Maricar Pratt – Owner, Mom, Wife, Entrepreneur…
Certified Physicalmind Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), CES, CGFI, PES, CES, BCS, HIIT, TRX
As a former certified massage therapist (certified through the Institute of Phsyco-Structual Balance in Santa Monica), I became interested in Pilates for its rehabilitative and strengthening qualities. I was exposed to the benefits of Pilates working in a physical therapy office, where I noticed the safe benefits and rapid improvements on post-surgical patients. I later enrolled and received my Pilates certification through Physicalmind Institute Pilates in New York. The program required over 600 intensive class hours and 2 years of hands-on training on all Pilates apparatus prior to receiving a certification.
I continued my education with Jillian Hessel at the Well Tempered Workout in West Hollywood studying an extensive Cadillac course for the special populations. I received my Personal Training Certificate through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America as well as a member of IDEA and The Pilates Method Alliance. I am also certified in CPR through the American Heart Association. Before opening BetterBody in Agoura Hills and Calabasas, I was a personal trainer and Pilates Instructor at physical therapy offices in West Los Angeles and West Lake Village as well as in public and private gyms. I am currently working with medical doctors, physical therapists, Chiropractic and Acupuncturists to create a specific and tailored program that will balance and restore the body to its natural and healthy state. I opened up BetterBody in 1999. It is a fully equipped Pilates studio offering private, semi-private and group instruction. Along with HIIT, Personal Training, Yoga, TRX and RedCord Training. Our staff of experience and Nationally certified professionals will customize a fitness program for your individual needs, including rehabilitation, pre & post prenatal, dance, golf, improving athletic performance or overall conditioning.
CONTINUED EDUCATION:
-TRX: The TRX System, also known as Total Resistance exercises, refers to a specialized form of suspension training that utilizes equipment developed by former U.S. Navy SEAL
-Certified Personal Training (CPT): National Academy of Sports Medicine ™ (NASM) has set the standard in certification, continuing education, solutions and tools for health and fitness, sports performance and sports medicine professionals. NASM has pioneered evidence-based health and fitness solutions that optimize physical performance and allow individuals to achieve a variety of fitness activity goals.
– Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI): takes the best of one-on-one personal training and group fitness and positively impact more clients in less time. Educated in skills and methods needed for designing and delivering a successful group personal training experience, whether that’s just two clients or more than 10 in a single time slot in a SAFE and positive environment!
– Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES): Athletes have high level of expectations from themselves and their coaches. They demand the best from fitness professionals who can provide them with unparalleled performance training results,
-Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES): The NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization (NASM-CES) is a proven program that can be applied to reduce muscular dysfunction and help you move, feel and live better.
– Behavior Change Specialization (BCS): Pinpoint motivational triggers and determine clients’ greatest barriers to change. Apply the appropriate intervention techniques aligned with clients’ personality, and identify their ability to change. Design programs that can yield quicker, more effective results, and help client stick with a healthy program. Adjust training methods as clients progress in training
Nutrition Certification (CNC): In Progress
Previous training: Massage therapist, Physical therapist Aide, Chiropractic Assistant and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
NASM EDGE:
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) EDGE is an APP that provides:
-A fitness assessment to analyze overuse or underuse muscle and provide an accurate guide to achieving goals in an effective and safe manner.
-Track and monitor clients’ actions, allowing for better accountability, and perhaps an encouraging nudge when needed.
-Quick access to your fitness information, anywhere, anytime, without the hassle of paperwork, filing and storage.
-An easy-to-use workout builder that utilizes clients’ fitness assessment results and the NASM OPT™ model to design safe and effective workouts.
-Ability to schedule workout programs to provide guidance for the times I am away from my clients. NASM Edge app is able to easily integrate video links from the extensive built-in library. Plus, clients will be able to let me know they completed the workout (or didn’t!) along with tracking metrics towards their goals. This extension of training services helps clients be more accountable for their health.
