Jennifer Malott Kotylo

A former freelance writer, editor and marketing consultant with an MBA in finance from Indiana University and a BA in economics from the College of Wooster, Jennifer developed a passion for body awareness and biomechanics while pursuing her lifelong quest of international level dressage riding. She is a certified Core Dynamics Pilates Instructor, certified Equilates teacher and certified Balimo practitioner. “My goal now is to use my knowledge to help others fulfill their physical dreams, whether they are running a marathon, easing the debilitating effects of neurological disease or returning to bio-correctness after an injury or repetitive misuse.”

Jennifer came to Pilates for some rehabilitation work. “I had always wanted to be the best rider I could be, even though I was not blessed with a natural athlete’s body. A lifetime of bad postural habits, sitting behind a desk and ignored injuries had turned my body into a crooked, stiff mess. I tried massage and acupuncture, and they certainly helped, but it was Pilates that gave me my body back. In fact, Pilates made such a significant impact on my riding that I committed myself to becoming certified as both a Core Dynamics Pilates instructor and as one of Betsy Steiner’s Equilates instructors.”

Jennifer’s foray into Echart Meyner’s Balimo work (based on the principals of Pilates, Feldenkreis and Alexander) came after attending a symposium in Seattle. “I was completely blown away by the effectiveness of Echart’s exercises.” Echart’s work allows the body to “re-set” itself so that it “remembers” how to move as it was designed to move. “I use the Balimo exercises with almost all of my clients. They have been particularly effective with people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease (or other neuro disorders), seemingly waking up some for the neural pathways that Parkinson’s blocks. Echart’s work has opened up a whole new area of study for me to explore on both an intellectual level and a physical one.”

When not working, Jennifer spends time with her horse, Nimo, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. She and her husband are ardent travelers. Her favorite continents are Africa and Antarctica – two places that are still rather wild. She lives in Chicago with her husband and 2 cats.