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Meet Adirection Pilates

Our Story, Philosophy, and Team

Our Story

In the vibrant heart of Calgary, Adirection Pilates stands as a beacon of wellness and balance. Founded by Adriano and Adriana in 2015, the studio is a continuation of their original vision that began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2004 with their first wellness center, Integração. At Adirection Pilates, we blend Adriana's expertise in neuromuscular rehabilitation with Adriano's passion for sports to create a practice that truly integrates body and mind.

A man and a woman are standing next to each other with their arms crossed.
A man and a woman are doing yoga in a gym

Our Philosophy

Adirection Pilates believes that Pilates is more than just a form of exercise, it is a tool for personal transformation and community building. Our goal is to empower individuals of all ages and abilities through mindful practices. Our approach is holistic, focusing not only on physical strength and flexibility but also on mental well-being. We aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where clients can explore and expand their physical capabilities. We are specialized in Rehab Pilates and offer custom-tailored sessions to meet the unique needs of each client.

Meet Our Instructors

Adriana Sartori
The Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Specialist
Adriana Sartori
The Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Specialist
Adriana Sartori brings over 20 years of experience in physical therapy to the team, having earned her Bachelor's degree in 1999 and specializing in neurological rehabilitation through a subsequent postgraduate program. She further expanded her skillset by completing Pilates training in mat, equipment, and rehabilitation applications.

In 2004, Adriana co-founded a clinic in Rio de Janeiro, treating a diverse clientele with neurological, orthopedic, and surgical conditions. She is passionate about utilizing an individualized approach to postural analysis, addressing each client's unique static and dynamic biomechanics.

Adriana possesses extensive experience in teaching Pilates to individuals with Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological conditions. Additionally, she specializes in rehabilitation Pilates for post-operative cases like knee and hip replacements, back pain management, and prenatal and postnatal care.

Key Specializations:
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Pilates (mat, equipment, and rehab)
• Post-operative rehabilitation (knee, hip, back)
• Back pain management (herniated disc, scoliosis, sciatica)
• Prenatal and postnatal care

Beyond her professional expertise, Adriana is an active individual who enjoys Pilates, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, and exploring new sports.
Adriano Silva
The Sports Medicine Enthusiast
Adriano Silva
The Sports Medicine Enthusiast

Driven by a lifelong love for movement ignited during his professional cycling career, Adriano Silva brings a unique perspective and expertise to your wellness journey.


After earning his Bachelor's in Physical Therapy in 2003, Adriano embarked on a quest to deepen his understanding of the body's biomechanics and healing potential. He pursued specialized courses in Podoposturology (foot analysis), Body Alignment, Clinical Pilates, Joint Stabilization, and Acupuncture, culminating in his current dual practice as a Physical Therapist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner.


"My passion lies at the intersection of sports medicine, movement, and postural disorders," Adriano states. "I firmly believe that our physical and mental well-being are inextricably linked."


With a wealth of experience in treating orthopedic injuries, Adriano leverages his combined knowledge of Biomedicine, TCM Acupuncture, and lifestyle coaching to create personalized "Healing Trilogies" for his clients. This holistic approach empowers individuals to achieve optimal results and unlock their full potential.


Key Areas of Expertise:

• Orthopedic injury rehabilitation

• Sports medicine

• Movement and postural analysis

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) • Acupuncture

• Lifestyle coaching


Ready start on your "Healing Trilogy" with Adriano? Schedule your Acupuncture appointment today:


adrianosacupuncture.janeapp.com


Beyond the clinic, Adriano's active lifestyle reflects his dedication to movement and wellness. You might find him scaling the climbing gym, cycling through scenic routes, or pounding the pavement on a run when he's not guiding others towards their own wellbeing goals.

Luiza Gimenes
The Neuropediatric Pilates Prodigy
Luiza Gimenes
The Neuropediatric Pilates Prodigy
Luiza brings a wealth of expertise to our team, with honors in Physical Therapy and specialized training in Neuropediatric care and Pilates rehabilitation. Over seven years, she has impacted many lives, working with diverse patients to overcome neurological, orthopedic, and respiratory conditions. As a Certified Pilates instructor, Luiza is passionate about using movement to enhance quality of life, whether for injury prevention, rehabilitation, or achieving specific goals. Specializing in neuro, orthopedic, and respiratory rehabilitation, as well as balance and stability training, she empowers clients to move with confidence and reach their full potential. Outside of work, Luiza enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband, embracing hikes, bike rides, Pilates, and weight training to prioritize her own well-being.

Achievements:
* Bachelor`s Degree in Physiotherapy from Brazil.
* 2-year Post-Grad Degree in Neuropediatric Care.
* Full Pilates Certification with a Focus on Rehabilitation.
Leo Cardozo
The Kinesiologist and Movement Scientist
Leo Cardozo
The Kinesiologist and Movement Scientist
Leo is a dynamic addition to our team, bringing a wealth of movement expertise and infectious energy. With a background in professional basketball and certifications in Pilates and Personal Training, Leo is dedicated to helping clients achieve their wellness and fitness goals. His Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and specialization in Exercise Physiology provide a strong foundation for his coaching approach. Whether leading Pilates sessions, crafting personalized training programs, or honing his own skills on the basketball court or in the gym, Leo embodies an active lifestyle. Outside of his professional pursuits, Leo prioritizes family time and enjoys outdoor activities with his loved ones.

Achievements:
* Fully Certified Pilates Instructor since 2018.
* Basketball Career at National Level in Brazil.
* Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education (equivalent to Kinesiology).
* 2-year Specialization in Exercise Physiology.
* 10 Years of Experience as a Personal Trainer.
Geiza Maia
The Body Builder and Kinesiologist
Geiza Maia
The Body Builder and Kinesiologist
Geiza, our energetic and passionate fitness instructor, specializes in BBB( Brazilian Beach Body) Pilates and personalized private sessions. With over a decade of experience and certifications in fitness and physical therapy, she excels in weight loss, body sculpting, circumferential and cellulite reduction, and body contouring. Geiza's dedication to fostering a welcoming atmosphere is unmatched, and she's committed to tailoring sessions to meet individual needs. Outside the studio, she enjoys staying active with activities like weightlifting, Pilates, biking, and walks with her furry friend.

Achievements:
* Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy from Brazil
* Certified Fitness Instructor - Canadian Certification from Canfit-pro, group and individual training.
* 2018: Top 5 in bodybuilding in Alberta - bikini category.
Natalia Prado (Nataly)
The Orthopedic Injuries Specialist
Natalia Prado (Nataly)
The Orthopedic Injuries Specialist

Nataly is responsible for Adirection's marketing and admin doing a fantastic job with social media and clients relations.


She is a dedicated Pilates instructor, blends her lifelong passion for movement with her extensive education. With a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, a Post-Grad in Chiropractic, and full Pilates certification, she offers a holistic approach to healing and injury prevention. Specializing in back, hip, knee, and shoulder injuries, Nataly integrates physiotherapy with Pilates to design personalized therapeutic exercises that address physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 


Beyond work, she prioritizes her own wellness through Pilates, gym workouts, swimming, and mindful movie nights, emphasizing the importance of movement and care.


Achievements:

*  Royal Academy of Dance - 6th Grade

* Bachelor Degree in Physiotherapy from Brazil

* Full Pilates Certification

* Post Grad in Chiropractic from Brazil

*Business@SAIT

Mariana Hughes
The Joyful Movement Maven with Dance Background
Mariana Hughes
The Joyful Movement Maven with Dance Background
Mariana brings a decade of expertise in Pilates and Barre, complemented by her background in dance and rehabilitation. With a Bachelor's degree in Dance and a Rehab Therapy Diploma, she offers a holistic approach to movement. Mariana's classes are dynamic, engaging, and fun, infused with her infectious energy and joy of movement. Specializing in dance-infused Pilates, Barre fitness, injury rehabilitation, and movement for all levels, she tailors instruction to cater to diverse needs. Mariana's passion for movement extends beyond the studio, as she embraces dance and exploration with her two energetic boys, showcasing the positive impact of movement on her own life.

Achievements:
* Bachelor degree in Dance.
* Rehab Therapy Diploma from SAIT.
* 10 years of professional dance, Pilates and Barre instruction in Brazil.
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