Eliot began practicing Pilates in 1989 while an undergraduate at New York University because of a back injury and a lifelong struggle with scoliosis. Because of the scoliosis, Eliot had developed bad habits as a child and as a gymnast that resulted in her favoring one side of her body. Pilates helped stabilize the scoliosis with its attention to alignment and core control.
Eliot started her Pilates career with Fran Lehan an original client and disciple of Joseph Pilates. On leaving New York City, she continued to work with Leah Chabak-Katz, Elise Bacon, and Deni Bank who all were trained by Romana Kryzanowska, master trainer and original disciple of Joseph Pilates.
Eliot grew to love the Pilates community. It was small at that point so she would spend weekends taking classes with Romana and Bob Liekens who both would generously instruct seminars in the studios of their former trainees if it meant that they could escape New York City for the weekend!
In 1998 Eliot joined Romana's training program in New York. Working alongside of Romana, her daughter Sari Pierce and Bob Liekens, she certified in 2000.
Eliot immediately began working for Deni Bank at The Centering Studio in Rhinebeck, NY, and then opened her own studio in Sharon, CT. Now in Florida, 21 years later, she is still discovering the wonders of Pilates in her own practice and sums it up thus: "Pilates is a process. It grows and changes with you. There is an exercise for everyone in Pilates."
Born and raised in New York City, Eliot graduated from New York University in 1992 with a BA in history, and chemistry.
