ABOUT
ROBYN THALER HICKEY
Owner and Instructor
Toronto Pilates
I’m Robyn… and I love Pilates!
Pilates is more than just fitness – It’s a form of movement. It goes beyond rock hard abs, treadmills, and weight lifting. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, understanding how your body moves, and building strength with a quiet confidence.
Before leaving my Nova Scotia roots behind to move to “the Big Smoke” to pursue a career in the performing arts, I completed my B.A. Degree in Drama and English Literature from Mount Allison University (Sackville, NB). After studying theatre arts and diving into the real acting world, I discovered that being fit was considered a part of the job. But I’ve never been a fan of the gym – all the frenzied flexing and fluorescent lighting made me break out in a cold sweat. (Not the kind of sweat you’re supposed to find at a gym…)
In my quest to find an approach to fitness that I actually liked, I discovered Pilates. And it was love at first imprint*.
*This is a geeky Pilates joke. We can still be friends even if you didn’t find it funny.
At my local Pilates studio, I watched instructors at work with injured clients, and I was captivated. I saw them confidently help people move through their pain, and get back to doing the activities they loved. The positive impact was contagious – I wanted to do that too! So, I left my career in acting to study biomechanics and Pilates.
I developed my passion for movement and an expertise in rehabilitation starting with Pilates Process Toronto, a method of Pilates with roots in physiotherapy. I continued my education with certifications in Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injury (Mount Sinai, NYC) and chronic pain management (Polestar Pilates). I am a certified instructor with the Pink Ribbon Program – a physical rehab program designed for breast cancer survivors, I am certified in Level One Pilates for Neurological Conditions, Level One Movement for Trauma, TRX, and most recently completed my dual certification in the Pre and Post-Natal Core Confidence Program (focusing on pelvic health and physical movement for the pre and post-natal body, as well as a focus in Diastasis Recti) and the Core Confidence Program (focusing on pelvic health, such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic girdle pain).
Most recently, I have been working with the International Labour Organization’s Canadian and Myanmar chapters, teaching Pilates and self-regulation techniques.
What I learned, is this: Humans are amazing, dynamic creatures, capable of incredible physical feats! The human body never ceases to amaze me. Even in injury or pain, our resilience and ability to heal is astounding.
As your instructor, I’m here to help you move through your injury safely so you can feel strong and trust your body again. My goal is to support and encourage you as you regain the lost confidence that is a very common side effect of injury. When we work together, my mission is for you to feel comfortable in your skin, and reconnect with what your body is truly capable of.
You’ll leave our sessions better able to enjoy your daily activities… without the nagging worry of injury and pain.
Marie Bouvet, Instructor
Hello, I would like to introduce myself.
I have been a certified Pilates instructor for over twelve years. I have conducted classes in studio and private homes drawing from extensive repertoire of exercises, with or without apparatuses.
I have currently many referred clients who are progressing through a programme of rehabilitation. This was designed to suit their particular needs and abilities.
I have a positive, caring personality and readily communicate this passion and dedication for helping my clients. They appreciate the attention to detail as well as the range of benefit and progression they achieve in their health.
I have my Full certification as a Pilates instructor from STOTT PILATES.
I look forward to working with you, challenging you and motivating you in your fitness journey.
Kat Franch, Instructor
My passion for feel-good movement runs deep.
To complement my love for movement, I hold certifications in Mat Pilates Instruction, Pre- and Postnatal Pilates, am trained in Reformer work and have a background in injury and trauma informed instruction.
I’m mindful meeting people where they are in their movement journey and I work to ensure that each client leaves feeling accomplished, proud, and most importantly, good!
My teaching style balances the classical Pilates principles with creativity and thoughtfulness for each client’s individual needs.
Leila Shaffaf, Instructor
Hi, I’m Leila!
I love Pilates because the mindful movement practice helped me learn to recognize and appreciate my body’s existing strength in order to work with and not against it, despite challenges with chronic pain. The body and its ability to adapt fascinates me. This interest grew from a childhood with many casts and crutches, to teenage years in scoliosis treatment and a spinal fusion. I have a background in biomedical engineering and really enjoy learning about anatomy, movement, and our mind-body connection. I am certified in Mat and Reformer Pilates by Muse Movement in Toronto. And have taken courses to learn safe and effective strengthening for those with scoliosis and spinal fusions.
Whether for fitness or rehab, Pilates can be so many things: gentle and restorative, powerful and intense, focused and controlled, as well as silly and fun! How ever you like to move, I want you to have fun, connect with and learn about your body. I do my best to encourage you, spark curiosity and help you find some ease and joy in movement. My goal is to help people to commit to their practice, ride the waves and stick with it. In our long lives, consistency is key, and every little bit counts. Congratulations on taking the first steps! I look forward to working with you!
“I came to see Robyn to fix my chronic lower back issues for good. Robyn was quick to assess my limitations of movement (which were many) and set about getting me back on track.
As I saw results, I started to increase my visits. Robyn varies our sessions with so many different exercises that I am long past counting. Her approach has been measured and consistently more difficult as I have become stronger.
Robyn is dedicated to the mechanical and anatomical side of Pilates, and is happy to explain things to me in detail. Her love of anatomy is infectious.
Robyn’s sessions have seriously added to the quality of my life. Getting out of bed pain free, being able to shovel my driveway, being able to carry camera equipment around all day without fatigue or pain – these are small but tangible improvements in my daily life. I am ready to start up other activities I haven’t been able to do in years.”