JUNKO SODEYAMA  -  Post-rehab Conditioning Specialist

Junko was born in Japan and moved to the United States to expand her knowledge of dance. After graduating Shinshu University in Japan with B.A. in Japanese education, Junko started her career as a movement educator in Japan at Nagano Ballet School as a jazz dance & children's ballet teacher. After moving to San Francisco and training and performing with local modern dance companies professionally, her back injury led her to discover effectiveness of Pilates technique in rehabilitation process, as well as daily tune ups to keep her body strong and flexible.  After receiving training and full certification in STOTT PILATES® certification program under the tutelage of a master trainer Carla Hales, Junko started teaching at various Pilates studios in Bay Area. In 2003, she received a certification as an instructor trainer in Mat & Reformer from STOTT PILATES®, and taught certification courses in various Pilates studios and fitness clubs in Japan through 2008.

After the period of working in a physical therapy clinic, her focus gradually has shifted to helping clients in post rehabilitation processes, helping them getting back to daily or their favorite physical activities. She has been deepening her knowledge and skills by attending numerous Pilates workshops with special emphases on rehabilitation/post-rehabilitation, taught by leading master teachers in the field - Melanie Byford-Young, Nora St. John, Sherri Betz, Karen Clippinger, Madeline Black, Beth Evans, just to name a few. She holds STOTT PILATES® Post-Rehabilitation Conditioning Specialist (includes post-breast cancer rehabilitation) status.  

Junko enjoys the process of solving problem along with her clients - identifying dysfunctional movement patterns and assisting them to change - to create ease and confidence in their movement. She's been working with clients with various condition, spinal injuries, osteoporosis, scoliosis, upper or lower extremity injuries, pre / post natal....as well as dancers and athletes since 2000. She also attended Acupressure Institute in Berkley to understand human body from different angle.

As a dance artist, her endeavor continues with Isadora Duncan dance prestige Mary Sano and Alonzo King's Lines founding member Katy Warner. Mr. Pilates and Isadora Duncan lived almost in the same era in Europe, early 20th centuries, and share very similar concepts and movement patterns, interestingly. Junko is personally looking forward to find the intersection of paths these great visionaries and artist left for us.