About Teresa
As demanding as Pilates can be, Teresa brings out the joy of movement and the fun in trying something challenging.”
-Penelope E. Linguistics professor at Stanford Univ.
Teresa’s Mission
- To inspire you to find joy in pain-free movement
- To guide you to age with strength and grace
- To empower you to reach beyond what you thought was possible
“Beyond my experience teaching, what’s most important is my ability to relate and connect with you. I’m professional but am better at just being real. I engage with respect, authenticity, and with the intention to offer a positive movement experience.” ~ Teresa Maldonado Marchok
Teresa is the real deal. A combined total of 30 yrs of Dance, Pilates, and Physical Therapy experience informs her integrated approach to the art and science of helping people find ease and joy in movement. A native New Yorker (Puerto Rican from the Bronx!) Teresa toured worldwide for almost a decade as a soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company of New York City, the oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance company in America. She has been a licensed physical therapist since 1996 with an emphasis on orthopedics, earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. A lifelong learner, she keeps her continuing education updated in physical therapy and Pilates to offer you the best evidence-based care.
Pilates With Teresa
Teresa founded the now flourishing Pilates program through the Stanford University School of Medicine’s Health Improvement Program where she served as a principal instructor and lecturer for two decades, teaching her sold-out trademarked Aging Strong Pilates® classes.
A teacher of teachers, she is frequently invited to present at Pilates conferences such as the Pilates Method Alliance Annual Meeting and IDEA World Conference.
Her private practice Pilates with Teresa LLC is celebrating over two decades of service to the community.
She counts her greatest blessings as her two children, Katelyn and Tyler, her solid-as-a-rock husband Tom, and the newest addition to the family…”Chip” a Cavachon (blend of King Charles Cavalier and Bichon Frise) with a predilection for escargot. (think snails outside at night)
Martha Graham Dancer Benefits From Pilates
Teresa was first introduced to the Pilates method in 1985 as a professional dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company. She studied Pilates to augment her dance training and for injury prevention.
Teresa explains, “Dance, sports, and life, in general, are inherently asymmetrical. For instance, a dancer might have to do eight leaps on the right leg and only two on the left. A dental hygienist at work or a golfer may routinely rotate only in one direction. This asymmetrical patterning, done repeatedly, creates muscle imbalances that need to be addressed.” Teresa credits Pilates with addressing those needs and providing her with a relatively injury-free dance career.
In 1994 Teresa retired from professional dance, and with the encouragement and support of Marika Molnar PT of WestSide Dance Physical Therapy, earned her Master’s Degree in PT from the University of Pittsburgh and began work as a licensed physical therapist in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in CA. She routinely incorporated Pilates exercises into her patients’ rehab programs. That experience provided overwhelming insight and solid proof of the significant benefits of combining Pilates with physical therapy.
This motivated Teresa to become a certified Pilates practitioner and open her own blended PT/Pilates practice. With Teresa’s unique background, she is able to serve those who desire general conditioning and specific performance enhancement, as well as those with special physical challenges. Her passion is supporting the active ager.
Pilates for Bone Health
Teresa’s interest in osteoporosis led her to be trained by Sara Meeks in the Meeks Method of osteoporosis treatment and management for physical therapists. Teresa and Sara frequently collaborate and Sara endorsed her first DVD stating that it is “Original, fun, and challenging Pilates for your bones”.
Teresa serves as an ambassador for American Bone Health where she leads community workshops to increase awareness of bone health. She recently presented an Osteoporosis Movement Do’s and Don’ts virtual workshop which raised over $1,600 to benefit American Bone Health.
Her BoneSmart Pilates® movement system and award-winning DVD series were created to serve the needs of those of you with bone loss. Designed by a physical therapist, you can rest assured that the information and exercises you are given are safe, effective, fun, and challenging.
Teresa also offers Pilates Teacher training in her unique method: BoneSmart Pilates®. Her method guides exercise instructors on how to work with their clientele that have low bone density, to keep them safe and strong. Contact her to learn more about hosting a workshop.
BoneSmart Pilates In the News
Media Coverage
- PrimeWomen.com Interview – Former Dancer takes on Osteoporosis
- Video interview with Dr. Susan Brown – Osteoporosis specialist
- Review of my DVD by Dr. Keith McCormick – Osteoporosis specialist
- ZestNow.com Interview- Bone Loss: Stop it before it stops you
- About.com review five stars of my BoneSmart Pilates® DVD
- PilatesStyle Magazine – BoneSmart Pilates® voted Best DVD of 2013
Pilates Certifications
Teresa holds Pilates training and certification with the respected:
She considers herself a lifelong learner, pores over the latest research, and takes continuing education training in physical therapy and Pilates.
Active in the Community
Teresa co-founded Dance for All, an inclusive weekly Saturday movement class that incorporates Dance and Pilates for special needs students and neuro-typical participants at the El Camino YMCA in Mountain View, CA Because of COVID 19, our free classes have been virtual, but we are gradually introducing in-person classes once a month. If interested, email teresa@bonesmartpilates.com
As a parent of a child with Autism, she is proactive as a mentor parent with the organization Parents helping Parents to provide support and an empathetic ear to parents of children newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
