Introduction: Hello friends!
My name is Ellen Chapelle and I am happy to be connected with you via Thumbtack! I have had great luck with Thumbtack. After joining and creating a private practice here in the Bay Area, I have become a Top Pro, which is the highest status you can have on this platform.
My teaching repoitoire varies and I adjust my wide range of content to personalize the sessions for each individual. In general, I teach mat pilates, pilates (reformer), Reiki, yoga, stretch, energy work, breathwork and meditation. I teach a range of level from basic beginner to professional/pro-athlete, with a specialty in working with injuries and other physical challenges.
As a former dancer, upon the client's request, I usually play music throughout the session which adds an element of movement, flow and breath to the strengthening and stretching exercises. My guarantee is that you will leave feel better after each session.
What I am most interested in at the moment, in addition to "personal training" is energy work. I am Reiki Certified and I am excited to open up this practice to new clients in San Francisco.
During a reiki session, we start with a talk therapy intro, light stretching, then a full session of hands (slightly off) reiki. I can give you more info about reiki and the energy work if this is of interest to you.
My sessions are unique because I combine movement with deep, full breathing which is a yogic practice that also helps cleanse the body, get rid of toxins and clears stuck energy. Recently I have been teaching a lot more meditation and chakra balancing which I really love.
A bit about my style and approach. As a former dancer, I teach clients through breath and movement with a loving intention. The sessions are very much both physical and energetic, which fall into the category of "healing" work which is deeper than purely physical training. Some clients call me their "trainer" while others call me their "healer". My approach is all encompassing and I use the modalities that are fitting for the individual. My approach, pace, intensity and itinerary varies according each clients’ needs, affinities and goals. My methodology can be a ln additional practice applied to any and all sports or for non-athletes alike.
As a former professional dancer, I also incorporate exercises and stretches that I've learned with over 33 years of classical dance training. This gives the sessions more flow, emotional connection, and ease. After fifteen years of living in NYC and running my dance studio there, currently I am really enjoying working with non-dancers and helping them become more in touch with their bodies, improving posture, anatomical alignment and strengthening the weakest areas of the body.
With full breath, conscious movement work and proper technique, the less is more approach is my philosophy in helping my client achieve their overall heath and well being. Feeling better is key.
As we begin, the sessions start out at a comfortable pace, and as strength, endurance and deeper understanding of the movement is gained, the intensity and challenge of the exercises is accelerated.
I encourage each individual to develop their own strength and be able to properly support themselves and their own body weight. Injury prevention is everything. No gyms, just the mat is necessary. You will be sore and aware of parts of your body that you didn't know existed!
What I tell most of my clients is that with commitment and dedication, you will see a slow but solid progression in both the way you look and the way you feel. It takes a few weeks to learn the exercises and to find our own tempo. After two months, your body will have made much progress, after three months people start noticing. After four months you will feel like a new person. After six months you could feel like a new person.
I have many wonderful clients with references, many whom i have healed from major injury including rotator cuff surgery, knee surgery, pins in elbows, broken pelvis, concussions, and more.
Sessions once per week will help you feel better, but I find that sessions two-three times per week is the most effective and the best for your physical and financial investment. With seeing the way that muscles contract and respond, twice a week is quite necessary for more noticeable growth.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with specific questions, interests or concerns!
I am available for private one-on-one sessions, couples sessions, group classes and private workshops.
I adore my clients and if this all sounds like it aligns with your interests, values and goals, then we could be a fit!
