Marilyn
Instructor
Marilyn Gusmano’s path to teach movement began at an early age! From elementary through high school, she performed and competed with N.Y. State’s top gymnastics teams and elite dance companies, acquiring numerous awards. Her skills allowed her to also participate in several kickline competitions. Her experiences and continued advancements qualified her for the vigorous collegiate dance programs at Old Dominion University of VA and California State University of Long Beach CA. After earning her Elementary Education degree at Dowling College, NY, she went on to teach and coach kickline and dance in both New York and Florida School Districts. Under her tutelage, the Wellington High School Dance Team won 2nd place at the National Dance Association Competition. Soon after she began personal training and instructing dance and fitness at various studios, country clubs and gyms.
In 2000, Marilyn embarked on the study of Classical Pilates, experiencing first hand classes and trainings with some of the world’s most notable teachers, such as; Elder Mary Bowen, Elder Romana Kryzanowska’s daughter Sari and granddaughter Daria, Mari Winsor, Brooke Siler, Alycea Ungaro, Jennifer Kries, Bob Liekens, Katherine Ross Nash, Peter Fiasco, and Elizabeth Larkeim. These experiences propelled her to achieve her first Mat Certification in 2002 from the Physical Mind Institute, the IM=X Pilates Mat Certification in 2003, and the IM=X Reformer Certification in 2004. She then taught classes for Susan Ortiz-Montugno, PTA and owner of Sangha Pilates Studio, while successfully achieving her Polestar Pilates Reformer/Allegro Certification in 2006. To further advance herself in this rehabilitative approach, she continued to mentor under Susan, while completing her apprentice hours at South Shore Neurological Associates. This and achieving 550 hours of extensive practice and study, ultimately entitled her to earn Polestar’s Pilates Studio/Rehab Comprehensive Certification in 2009. Most recently she spent 10 years as the principal instructor at Gold Coast Pilates and assistant educator to Tattiana Gandolfo, BBU Faculty for the Balance Body Instructor Training and Certification Program.
In addition to Marilyn’s extensive background in fitness, dance, Pilates and fitness modeling, she holds multiple certifications: A.F.A.A. Group Fitness Instructor, A.F.A.A. Advanced Personal Trainer, Balance Body Barre, Aquatics, Dance Coach and CPR. Her attributes in Pilates and ballet, while mentoring under Molly Weeks, has also led her to become Long Island’s first BalleCore Instructor.
Marilyn’s qualifications, passion and dedicated coaching has helped train and inspire many students to become certified Pilates instructors. She continually strives to improve and actively keeps current on the latest techniques by attending national conferences for continuing education. Currently, she brings over 20 years of Pilates instruction, choreography skills and her enthusiasm to the Club Pilates Team. Her biggest gratification is seeing her clients leave her classes feeling invigorated after experiencing the benefits of this extraordinary method!