Our Teachers

David Phillips

David had a successful gymnastics career including winning bronze at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and competing at the 2000 Olympic Games. After suffering a stress fracture in his back he turned to the Pilates Method for his rehabilitation. Since then David has trained through Polestar Pilates International. Together with a Diploma in Applied Sports and years of Olympic standard gymnastic training, David brings a 'workout' approach to his classes. When he's not racing around the city with his 'mat trolly' David gets into a bit of social action, rockclimbing or going on adventures around the country!

Ione Barzcak

Having been a Ballet teacher for 22 years, Ione went to pilates classes looking for a way to extend her life as a dancer and got hooked! After training with Polestar Pilates she has been teaching Mat for 3 years and is crazy about it. She also loves all forms of arts and, whenever has time off, she is fond of a "good murder mystery"!

Jane Wolfson

Jane has a background in dance and drama and holds a degree in Performing Arts from Middlesex University. She has worked as a director, choreographer and movement director with several UK theatre companies as well as piloting projects with writers in the UK and New Zealand. Jane trained to teach mat work with Body Control in the UK and then used pilates in the rehearsal room with actors, opera singers, musicians and dancers. She is certified in studio equipment with Polestar International and spent her last year working in a pilates studio in Taupo where her clients ranged from ironmen to 11 year old children to an 83 year old grandmother.

Rose Woodman

Rose was born in Canada and after working as an animator for many years stumbled upon pilates, and has been addicted ever since! Completing her training through Pilates International in Australia, Rose now teaches both private clients and many group classes for Elevate Pilates. A popular teacher known for getting great technique and movement out of her clients.

Lisa Ward

Lisa comes to Elevate Pilates with full mat qualifications from Polestar Pilates. A self confessed fitness fanatic, Lisa enjoys gym workouts, salsa, aerobics classes, pilates and 180km cycles around lake Taupo! Lisa is seriously into her exercise, and her enthusiasm overflows into every class she teaches. With a Bachelor in Spatial Design, Lisa's other interests include photography, design/art, and architecture. Lisa's clients rave about the workouts she teaches and how they can always feel their abs afterwards!