Susan Bisson

Susan has been a group fitness instructor since 1998, teaching a variety of classes for Columbia Association. In 2009, she discovered Pilates and became a certified Peak Pilates instructor. She then moved on to attain her Level III Certification in Mat and Reformer instruction. She went on to complete her training on the MVe Pilates Chair and continues to participate in workshops to sharpen her Pilates skills. In 2014, Susan became a certified Barre instructor. The mind/body format incorporating ballet and dance was an exciting addition to her instructor training.

What is your favorite form of mind body movement or lesson you teach, and why?
Although I enjoy teaching all my classes at Haven, my favorite class to teach is mat class with props, especially the Pilates balls and the “magic circle.” I believe that movement heals and through movement, anyone — whether an elite athlete, a mildly active person or a senior — can reap the benefits of Pilates.

What is your favorite song or type of music you listen to when teaching?
Any song with a good beat inspires me to be at my best while teaching barre. Put on a Michael Jackson song and I am raring to go!

What inspires you?
I enjoy seeing firsthand the benefits of increased strength, tone, flexibility and alignment in my clients’ bodies. Seeing them enjoy Pilates and excel in their practice brings me joy and a sense of purpose. My mission is to “spread the Pilates word” and encourage everyone to give it a try so they, too, will see and feel the benefits of practicing Pilates.

What is a quote or mantra that you live by?
I try to honor this quote every time that I teach: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

What is your haven?
My haven is being together with my husband and three grown boys and knowing that they are happy and healthy.

Classes

Barre Essence

ALL LEVELS. Integrated movements and postures from ballet, Pilates, and yoga lengthen, strengthen, and shape your body. A variety of props such as bands, balls, and weights are used.

Barre Pilates

ALL LEVELS. A blend of Barre and Mat Pilates which provides an intense core strengthening and body shaping experience.

Mat Enhanced w/Props

Perform the movements of Mat Pilates with the assistance and resistance of accessories such as bands, balls and other props.

PIlates Chair and Mat

A combination of mat pilates and Pilates MVe Chair.