Christina DiGiovanni

Christina DiGiovanni

Certified Pilates Reformer and Mat Instructor

Christina DiGiovanni is a certified Pilates Reformer instructor. She is also a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with an associate degree from UC Clermont and bachelor’s degree in Dance from Wright State University. In her previous career as a dancer and dance educator she performed with dance companies in Dayton, Chicago, and Louisville and taught with Cincinnati Ballet School’s Children’s division and the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.

She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to see plays and concerts, bike riding, and Pilates Reformer classes.

Want to know more about Christina? See her interview below.

 

BACKGROUND

How did you get into your field?

I have been moving, creating movement, teaching movement for most of my life. I started with ballet at 9 with a small neighborhood dance school. Turned out I was good at dancing and loved doing it! I Danced through high school then went on to study dance at the university level and had a career performing, choreographing and teaching with/for various companies in Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati. After I put my youngest child in Kindergarten I went back to school and studied to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. I have worked in the outpatient setting for the past 8 years. I became certified in Pilates about 6 years ago. It seemed like a natural progression to merge all of my knowledge of dance and movement with my clinical knowledge. I love teaching reformer classes and using Pilates principles in my work as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Who influenced your career path (who have you enjoyed learning from, mentor, etc.)?

Jacqui Green Haas and Heather Sommer were two mentors in Pilates. Jacqui treated me for an ankle injury and helped me figure out my career path into Physical Therapy. Heather Sommer trained me in Pilates reformer. She has such a good eye for making postural adjustments, I aspire to use all of my training to help my clients achieve their best form during my sessions like Heather. I also follow Johanna McCormick, Troy McCarty, and Tiffany Crosswhite Burke on instagram. They all have strong backgrounds in Pilates. Johanna and Tiffany are very creative with using props in reformer classes. All three are inspiring!

INTERESTS/SPECIALITIES

What kind of clients do you love working with?

I love meeting new people – I like getting to know clients, why they are choosing Pilates. Reformer classes are small so there are opportunities to talk and get to know each other. I do love working with clients that have spine issues, scoliosis, low back pain, nerve impingement. Pilates is a great form of exercise for folks with back issues and I love helping them find something they can do for themselves that helps manage their pain and feel good!

What sets you apart?

My extensive background in movement, teaching dance, physical therapy and Pilates makes me a great choice for your Pilates instructor! I love what I do! And I think it shows during my sessions. I try to give everyone personal attention and use my eye for movement to help clients make the most of their session.

HOBBIES

What do you do with your spare time?

I enjoy the arts. I love going to live performances and seeing new exhibitions at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Opera – you name it, I’ll go!! I love spending time with my family and friends. Making Sunday dinner at my Mom’s is a family ritual. I consider Pilates an elaborate hobby! I also love playing in the dirt (AKA gardening) and riding my bike on the Loveland/Miami Trail. Is Netflix a hobby?