About Us

Pacific Northwest Pilates is internationally renowned and recognized for intelligent whole-body fitness, rehabilitation courses, and workshops

Our Story

We know Pilates is a powerful adaptable exercies system that can transform bodies - and lives.

We experience it every day. in 2001 by Melanie Byford-Young and Leslie Braverman, Pacific Northwest Pilates (PNWP) has grown into a trusted hub for Pilates instruction, education, and community. From our home in Portland, Oregon, we’ve redefined what it means to teach and practice Pilates—blending tradition with modern science to serve a diverse range of clients and movement professionals.

As one of the few STOTT PILATES® Licensed Training Centers in the U.S., we offer world-class instruction and internationally recognized education under one roof. Whether you’re building strength after injury, deepening your practice, or starting a career as a Pilates instructor, PNWP provides the expertise and resources to support your goals. We strive to create a welcoming, science-driven space where people of all backgrounds can discover the transformative power of Pilates—for health, for career, and for life.

What We Stand For

SCIENCE MINDED APPROACH

PNWP applies a contemporary approach to the original teachings of Joseph Pilates--PNWP instructors teach Pilates exercise informed by current understanding of physiology, neurology, and biomechanics.

ADAPTABLE PROGRAMMING & INSTRUCTION

We believe in dynamic and adaptable Pilates programming to meet the diverse needs, goals, limitations and motivations of our clients.

BALANCED PERSPECTIVE

We encourage clients and students to discover centered, balanced, and efficient movement before integrating complex exercise, ensuring sustainable strength and mobility.

A CULTURE OF LEARNING

As a STOTT PILATES® education center, we expose our team and trainees to evolving methods and deeper insights, maintaining a high standard of instruction and an ongoing spirit of curiosity.

Meet Our Team

Struggling to apply what you've learned with real clients or patients? We've been there.

What Our Customers Say

"Five years ago I had a hip replacement surgery and the therapeutic Pilates exercises I did with Leslie was a game changer for a great recovery!"

-- John C., six-year client attending both private and group sessions each week

"Once I understood the Pilates principles, my practice went from the vanity practice to the functional strength focus. The feedback from teachers helped my teaching be more effective."

-- Inga T., instructor and PTA who trained at PNWP

"I really appreciated being able to participate while auditing. I learned techniques that helped me understand how to cue and progress clients."

-- Cynthia N., course attendee and instructor-in-training

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