Donal Kavanagh

Donal Kavanagh, owner and instructor, is a business man who knows the value of having a lean, strong, and flexible body.

Donal was turned on to Pilates many years ago when Cara his sister was going through Pilates certification. Donal understood how special Pilates was from the start. Pilates is a highly adaptable fitness system that can serve any age group or population.

Donal enjoys many sports such as tennis, golf, fencing, skiing, and swimming. “I was taken aback how Pilates has improved my game in sports. I no longer have the imbalances that affected my performance. It’s a beautiful thing! Pilates is the first program that has changed my life significantly and the only non-routine fitness system that I love to participate in.”

Donal was at the top of his class, trained, and certified in Body Arts and Sciences International modality of Pilates designed by internationally recognized author and master trainer Rael Isacowitz. Donal is certified to teach all apparatus levels and takes great pleasure in teaching the crown jewel of the Pilates repertoire; Mat classes. Donal’s mentors include two famous top international trainers Brandon Gamble from Las Vegas and Bonnie Sessions from Ventura County.

Finally, Donal’s philosophy to training Pilates is always to be striving to train deep, be learning, and be client and community centered.

Cara Kavanagh

Cara Kavanagh trained for ten years as a professional dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and various other Modern, Jazz, and Flamenco Dance teachers. Cara has worked as a professional dancer and actress across the United States and Europe.

After a serious car accident that left her unable to work due to chronic back pain, Cara started Pilates as part of her recovery. Cara credits Pilates as the single most effective therapy she has experienced in her rehabilitation of body, mind, and spirit to health.

Inspired by the results she experienced, Cara trained closely for two years and over 700 hours with master teacher Dorothee VandeWalle in Seattle, to become an instructor in the original Pilates method as taught by Joseph Pilates. She is certified to teach all levels from pre-Pilates to very advanced on all apparatus designed by Joseph Pilates for the reformation of body and mind to balanced health through “Contrology” his original name for the revolutionary Pilates method.

Brandon Gamble

Brandon Gamble started in the fitness industry in 1987. He has dedicated most of his life to health and fitness. As an active surfer, snowboarder, and water-skier, he knows the value of Pilates to strengthen and balance the body. After making Master Fitness Trainer in 1997 he began integrating Pilates into his programs and working with Physical Therapist Donna Thomas at Las Vegas Athletic Medical Center. There he realized the true benefits Pilates had to offer his post rehab clients. Brandon is recognized throughout the dance and entertainment community in Las Vegas for his attention to detail. He is also recognized for innovative techniques for dancers and acrobats in the various shows.

As a proud graduate of the Body Arts and Science International certification program and Faculty (a select group of teachers worldwide that teach the educational BASI programs) he has lectured and taught in Japan, Australia, and all throughout the U.S. After publishing several articles including “Who is Pilates For” he has started his first book, “Pilates in the work space”. Brandon also owns Pilates Bodies in Motion, University Place, Washington. This 2500 square foot facility runs six days a week with seven instructors and offers all the amenities of a full service studio. He continues to teach the B.A.S.I. Pilates method and is always working towards higher education.

Brandon is dedicated to excellence in his teaching, movement, and technique. He is a wonderful instructor for all ages, male or female, post rehab therapy, sports conditioning, and any of your health and fitness needs. After years of national and international travel, his love and passion for teaching Pilates is recognized worldwide.