Instructor Bio
Lucas Smith was introduced to the Pilates Method in 2018. Following 2 years of personal practice he wished to further his understanding of the method and the connections it has to the mind, body & spirit.
Lucas studied extensively in the lineages of Eve Gentry through Core Dynamics Pilates at Central Studio’s in St. Louis, MO.
With the direction of Kevin Bowen Director of Core Dynamics Pilates in Santa Fe, NM and under the supervision and guidance of Mary Ellen Bryan Owner of Central Studios in St. Louis. In May of 2021, Lucas completed a 500-hour comprehensive Pilates teacher training certification program.
Through a classical style of teaching and intensive training, Lucas had the opportunity to work with other teachers and mentors that furthered his growth and development such as Kristen Schaffenberger Davis, Suzanne Ford & Kelly Fitzgerald.
Upon successful completion he began teaching and continues to work with other mentors like Chris Robinson & Carrie South at S6 Pilates in San Diego, CA. There Lucas continues his training by teaching private sessions and taking advanced level classes with other teachers.
Lucas appreciates teaching fundamental workouts with an emphasis in functional movement to his clients. Introducing the healing power of Pilates through a classical approach. He is devoted to helping his clients strengthen their bodies, ease tension & expand their minds.
Lucas enjoys art, travel, music, spending time with his 2 dogs as well as hiking with friends. He likes to promote healthy eating and outside of his study, enjoys learning more behind the science of nutrition + fitness.
Instructor Bio
Joe Gass had begun a wellness journey in his early 40s when he discovered the Pilates Method and quickly experienced how it enhanced his concentration, coordination, body alignment and awareness to connect breath and movement in and out of the studio.
He began his personal practice in 2013 at the Pilates + Yoga Studio in St. Louis, MO with Owner Suzanne Ford, as well as Instructors Kelly Fitzgerald and Kathryn Hoffman. Joe’s desire to learn the method & share it with others continued to grow.
In September 2019, he began the 500-hour Core Dynamics Pilates Teacher training program, mentored by Owner and Director Kevin Bowen through a St Louis-based host studio, Central Studios with Mary Ellen Bryan and Kristen Schaffenberger Davis. He completed the program in May 2021 and relocated to San Diego, CA that August.
He has continued training weekly at two San Diego studios, S6 Pilates and Studio Flo Pilates with advanced instructors including Chris Robinson, Carrie South, and others.
Joe is trained in the Eve Gentry lineage and specializes in her Fundamental Pilates exercises as a key component of working with a client new to Pilates. He focuses first on demystifying functional movement using the Fundamentals and teaching the introductory level Pilates exercises, advancing to the higher skill level work as a client demonstrates ability and desire to do so.
Aside from Pilates, Joe’s hobbies include art galleries, museums, live music, hiking the multitude of trails around San Diego County and spending quality time with his partner of 8 years and two dogs.
“"To neglect one's body for any other advantage in life is the greatest of follies." – Joe Pilates