BODYWISE PURE PILATES FOUNDER AND LEAD TEACHER TRAINER

With over 25 years of experience in the Pilates industry, Valerie Ezzo Lopata is an exceptional educator and highly respected Pilates instructor known for her expertise, precision, and passion for the method. Valerie trained directly under the legendary Romana Kryzanowska in the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning from 1998 to 2001 and received her comprehensive certification from The Pilates Studio of NYC in 2001. Later that year, she opened Bodywise Pure Pilates in Utica, NY, which quickly became a cornerstone for classical Pilates in the region.

Throughout her career, Valerie has continued to deepen her knowledge by attending advanced workshops with some of the most renowned Pilates leaders, including Alycea Ungaro, Bob Liekens, Peter Fiasca, Sari Mejia Santo, Juanita Lopez, and Mari Windsor. These continued studies have allowed her to refine her craft and stay at the forefront of Pilates education.

From 2013 to 2014, Valerie was selected as one of only five certified instructors to work directly with Alycea Ungaro in her prestigious Synthesis Mentor Project—an exclusive program designed to shape the next generation of Pilates instructors.

Recognizing the growing demand for skilled classical Pilates teachers, Valerie expanded her studio to become a Host Studio for the Real Pilates Teacher Training Program in 2019. This collaboration with Alycea Ungaro was a natural progression, as Valerie's dedication to training high-caliber instructors mirrored her passion for elevating the practice of Pilates. In 2022, Valerie was honored to be named a Lead Teacher Trainer for the Real Pilates Teacher Training Program, and she now travels internationally, imparting her vast knowledge to aspiring Pilates instructors around the world.

Over her extensive career, Valerie has worked with a diverse range of clients—from professional athletes and dancers to those just beginning their fitness journey. She is known for her exceptional ability to adapt Pilates to meet the individual needs of each client, ensuring that they feel strong, flexible, and empowered, regardless of age or fitness level.

For Valerie, Pilates is not just a method—it is a lifelong journey. She continues to be in awe of the practice's transformative power to keep the body strong, pliable, and resilient through every stage of life.

Valerie’s deep knowledge, warmth, and genuine love for Pilates make her a sought-after teacher who inspires all those who are fortunate enough to learn from her.