY in 1968, Aric has called Culpeper home for the past 40 years.
Aric began his training in Kyokushin Karate in 1976 under Sensei A. Zeno, Chief instructor of The Northern Karate Dojo, Malone NY. At the age of 8 he also began training in the youth boxing program at the local YMCA. Moving to Virginia in 1982, his stepfather opened the very first martial arts school here in Culpeper VA. Aric continued his Karate training, earning 3rd degree Black Belt in 1997.
Aric has trained and competed in martial for over 40 years. Western Boxing, Full Contact Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Martial arts and physical fitness are integral aspects of Aric's life. His passion for training is only matched by his love and commitment to his lovely wife Heidi and their four children.
Degrees/Certifications
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Sandan (3rd degree black belt ) Kyokushin Karate
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Ikkyu 1st Kyu Brown Belt- Judo
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Purple Belt - Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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Boxing at Elsemere/Tiberi Boxing Gym
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Muay Thai Boxing under Kumron Vaitayanon
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Level 3 Golden Harmony/Praying Mantis Kung Fu
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Ikkyu 1st Kyu Brown Belt -Okinawan Shorin Ryu- under Shihan Andy Rodriguez
Roshonda Thomas
BA, MA
Roshonda Thomas is a South Carolina transplant. She is an Army Vet bringing Spanish written and spoken efficacy and social justice formats for yoga equality. She is a credentialed Sexual Assault and Response Coordinator and has 16 years of fitness experience. She has published several books and hit Amazon's best selling author for consecutive weeks this year.
Her credentials include, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT-ISSA), RYT-200, YACEP, over 1,500 of teacher training hours, Trauma Informed Training and she volunteers for the Veterans Yoga Project that specializes in helping veterans with burnout, trauma and PTS(D) and is an apprentice Ashtanga Yogi under Taylor Hunt, authorized level 2 ashtanga yoga teacher from KPJAYI.
Rachael Shepherd
Yoga & Pilates Instructor
Rachael Shepherd has worked in the fitness industry since 2012. Her passion for practicing yoga, feeling good and being of service to her community helped lead her to a role as a yoga teacher in 2014. Shortly following the beginning of her yoga teaching career, Rachael discovered how the strengthening benefits of Pilates could enhance her physical yoga practice and she became a certified Pilates trainer in 2021. Rachael is passionate about creating an atmosphere where everybody can feel successful in their practice both physically and mentally, on and off the mat. To Rachael, yoga and Pilates offer more than a good workout, they offer a strong and peaceful way of living.
Rachael has received over 1,000 hours of training instruction and has over 2,000 hours of experience teaching yoga and Pilates. She holds the following credentials – E-RYT500, YACEP, NCPT, Gentle Somatic Yoga L1, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Pre/Post-natal yoga, YogaFit for Seniors, CPR/AED.
What is The Pilates Method?
Pilates is a system of exercises designed to improve physical strength, flexibility and posture while enhancing mental awareness. Small apparatus may be used in classes.
Pilates classes offer many benefits
1. Strength: Did we mention you get strong in these classes?
Pilates will help you gain deep core strength and increase all-over body tone.
2. Intelligent Movement: engagement is the name of the Pilates game. Students learn to engage their mind while engaging their body—
it’s called Mind-Body practice for a reason!
3. Unique Balance Training: whether you are a weekend warrior, busy parent or aging gracefully, the simple fact is balance is an incredibly important aspect to any form of fitness training. Pilates will strengthen your core while enhancing good balance, improving coordination, and reducing risk of injury.
CONTACT
210 East Stevens Street
Suite 210
Culpeper, VA 22701
Email:
Phone:
(540) 455-6975