Ky Russell
(she/her)

ALIGN Instructor
Balanced Body Educator
Balanced Body Education

Ky Russell, M.A., has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years. She is a Balanced Body® Educator and founding member of the Santa Cruz Pilates Education Collective, teaching Balanced Body Pilates instructor training programs locally and nationally, and as a presenter at Pilates on Tour Conferences since 2008. She is the creator of the Pilates Stress Relief Specialization Program®, training Pilates instructors in embodied stress relief and nervous system regulation.

She was introduced to Pilates in 1993 and became devoted to the work after recovering from a dance injury through Pilates in 2001. Ky received her original Pilates certification under the tutelage of Nora St. John in 2002. She is now certified by the National Pilates Certification Program, Yoga Alliance, and ACE.

Ky taught Pilates-based rehabilitation at St. Francis Hospital’s Center for Sports Medicine and is well-versed in pre- and post-rehabilitation protocols and injury prevention and has taught thousands of hours of Pilates to clients ranging from professional athletes and performers to people living with chronic pain.  

In addition, Ky holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from San José State University and has taught Embodied Stress Management as Kinesiology faculty since 2016. She also holds a B.S. degree with an emphasis in experiential education from UC Berkeley. She is a former professional dancer and circus performer and is a certified Grief Yoga® teacher, Pre and Post Natal Pilates Specialist, yoga teacher, and Mindfulness Meditation facilitator. When not teaching Pilates, she can be found playing with her tween daughter and senior doggie. Ky delights in sharing movement with others and helping her clients and students achieve their goals for holistic wellness, an active life, or a meaningful career!