Renee’ Millemann, Owner
I started doing studio Pilates in my early 30's due to the development of constant lower back pain. I ignored the pain for about 3 years because I thought it would just go away. At the time I was a busy mom with 3 toddlers, working part-time with no time for myself. After my third child, I was suffering with severe foot pain and was diagnosed with plantar's fasciitis. I thought to myself 'this is enough!.'
In an effort to feel better, I was exercising at a gym, seeing a chiropractor, eating healthy, with no results. So I thought, 'what am i doing wrong? Then, for good measure, I developed a hernia!
I wanted to avoid surgery, so I did some research, and after seeking out different options, concluded that Pilates would be a good fit for me. Pilates focuses on the smaller stabilizer muscles of the spine., abdominals, butt and back (your torso). I realized my stabilizer muscles were very weak despite all of the exercising I was doing at the gym. Many group class and private sessions later, I am happy to report I am pain free. And I avoided surgery!
I realize that despite my lumbar scoliosis and rheumatoid arthritis I can still enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, running, and biking. My kids are teenagers now and I want to keep up with them. You'll often see my family at the studio. My son Michael, an NCAA athlete, and daughter Nicole are both medal winning track and field participants. My daughter Samantha and husband Mike are my weekend warriors and have noticed changes to their posture. But my mom is my biggest hero! I get my love for exercise from her. She is 76 years young and can hold a plank for 2 minutes! She comes to the studio three times per week and helps with the administration of my business.
Certifications & Community Involvement
Renee’ is very proud to have received another Pilates certification in 2022. She is now a classically trained teacher with Shari Berkowitz and The Vertical Workshop.
Our studio has a strong connection to community. We give back by volunteering and donating throughout the year to many nonprofits. Churches, food banks, Salvation Army and more. Renee’s involvement as a Rotarian gives her much insight to the needs of the community and ways to help.
Renee’ is currently the 2023 -2024 President of the afternoon Central Ocean Rotary Club of Toms River.
I am certified through Balanced Body University (BBU) and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). I am a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and continually educate myself by going to workshops and studying with well known teachers in the industry. Self practice is also important to me and I have a Pilates teacher I work with every week.
Before my dad passed away I shared my dream with him. His passing gave me the courage to build this studio. My amazing husband designed it and my family and friends have given me the constant support to build my dream studio!
Jane Wong
Jane suffered from aches and pains starting at a young age which motivated her to explore ways for Self-Care, Self-Healing and for improving her overall wellness.
Jane had flexibility, even with many years of yoga practice, she still found herself lacking core strength and control of the small muscle group until she found Pilates. The principles of Pilates made sense to her body and improved her performance for daily activities. This curiosity ultimately led to becoming certified in the Classical, contemporary and Rehab methods of Pilates.
While Yoga is a lifestyle for Jane, Pilates is a life essential for supporting her functionality. Jane loves traveling, stories, food, and helping others to achieve a more balanced lifestyle.
Carissa Kelemen
Carissa has been in the fitness industry for over 15 years. She has earned her bachelor’s degree in Fitness Management and has a passion for fitness and sports. She has always enjoyed many modalities of movement like Gymnastics, softball and dance.
Carissa fell in love with Pilates because of the way her body feels And moves after a workout session. “My hips feel less tight and I feel taller. Even my feet feel less achy. Pilates has also improved my weight lifting and bodyweight workouts.”
She holds a NASM certificate in Personal Training as well as AFAA Group Fitness and AAI/ISM. In her spare time, she enjoys going for long walks, working out , the beach and juicing.