Sarah Paxson
Palatine,IL
Summary
Experienced Pilates coach and group fitness instructor at Midtown with a strong focus on class programming and client motivation. Expertise in tailoring workouts to improve participant engagement and ensure safety. Proficient in fostering inclusive environments and conducting a variety of fitness classes, alongside effective marketing initiatives to boost membership retention.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Mat Pilates and Yoga Instructor
Peak Yoga and Wellness
Palatine, IL
06.2025 - Current
- Develops and instructs yoga and Pilates classes tailored for diverse participants
- Leads yoga sessions emphasizing mindfulness, strength, and flexibility for varying skill levels
- Leads Pilates sessions to maintain spinal integrity, strength, movement and flexibility
- Maintains a safe and inviting environment for all participants
- Guides students in proper alignment and safe practice methods
- Provides modifications to ensure safety and comfort for all participants
- Monitors class dynamics to maintain a positive and supportive environment
- Utilizes props and innovative techniques to enhance accessibility of yoga and Pilates for beginners and individuals with limitations
- Coaches and encourages participants during exercises and routines
- Explains and demonstrates fitness and conditioning techniques and movements
Pilates Coach
Midtown
Palatine, IL
07.2024 - Current
- Guides participants through safe, effective group and individual reformer classes
- Demonstrates Pilates techniques and movements to enhance client understanding and execution
- Designs and customizes workouts based on clients fitness levels, goals, injuries and special needs
- Facilitates special events featuring reformer Pilates, including jumpboard and spine corrector classes
- Cultivates a supportive environment that motivated clients and enhanced engagement
- Sets up, cleans and maintains Reformer equipment before/after sessions
- Supports marketing campaigns that increased membership attraction and retention
- Performs administrative tasks including scheduling, client communication, and record keeping
Group Fitness Instructor
Kinema Fitness
Various Locations
12.2023 - Current
- Leads group fitness classes in various formats, enhancing member engagement and motivation
- Designs class content and delivery methods to align with participant skill levels and sustain student interest
- Ensures proper form and technique in group settings to prevent injuries
- Organizes fitness events and workshops, fostering community involvement and raising health awareness
Group Fitness Instructor
Midtown
Palatine, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Leads diverse group fitness classes, enhancing member engagement and motivation
- Guides members through yoga and Pilates practices, accommodating various levels of expertise
- Leads daily yoga sessions focusing on mindfulness, strength, and flexibility for diverse groups
- Facilitates specialized workshops on advanced techniques, such as backbends and heart openers, to deepen participants' practice
- Prepares for classes in advance, select and queue music beforehand and begins and ends classes on time for maximum benefit to attendees
- Designs and implements diverse workout programs tailored to member needs and goals
- Builds and continually expands knowledge and expertise on latest fitness trends and programs and kept class content fresh and interesting
- Coaches and encourages participants during exercises and routines
- Monitors form and technique in group environments to ensure individual safety and effective participation
- Creates a fun and supportive atmosphere during classes by playing upbeat music
Associate Property and Asset Management Analyst
Northrop Grumman
Rolling Meadows, IL
05.2017 - 01.2024
- Storage lead for over 60 engineering labs, two offsite warehouse locations and the engineering dock
- Performed annual audits of lab storage cabinets to ensure all materials and assets are stored properly
- Tracked and recorded government and Northrop Grumman assets to maintain accurate inventory
- Managed logistics for transporting materials and assets, ensuring timely delivery to storage areas and off-site locations
- Coordinated with approved vendors to purchase equipment for efficient asset tracking
- Generated spreadsheets, presentations and charts to track assets and storage
- Facilitated movement of government hardware to enhance lab security and access
- Acquired secret security clearance for closed lab locations
SUP Yoga Instructor and Paddle Board Instructor
Stand up and Flow
Wauconda, IL
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Led paddleboard yoga sessions, enhancing student engagement and promoting skill development across proficiency levels
- Assessed and monitored weather conditions before each class, ensuring optimal safety for all participants
- Coordinated setup and takedown of equipment, streamlining class preparation and ensuring readiness for each session
Yoga Instructor
Pulsation Yoga
Arlington Heights, IL
10.2011 - 11.2013
- Instructed diverse yoga classes, adapting techniques for various skill levels and physical abilities to enhance participant engagement
- Maintained safe, welcoming studio environment, fostering inclusivity and comfort for all participants
- Managed front desk operations, facilitating sign-in procedures and conducting new student tours and orientations to ensure smooth studio experiences
Yoga Instructor
Tribalance Yoga
Schaumburg, IL
03.2010 - 03.2012
- Instructed hot yoga sessions, fostering a supportive environment for students of all levels and abilities
- Guided students in proper alignment, breathing techniques, and personalized modifications to enhance practice
- Conducted workshops on yoga philosophy and health benefits for participants
- Managed daily front desk operations, facilitating efficient guest check-in and check-out experiences
Yoga Instructor
Yogawerks
Barrington, IL
09.2008 - 06.2011
- Instructed diverse yoga classes, tailoring sessions to accommodate various skill levels and physical abilities, fostering inclusivity
- Taught Anusara and alignment-based yoga, enhancing students' understanding of poses and improving their practice across levels
- Guided students in proper alignment and breathing techniques, ensuring safe practice and personalized modifications for individual needs
Yoga Instructor
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest, IL
04.2008 - 06.2011
- Guided children ages 8-14 in yoga sessions, enhancing physical education curriculum with focus on mindfulness and body awareness
- Assisted students in achieving proper alignment in poses and breathing techniques, tailoring modifications to individual needs
- Developed customized lesson plans to address diverse student needs, fostering personal growth and engagement in yoga
Skills
- Class programming
- Class choreography
- Verbal and physical queuing
- Communication
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Client motivation
- Fitness marketing
- Event organization
- Safety monitoring
- Group leadership
- Building relationships
- Yoga alignment
- Pilates customization
Certificates And Education
- RYT 200 with Blue Sun Yoga, 06/01/08
- RYT 200 with Yoga Alliance, 08/01/09
- Balanced Body Reformer 1 Certificate, 08/01/23
- NETA Mat Pilates, 06/01/23
- Pilates Method Alliance, 07/01/23
- Balanced Body Reformer 1&2 Certificate, 05/01/25
- CPR and AED Certified
- Insured
Unrelated Professional Experience
Associate Property and Asset Management Analyst, Northrop Grumman, Rolling Meadows, IL, 05/01/17-01/01/24, Storage lead for over 60 engineering labs, two offsite warehouse locations and the 600A engineering dock, Performs annual audits of lab storage cabinets to ensure all materials and assets are stored properly, Tracks and records government assets and Northrop Grumman assets, Generates spreadsheets, presentations and charts to track assets and storage, Responsible for coordinating the movement of materials and assets to storage locations and locations outside of the facility, Coordinates with approved outside vendors to purchase necessary equipment for tracking assets, Responsible for moving government hardware to and from secure labs, Acquired secret security clearance for closed lab locations
Timeline
Mat Pilates and Yoga Instructor
Peak Yoga and Wellness
06.2025 - Current
Pilates Coach
Midtown
07.2024 - Current
Group Fitness Instructor
Kinema Fitness
12.2023 - Current
Group Fitness Instructor
Midtown
01.2023 - Current
SUP Yoga Instructor and Paddle Board Instructor
Stand up and Flow
06.2022 - 07.2023
Associate Property and Asset Management Analyst
Northrop Grumman
05.2017 - 01.2024
Yoga Instructor
Pulsation Yoga
10.2011 - 11.2013
Yoga Instructor
Tribalance Yoga
03.2010 - 03.2012
Yoga Instructor
Yogawerks
09.2008 - 06.2011
Yoga Instructor
Lake Forest Academy
04.2008 - 06.2011