About Lift Pilates

LIFT PILATES was established in 2002, and was the first Pilates studio in Davis (also the first “green studio!”). Our studio is easily accessible by bike, car, bus and train. We are also close to the University, and near many offices, retail shops, galleries and restaurants. LIFT PILATES is dedicated to providing you an optimal exercise program designed for your personal fitness level and needs.

We teach you to develop and use your body as a whole. You move more easily, and with more strength, flexibility and better posture. Pilates exercises can help to repair damage from previous injuries; and your improved core strength helps lessen the chances of future injuries, whether everyday or sports-related. LIFT PILATES is also a Pilates post-rehab Pilates studio and offers Pilates post-rehab training after physical therapy.

Of course, Pilates also helps you to look and feel your best!

Our Instructors

Laura Cotler

Laura received her Pilates training and certification from STOTT PILATES, known globally as the Ivy League of Pilates education. Laura is an Injuries and Special Populations Pilates instructor and specializes in lower back pain associated with most lower back problems; she teaches posture, postural awareness, and how to stabilize the spine in all planes of movement. She enjoys helping women establish a fitness program for life, and helps them continue moving their bodies as they age. She is the owner of LIFT PILATES.

Laura continues to seek additional education in order to learn more about the body and fitness, and to add to her Pilates exercise repertoire, both for her clients and herself. Additional certifications and training include:

• Polestar Pilates: a rehabilitative approach to Pilates, which also focuses on Pilates and Osteoporosis exercise protocols.
•  Pilates Coach: a fitness-based approach to Pilates training by Leslee Bender.
• She has trained with Ron Fletcher, who received his training directly from Joseph and Clara Pilates, Sheri Betz, Physical Therapist and owner of TheraPilates, Brent Anderson, Physical Therapist and owner of Polestar Pilates Education, and Elizabeth Larkham of Pilates and Beyond.

Laura and her husband Steve live in Davis with their four children, ages 4 through 22. Also health- and fitness-oriented, “Coach Steve” is the owner of Goalgetters Indoor Soccer in Davis, a soccer and fitness program for children www.goalgettersindoorsoccer.com

Sue Alexander Morris

Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Certified Pilates Teacher Sue Alexander Morris has taught Pilates since 2000. She received her Reformer and Apparatus training from Nora St. John at Turning Point Studios in Walnut Creek, California. Sue is also a licensed massage therapist and has studied movement and bodywork most of her life. Extremely passionate about her work, Sue loves working with people and helping them to understand their bodies. She strongly believes in encouraging individuals so that they can feel and function better (with a little hard work!).
Additional certifications and trainings include:

• Member of Pasadena Ballet Company and Pasadena Jazz Company
• ACE/IDEA/AFAA Past Member
•  Certified Massage Therapist through Naturopathic Health Services and Institute of Therapeutic Massage
• Balanced Body Pilates Certification (a contemporary approach to Pilates)
• PowerHouse Pilates Mat Certification (a fitness-based approach to Pilates)

Sue and her family live in Dixon, just a hop skip and a jump from the studio in Davis.

Sonjia Chevalier

Sonjia Chevalier is a STOTT PILATES-trained Pilates instructor, experienced with both mat and reformer work. Her interest in Pilates began in the ‘90s, when she added Pilates to her other fitness pursuits, including aerobics, yoga, hiking, biking, and snow-shoeing. She enjoys spending time roaming from Davis to the Sierras with her husband and their two dogs, and she also is interested in photography, music, dance, and learning about native and ancient cultures.

Sonjia’s interest in Pilates originated from an interest in various forms of movement and exercise, and also from a desire to relieve her own chronic pain, muscle weakness and imbalance, and other difficulties stemming from auto accidents. She wishes to help bring peace and balance to others by helping people focus on their goals, through sharing knowledge she has gained on her life’s journey, and through her work as a Pilates instructor.

Dana Uhlmann

STOTT PILATES certified Pilates instructor Dana Uhlmann has studied dance and mind-body work for more than 25 years. She has also studied naturopathy, has had formal music and vocal training, and has her M.A. in philosophy. Originally from Germany, Dana now lives in Davis with her husband and lovely daughter.

Gill Williams

Originally from the United Kingdom, Physical Therapist Gill Williams is a certified STOTT PILATES instructor. Gill lives in Davis with her husband and two daughters, and works at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital as a Physical Therapist.

Michelle Wright

Michelle is a fully-trained certified STOTT PILATES instructor. A dancer for over 15 years, she believes that Pilates is the ideal discipline to condition your body holistically and prepare for the physical challenges of everyday work, life, and play. Michelle is inspired to teach Pilates because "the essential mind-body connection of this dynamic exercise increases one's body awareness, mental focus, and muscle movement required to overcome physical challenges, improve posture, excel athletically, and even heal." Outside of Pilates, Michelle pursues her other passions: dancing and promoting Argentine tango, art, and natural health & healing. She looks forward to sharing this great exercise with others!