FLORIDA KEYS PILATES INSTRUCTORS
Meet Our Team
Our highly-trained 3rd generation Pilates instructors know how to work with bodies of all fitness levels, ages, shapes, and sizes. Our experience, creativity, and good attitude allows us to build a rapport with our clients as we personalize movements designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance your body. We make Pilates fun as we empower your body and your mind.
Christi Allen Franchini
Founder, Co-Owner, Teacher Trainer
STUDIO: Tavernier and Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: Romana's Pilates 2004, Level 4 Teacher trainer 2019, Level 3 Senior Teacher Trainer 2023 Joy is one of the greatest medicines for the soul which, when combined with the revitalizing and healing energy of our 2nd Generation Romana’s Pilates Teacher Christi Allen Franchini, will feel like an exciting adventure on your path towards optimum health. With over 22 years of experience in the Fitness & Wellness industry, Christi has been masterfully certified in the renowned Romana’s Pilates. Through this practice she supports clients not only become physically empowered but also mentally stimulated. “Pilates is in 3 words, stretch with strength and control, and the control part is the most important one, because that makes you use your mind” — Romana Kryzanowska Being a natural born leader who understands how to best serve her community, Christi has built a “family” practice through her passion to help clients holistically enjoy their physical health, the practice of Pilates, and her charismatic & dynamic personality. Everyone who experiences “The Christi Effect” is impacted by her powerful ability to improve the overall wellbeing of those who she encounters. With over 2000+ hours of extensive training and having learned from the best Masters in the field, Christi not only works with clients, but also serves as a 2nd Generation Senior Instructor who infuses her apprentices with the pure essence of the purpose of Pilates and therefore transforms their lives. Throughout her years of experience, Christi has discovered and confirmed that Pilates is much more than just an exercise modality, it is also a Fountain of Youth. Pilates can change your life, and with Christi, you will experience a whole new level.
Angel
Arguelles
Stretch Rehab Therapist, 3rd Generation Teacher
STUDIO: Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: AIS Therapist, Romana Classical Pilates, NASM Personal Trainer, NASM Correction Exercise Specialist When quality and experience is a priority, satisfaction is guaranteed. This is what you can expect when working with Angel Arguelles, our new Stretch Rehab Therapist who has over 25 years of experience in the Fitness and Wellness industry. As a professional who is wholeheartedly committed to providing every client with the satisfaction of a pain-free life, Angel implements his expertise as a certified Romana Classical Pilates Instructor to provide strategic physical movements that stretch, strengthen, and harmoniously balance the body. Angel has been continuously improving and expanding his practice throughout his extensive career. With the specialization of various techniques and his extensive knowledge as an Active Isolated Stretch Therapist, he has been able to considerably improve the physical health of hundreds of satisfied clients. Due to his persistent passion to continuously improve his skills to serve the lives of his clients with a more comprehensive, holistic, and targeted approach, Angel is also a certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, and as such, he is an expert in human movement. The implementation of targeted strategic techniques not only support clients to improve movement patterns, but they substantially increase the ability to recover by improving neuromuscular efficiency and ultimately enhancing one's overall well-being and physical condition. With his overall wisdom as a Holistic Personal Trainer you are literally in the hands of an Angel when you choose to work with him.
Chris
Hoguet
3rd Generation Pilates Instructor
STUDIO: Tavernier CERTIFICATIONS: Romana's Pilates Teacher “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart” —Z.H. As a Retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, Chris Hoguet proudly served our country for 28 years. He continues to serve our wonderful community as a dedicated Certified Pilates Teacher and Lead Instructor of our Pilates in Paradise Veteran’s Program. Due to his rigorous physical activities, Chris needed a solution to keep his body operating at its optimum capacity. Reluctant to rely upon pharmaceuticals to keep up with his health needs, he wisely experimented with alternative medicine and the benefits of acupuncture, which ultimately led him to discover, through the recommendation of his physician, the magnificence of Pilates. Soon after he embarks in his Pilates journey, on his third day of practice to be precise, Chris experienced a measurable reduction of pain, allowing him to realize the impact and benefits of fully embodying this practice. Fascinated by the core principle of Pilates (the ability to control the physical body with the power of the mind), Chris becomes even more interested in this practice; understanding that, “living without pain is much nicer than living in pain.” Inspired by the benefits of Pilates, the ability to heal himself, and the privilege to continue serving other fellow veterans live a pain free life, he decided to become a Certified Pilates Teacher. Through his authentically thoughtful healing approach and his dedicated passion to support clients in breaking through their mental limitations, Chris will certainly make you feel safe and confident during your practice, while leading you with his wisdom and expertise towards your healing.
Mary Peacock
2nd Generation Senior Instructor
STUDIO: Tavernier and Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: Romana Classical Pilates, PMA®CPT As an active participant of the Pilates Method Alliance and a Certified Senior Pilates Instructor, students and teachers from around the globe seek after Mary Peacock’s vast experience and expertise to support their recovery, healing, and overall health. As a life long student with over 40 years of profound passion for the Fitness and Wellness industry, Mary has been expanding her knowledge and perfecting her skills to continue offering her clients the most effective and top-of-the line approach for their physical needs, providing a solid core understanding and full embodiment of the Principles of Pilates. As a spirit-filled Senior Pilates Instructor, Mary is committed to stay on the leading edge of health and wellness, continuously discovering new and improved tools to support her students in feeling younger with every visit, while helping them feel the exercise as it was intended for their individual bodies. From the most delicate of clients to the most accomplished of athletes, Mary has made a considerable difference in her clients lives. Her core philosophy is to teach others the importance of “living in their bodies at all times.” This means to actively be conscious of postures, movements, and patterns, bringing awareness to the wholeness of the being. This directly impacts their longevity and drastically improves their health. Mary believes that Pilates is fundamental for keeping our bodies healthy, strong and active; therefore, teaching corrective movement as a way of life is in the forefront of her teachings. She enjoys working with new clients as well as experienced practitioners. Her dynamic approach has facilitated her to expand her practice and offer virtual Zoom classes as a convenient extension to her work at the studios. Her vast knowledge and experience has allowed her to help clients from all over the world, including Cirque Du Soleil performers, local artists, and individuals from all walks of life. Throughout her 20 years of teaching Pilates, the secret to her masterful success can be attributed to always honoring her abilities as a gift that God has graced her with, to assist humans experience a pain-free life. She has been recognized by her clients as “a healer of broken bodies” and honored by many for her authentic, intentional, and strategic approach. Upon encountering Mary, her magnetic trust-worthy personality and her passionate determination to selflessly serve humanity, makes her clients feel truly taken care of by a genuine wholehearted professional.
Michelle Pope
Co-Owner, 2nd Generation Pilates Instructor
STUDIO: Tavernier and Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: Romana Classical Pilates 2007, Nutritionist 2018 “When you treat your body right, your body will treat you right.” These are the words of our beloved Michelle Pope who has dedicated her life to serve our community with her strong values, influence, and gifts. With over 25 years in the hospitality Industry, Michelle found her interest in Health and Wellness upon discovering the value nutrition and exercise play in our daily lives. Michelle strongly believes in the power our bodies have to regenerate and restore themselves. She became a direct testimony of what Pilates can do upon experiencing the full recuperation of both of her injured ankles after her sessions at Pilates in Paradise. In 2007 she received her certification as a Romana Classical Pilates Instructor and her vast experience has helped incorporate her passion for educating her clients about nutrition with her love to support them in their recovery process. As an active member in our community, Michelle serves as the President of the charity golf tournament, The Conch Scramble, helping Florida Keys charities one shot at a time! She also owns the local publication Key Life Magazine alongside her husband who created the publication, where she continues to make a difference daily. Her intuitive and methodical approach as a Pilates Instructor is a direct representation of her authenticity and she feels deep satisfaction when supporting clients through the implementation of the core principles of Pilates with the precise flexibility to meet each of their individual needs.
Meredith Bristol
3rd Generation Senior Pilates Instructor
STUDIO: Tavernier CERTIFICATIONS: Pilates Center Graduate, Pilates Center Pilates Instructor 2003 Meredith Bristol began her love and learning of the Pilates Method in 1992 while attending the Dance Department of Columbia College. She graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Dance with an Emphasis in Teaching and Choreography. After graduating she moved to Colorado and continued to study Pilates (Contrology) under Dee Black who was Classically trained at The Pilates Center, in Boulder Colorado and tutelage with Romana Kryzanowska. Meredith’s love of kinesiology, anatomy and observation of movement propelled her to want to study and teach the Pilates Method. She attended The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO and graduated in 2003 as a Certified Pilates Instructor. Meredith says, "Pilates has impacted my life daily. I seek out the Method in everything I do. I try and take my practice out of the studio and apply it to all my daily life. Being mindful of the Pilates method gently reminds me that I can move thru life a bit easier. My vision is to continue to learn, experience, and stay open to growth as a practitioner and teacher of Pilates." For the last 20 years, she has owned and operated two Pilates Studio in Basalt and Carbondale, CO. Her clientele consists of young adults, professional athletes, pre-natal, postpartum, injury rehab, pre-op conditioning, elderly and more. She looks forward to working with many clients at Pilates In Paradise!
Amy Fernandez
3rd Generation Pilates Instructor
STUDIO: Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: Pilates Instructor Amy Fernandez has over 20 years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, water aerobics instructor, spin instructor, and new to her list of fitness certifications, a Pilates instructor. She is thrilled to be able to serve her Ocean Reef community in this capacity!
Yvette
Aviles
Personal Trainer
STUDIO: Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: Personal Trainer Yvette Aviles has been a certified personal trainer for 20 years as an instructor of spinning, boot camp, Silver Sneakers, aquatics, and strength training. Her love and passion for helping others and seeing confidence along with physical transformation has made her job rewarding beyond any expectation. Yvette looks forward to every new encounter with her clients and helping them reach their individual goals.
Emilia
Ardito
3rd Generation Pilates Instructor
STUDIO: Tavernier and Ocean Reef Club CERTIFICATIONS: Romana’s Pilates Certified teacher since 2021 Third generation Pilates Instructor, Emelia Ardito, Emelia Ardito found her love for Pilates after moving to Hawaii and practicing the Pilates method. This led to her career as a Romana’s Pilates Instructor. Her passion for teaching transpires from her need to share the rewarding feeling it gives her while helping people through the stresses of life.
Pilates in Paradise features great instructors led by Christi who is an amazing teacher and guide. I feel so lucky to have this amazing resource so close.
Ann H.