About

Suzanne Ryan

Senior Certified Pilates Instructor

Suzanne Ryan welcomes you to join her in exploring the wonders of a method of exercise created by Joseph H. Pilates. In her sessions, she shares the logic of the movements, working with you to achieve a flow from the traditional repertoire. This mind-body discipline includes modifications and props to tailor the training and accommodate a variety of body needs. Suzanne likes to vary the exercises, but follows the basic building blocks of flexion, extension, side work, and strength work. She wants you to have fun and learn as you develop muscle tone, balance, and a generalized sense of well-being.

  • Suzanne grew up in Vermont in a very athletic household that embraced a diversity of exercise: She loved ballet (even with pigeon-toed feet), the rush of skiing down a snow-covered mountain, the whack of a field hockey ball, and the adrenalin of competitive swimming. Her parents’ household was also very academic: Suzanne earned a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Chicago, after a liberal arts education that included some dance theory, Japanese studies and politics. Life intervenes, and Berkeley becomes her home—one that includes a professorial spouse, two girls, dogs and a very old bird.

    Thanks to the urging of her Atlanta-based sister and a well-timed New Year’s resolution, Suzanne discovered Pilates in her mid-forties. From her first “Hundred”, she loved it (although she was initially mystified by Pilates breathing). Suzanne “went after” Pilates in the manner of an academic: She attended classes (lots of them), asked questions, gathered materials, sampled different instructor’s work, read extensively, practiced, and sought out individualized tutoring.

    Suzanne began an intensive study of the Pilates mat repertoire with Amy Bruckmeier and Jennifer Moulton of Studio 74 Pilates. Similar to the first generation of Pilates learners, Suzanne became Jennifer’s formal apprentice when she began a one-on-one course of study that included anatomy, mat technique & repertoire. Certified in the Mat Practice & General Principles of Pilates in Spring 2007, she began regularly teaching Pilates mat classes at the Berkeley Ballet Theatre and the Downtown Berkeley YMCA. In August 2009, Suzanne completed her complete Balanced Body Teacher Training program. She trained under Lisa Graham of Agile Monkey in Santa Cruz and Amy Bruckmeier, who follow a program from a leader in the industry, Balanced Body. Pilates is a life-long educational process—like a liberal arts education.

Contact Suzanne
Client Portal

  • “Suzanne’s style of teaching is both informed and relaxed. She has an extensive repertoire and is knowledgeable about the Wunda Chair and the Cadillac in addition to the Reformer. She spends time on making sure you use the correct form for each exercise and builds from there. Since Pilates is subtle and nuanced, I find her use of creative imagery very helpful in finding the core muscles to work on.”

    —Sydney G., Nurse

  • “I took individual classes for several months and I was nervous at first since most of the people I see taking Pilates are women. Suzanne was a pleasure to work with. She has great experience which she shares with her clients. She explains the exercises clearly and is good at helping you get to the correct form.”

    —Bob S., cyclist, runner, office worker

  • “I love to work out with Suzanne because she is amazing at keeping the workouts varied and interesting. Suzanne is also excellent at fine tuning the movements, so you get the maximum benefit out of the workout. ”

    — Sol G.

  • “Pilates tones me up, makes me more limber, and gives me more energy. Having an individual coach who is attuned to my evolving capabilities (and limitations) gives me confidence to advance in the practice and keeps me safe on the equipment. Suzanne is a gifted teacher. Her explanations are clear and concise, her demonstrations precise. And her enthusiasm for Pilates is contagious.”

    — T.L., professor

  • “From my experience as your client I find that you have an arsenal of modifications and a hybridized approach of merging many modalities that allows for inventiveness and customization. I find your Pilates very therapeutic and often essential to recovery and a feeling of well-being; easing aches and pains while also strengthening my body.”

    —RD, a creative

  • “Suzanne is so entertaining while she instructs an hour of mat Pilates via zoom — my mood benefits as much as my body. She is a natural with the format. Each session feels personal and specific to my needs. It’s great! It’s affordable! It’s effective! She puts the FUN in Functional Fitness. Thank you Suzanne.”

    —LJ