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Ginger Hedrick is a retired professional ballet dancer. She danced professionally throughout the Midwest and travelled both nationally and internationally during her career.
After training dancers for many years, Ginger decided to broaden her professional scope. That is where she began her study to teach Pilates. To gain certification to teach Pilates, she studied and worked under master teachers Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Santo for nearly 800 hours of training, which included seminars, observation, assisting and testing. Much of her study was also under Juanita Lopez and Janice Dulak, both teacher trainers under Romana.
In this rigorous training program, the instructor learns not only the numerous exercises (over 500), but how to assess the body type, the level of strength and previous injuries. Finally, both a written and practical test is given only by Romana or her daughter, Sari.
Romana, a student of Joseph Pilates for over 40 years, worked under the creator of this method in order to carry on his pure teaching and training. As his protegé, she became the heir to his method after he passed away.
Ginger has aligned with Romana's expertise and authority. She continues to attend classes and continuing education in order to give her clients the finest instruction possible.
In addition to working with the many varied clientele at Bodies in Balance, she is also part of the faculty at St. Louis Ballet School teaching both ballet and Pilates.
Here are some testimonials from some of Ginger's Pilates clients:
I made one of the best decisions of my life when I contacted Ginger to schedule my first Pilates lesson. I had exercised consistently for 20 years. No matter how hard I worked at trying to maintain my body, I was continually buying a larger size. After years of sitting at a desk eight hours a day, my back hurt, my posture was poor and I felt sluggish most of the time.
After my first lesson I was hooked! I had never felt so refreshed after exercising. After 20 sessions with Ginger I was starting to see significant changes in my body. My back pain was gone.
With Ginger's never-ending patience, expertise and encouragement my body has totally changed! Now two and a half years later I have never been more flexible, my core strength has improved dramatically and so has my posture. I have lost a total of 4 inches off my hips and 2 and a half off my waist. Ginger, I look forward to many more years of my Pilates journey with you. I am forever grateful to you for teaching me Pilates and changing my life!
— Penny Hubbard
Sales Account Manager
"I have taken Pilates with Ginger for almost a year, and I love it. When I signed up for the class, I thought I would become more "toned." But, through the months, I have noticed that I am stronger and have improved my posture. Pilates is a great stress relief for me after a busy day — I can tune out everything and focus on each movement.
"Ginger teaches by helping you, not just doing the movements along with you. She always takes the time to make sure you are doing all the movements correctly, whether you are in a private lesson or taking a mat class. She notices the tiniest details and helps you change."
— Melissa Hoffman
Financial reporter
"I come from a long line of back pain sufferers. After suffering a ruptured disc and enduring surgery to repair it, I was informed that rehabilitation would be required.
"I tried the physical therapy prescribed by the neurosurgeon for the recommended time but I was always uncomfortable when I woke up or after a long day of bending over while treating my dental patients.
"My mother suggested I try Pilates training — and that made the difference. I cannot thank Ginger enough for having improved my core muscle tone, relieving my muscle spasms, and stabilizing my hyper mobile vertebral joints.
"Pilates has allowed me to be an active 46-year-old father to my two daughters. I was always afraid that I would not be healthy enough to teach them the fun of just playing!"
— Dr. Jay Vandewater
Dentist