About

Established in 1993, Body Works Pilates is the international headquarters for Fletcher Pilates®

Increase vitality at Body Works Pilates, where we’ll guide you to the mindful connection between inner strength and physical grace. Our elegant, streamlined, spacious studio provides the ideal environment for you to enhance your mind-body connection. Our Pilates teachers have completed the rigorous Fletcher Pilates education and are Nationally Certified (NCPTs). Pilates uniquely strengthens core musculature, improves flexibility and range of motion and enhances the body’s innate ability to move, and we offer a full range of beautifully crafted and professionally maintained Pilates apparatus to support each customized session and group class. 

Kyria Sabin, Body Works Pilates

Owner + Director

Kyria Sabin

Kyria initiated her studies with Pilates Master, Ron Fletcher in 1991 at a workshop in Denver and was immediately drawn to Ron’s teaching style and approach to the Pilates method. As a result, Ron in turn took her under his wing. In the years to follow, Ron became Kyria’s primary teacher, her mentor and eventually her dear friend for the next 2 decades until he passed away in 2011.

It is now Kyria’s responsibility – and gift – to direct Fletcher Pilates International and its affiliate campuses around the world. The Fletcher Pilates program is continuously refined to develop the very best Pilates teachers in the world. Kyria feels incredibly fortunate to teach along-side a gifted and experienced group of Fletcher Faculty, in preserving and disseminating this amazing body of knowledge and work.

Ron Fletcher, Body Works Pilates

The Fletcher Pilates Method

Ron Fletcher

Following Pilates’ death in 1967, his wife, Clara, penned a now-famous letter to the studio’s noteworthy disciple, Ron Fletcher. In this letter, she wrote, “There is far to go with this work – this work is in your blood and you are the man to create and develop it from this point on. Go and do!” 

Combining the principles and precise techniques of classic Pilates with his extensive modern dance background, Ron Fletcher developed an organic, flowing and artful series of movements – deeply engaging the body, mind and breath – that are as challenging to perform as they are satisfying to master. While staying true to the origins of the Pilates method, Fletcher developed his own innovative Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork® and Percussive Breathing™ techniques leading to an even more comprehensive movement experience.

The Fletcher Pilates Method

Ron Fletcher

Following Pilates’ death in 1967, his wife, Clara, penned a now-famous letter to the studio’s noteworthy disciple, Ron Fletcher. In this letter, she wrote, “There is far to go with this work – this work is in your blood and you are the man to create and develop it from this point on. Go and do!” 

Combining the principles and precise techniques of classic Pilates with his extensive modern dance background, Ron Fletcher developed an organic, flowing and artful series of movements – deeply engaging the body, mind and breath – that are as challenging to perform as they are satisfying to master. While staying true to the origins of the Pilates method, Fletcher developed his own innovative Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork® and Percussive Breathing™ techniques leading to an even more comprehensive movement experience.

Ron Fletcher, Body Works Pilates

Origins of the Pilates Method

Joseph Pilates referred to the method he first developed in the 1920’s as “Contrology,” a term which implied articulate, balanced and fluid physical control, leading to more energy and ease of movement throughout life. Now simply known as Pilates, Joe’s method is a complete physical conditioning program, incorporating strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance training. The dual emphasis on movement awareness and efficient body mechanics leads to improved posture and alignment, core strength and overall body awareness. Several of our clients refer to their Pilates practice as “preventative physical therapy.”

About Us

Meet Our Team

Kyria Sabin, NCPT

Kyria Sabin, NCPT

Body Works Pilates Studio Director, Fletcher Pilates® School Director

Recognized as a Master Pilates Teacher, Kyria Sabin founded Body Works Pilates in Tucson, Arizona in 1993. She is also founder and director of 

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Fletcher Pilates®, an international Pilates school. A graduate of Duke University and the Desert Institute for the Healing Arts, Kyria is also a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NPCT). She also developed the Pilates Program at The University of Arizona School of Dance where she serves as Adjunct Faculty. She is an international presenter and has served on advisory boards for the Pilates Method Alliance, The University of Arizona School of Dance, the Foundation for Expanding Horizons, The Haven Center for Women and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Arizona.. She currently chairs the National Pilates Certification Program Board of Directors.

Deborah Mendoza, NCPT

Deborah Mendoza, NCPT

Fletcher Pilates Director of Education

Deborah’s strong movement background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Santa Clara University and continuing studies in New York. Upon her return to Tucson, 

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Deborah began intensive training in the methods of Joseph Pilates and Ron Fletcher through Kyria Sabin at Body Works Pilates. She began teaching at Body Works in 1996 and was instrumental in the design of the Body Works Pilates Teacher Training Program, which has since evolved into the Fletcher Pilates School and curriculum. She is a Fletcher Pilates Professional Teacher, has served on the PMA Board of Directors and serves as the Director of Education for the Fletcher Pilates International.

Martha Ramirez, NCPT

Martha Ramirez, NCPT

Fletcher Pilates Lead Faculty

Martha received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from the University of Arizona. During her studies at the University of Arizona, she was first introduced to Fletcher Pilates® through Kyria Sabin and

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Deborah Mendoza. Martha discovered her passion for the study of movement and pursued her education through the Fletcher Pilates® Program of Study. She completed the Comprehensive Program in 2005, becoming a Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher. Martha serves as Fletcher Faculty and is the lead teacher for the Fletcher Pilates Arizona based headquaters.

Claudia Casal, NCPT

Claudia Casal, NCPT

Fletcher Pilates Adjunct Faculty

Dancing since the age of 5, body movement and its mechanics has always been Claudia’s passion. She graduated with a Spanish Major, as a Translator and Interpreter, from the University 

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of Arizona and with a Liberal Arts Associates in Dance from Pima Community College. Claudia was then first introduced to Pilates in Buenos Aires, Argentina when she was studying abroad and decided to pursue her formal education through the Fletcher Pilates School. She completed the comprehensive program in 2013, becoming a Fletcher Pilates Professional Teacher, as well as an NCPT in 2014. She is currently working a full-time job at Body Works Pilates, where she enjoys helping others through fitness and health.

Claire Hancock, NCPT

Claire Hancock, NCPT

Fletcher Pilates Adjunct Faculty

Claire Hancock is a choreographer, dancer, and interdisciplinary artist whose work focuses on the intersection of abstract forms and narratives. Performing

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nationally and internationally, Claire has also been a guest teacher and choreographer for organizations including the Limón Institute, Broadway Theatre Project, Arizona Theatre Company, Arizona Opera, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and True Concord: Voices and Orchestra. She holds a Master of Arts degree in European Dance Theatre from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, and earned both a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of Arizona. Upon meeting Ron Fletcher, Claire was inspired to learn to teach his work and she completed the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program in 2010 and has been a Fletcher Pilates Professional Teacher ever since. Hancock co-founded and directed Artifact Dance Project from 2009-2019, a professional dance company dedicated to dance, live music, and film. Recently she has been developing and creating work with composer Vincent Calianno for their company, Two Trains, which focuses on producing works for new media.

Ilana Giardina, NCPT

Ilana Giardina, NCPT

Fletcher Pilates Mentor

Ilana is from Irvine, California, and has been dancing since the age of 4. Ilana received both her BFA and MFA degrees in Dance from the University of Arizona.

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During her undergraduate studies, she was introduced to Fletcher Pilates and developed a passion for its integrative approach to the body and movement. This led Ilana to become an NCPT Fletcher Pilates Professional Teacher in 2018. In addition, she has danced professionally with the California Ballet Company (now Golden State Ballet), Menlowe Ballet, Company C Contemporary Ballet and was a member of the dance corps of the San Francisco Opera. Ilana has been a guest teacher throughout the country and most recently taught and choreographed as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at East Carolina University in North Carolina.

Mandy Key

Mandy Key

Certified Pilates Teacher

Mandy Key is a passionate and dedicated Pilates teacher at Body Works Pilates. With her strong background in movement and a deep love for the practice, Mandy brings expertise and enthusiasm to every class she teaches.

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As a native of Arizona, Mandy lives in Tucson, where she discovered her true passion for Pilates. Her journey began with an immersion in dance along with a yoga practice, which cultivated her appreciation for the art of movement and brought her to the world of Pilates. At Body Works Pilates Mandy fell in love with the transformative power of Fletcher Pilates. Inspired by the precision and discipline taught in the studio, she dedicated herself to mastering the practice and sharing its benefits with others. When she’s not guiding students through invigorating workouts, Mandy satisfies her wanderlust by exploring the world. No matter where she ventures, her faithful companion, the Fletcher Braided Towel, is always by her side. Mandy’s classes provide a supportive and engaging environment for all levels. Her warm and encouraging personality, combined with her deep knowledge of Pilates, creates a space where you can thrive and achieve your fullest potential.

Kathy Stern

Kathy Stern

Director of Operations

Kathy is the new Director of Operations for Fletcher Pilates and Body Works Pilates Studio.
Kathy is a native of Tucson, with strong ties to the community.

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She attended Salpointe Catholic High School and The University of Arizona. Kathy comes to us from the finance industry with a diverse background, including high-level customer service, operations management, executive administration and business development. She takes pride in being a team player.Kathy enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters, large extended family and friends. She has worked with various charities in the Tucson community and has several hobbies including travel, reading, hiking, cooking, following U of A sports and of course, Pilates!

Reagen Leimbach

Reagen Leimbach

Certified Pilates Teacher

Originally from Atlanta, Reagan moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, where she received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelors of Science in 

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Astronomy and Physics. Reagen first experienced Pilates at various ballet summer intensives and decided to enroll in the Fletcher Pilates School after taking Pilates with Kyria Sabin and Deborah Mendoza at the University. She recently completed the Fletcher Pilates Program of Study and is working towards becoming NCPT certified.

Alan Vincent

Alan Vincent

Certified Pilates Teacher

Alan graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in dance, with a minor in photography. He also has an Associates Degree in Graphic

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Design and Arts from Pima Community College. Alan was first introduced to Pilates at the University of Arizona. Following graduation, he completed the Fletcher Pilates Comprehensive Program to pursue a career in Pilates. Alan has been recognized several times as a leader and promoter of the culture of art and dance in Nogales, AZ, Tucson and in Mexico. Alan is a Fletcher Pilates Professional Teacher.

Jilian Wereb

Jilian Wereb

Certified Pilates Teacher

Jilian seeks to help clients gain control and power of their bodies. Jilian is a retired Dancer now Outdoor Warrior. From rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, all 

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the way to whitewater rafting. She is no stranger to a sore tight body and multiple injuries. Jilian has been teaching dance, weight training, climbing technical skills, as well as yoga since the early 2000’s. She is now excited to share her Fletcher Pilates studies with Body Works clients to help them gain their own personal strength and take charge of their bodies.

Rebekah Belanger

Rebekah Belanger

Certified Pilates Teacher

Rebekah Belanger discovered her love of Fletcher Pilates while pursuing her MFA in Dance at the University of Arizona. She also has a BFA In Modern Dance Performance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA,

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and a Professional Dance Diploma from the Laban Centre in London, England. Becky has been sharing her love of movement and passion for teaching with the Tucson community since completing the Ron Fletcher Program of Study in 2008. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Becky loves rock climbing, hiking, and adventuring with her family. In addition to teaching at Body Works, Becky helps to run the non-profit Arizona High School Climbing Association, which seeks to provide rock climbing experiences and community building opportunities for Tucson youth.

 Sydney Sances

Sydney Sances

Studio Manager

sydneys@bodyworkspilates.com
Sydney was born in Barrington, Illinois but has been raised here in Tucson, Arizona since she was 5 years old. Sydney is a student at the University of Arizona 

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majoring in Family Studies and Human Development and hopes to become a Child Life Specialist when she graduates in May of 2023. Aside from managing the studio, she enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. She is also involved in Kappa Alpha Theta at the U of A, and loves giving back to the community with her sorority.

Brad Krakowitz

Brad Krakowitz

Studio Manager Assistant

brad@bodyworkspilates.com
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Brad is a student at the University of Arizona studying Communication. In addition to being the assistant manager of Body Works,

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he’s also a Hockey Operations Assistant with the Tucson Roadrunners, where he works closely with the coaching staff on the day-to-day of running a professional hockey team. Brad hopes to have a career working for a professional hockey team after he graduates in May of 2023!

Rebecca Watson

Rebecca Watson

Front Desk

rebecca@bodyworkspilates.com
Rebecca moved to Tucson in 2022 to get back to the sun. Prior to teaching yoga, she was an executive in the telecom industry

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and left the industry because she fell deep into her yoga practice and the philosophy behind yoga after her first class. Rebecca has been teaching yoga for 17 years and has been practicing yoga for much longer. She received her initial 200 hour yoga teaching certificate in 2005 and has continued her yoga teaching training. Her life motto is “If you are not learning, you are going backwards”. She received her 500 hour yoga teaching certificate in 2021 as well as completing a 200 hour yoga philosophy certification in 2021. She has completed over 1000 hours of teacher training and logged over 12000 teaching hours.

Victoria Lovejoy Bell

Victoria Lovejoy Bell

Front Desk

victoria@bodyworkspilates.com
New to the Pilates world, Victoria is just beginning her Fletcher Pilates journey. With an extensive background in customer service and

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management, Victoria comes to us from Massachusetts. Victoria moved to Arizona in 2021, after visiting and falling in love with the sun and mountains. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, enjoys crochet, and has even dabbled in musical theater.

Allan Phillips, PT, DPT

Allan Phillips, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Allan Phillips is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a mission to help active people reclaim lifestyles that have been stolen by pain or injury. Among the systems that he has been trained in include the Selective Functional Movement Assessment,  

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Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization via the Prague School of Rehabilitation, Visceral Manipulation via the Barral Institute, dry needling, myofascial decompression, Rocktape, blood flow restriction, Graston Technique and battlefield acupuncture. Along with seeing patients out of his own practice in Tucson, Dr. Phillips also serves as physical therapist in the US Army Reserve.

Walkthrough

Studio Tour with Kyria

We are all miracles. What we do with the miracle is our choice.

— Ron Fletcher

Through the Years

Body Works Pilates