About Your Instructor

Liam Lavelle is a highly respected Pilates instructor with a deep-rooted passion for movement, rehabilitation, and mindful strength. Before discovering Pilates, Liam was a professional dancer, performing at an elite level. However, a serious injury sustained during rehearsal threatened to end his career. It was through the Pilates method that he found a path to healing, regaining strength, mobility, and resilience. This transformative experience inspired him to dedicate his life to teaching Pilates, helping others harness the method’s power for both rehabilitation and overall well-being.

 

Since 1986, Liam has immersed himself in Pilates, becoming an instructor in 1990. His training is shaped by some of the most esteemed figures in the field. He studied under Romana Kryzanowska, one of Joseph Pilates’ original protégés, and Ron Fletcher, whose innovative approach integrated breath, rhythm, and expressive movement. Marie-José Blom-Lawrence helped him refine his knowledge of core stability and fascia-focused movement, while Dianne Miller introduced him to a biomechanics-based perspective. He also trained with Joanna Abbott, a respected educator in Pilates rehabilitation.

 

Beyond the classical Pilates method, Liam has specialized in movement therapy and rehabilitation. He has studied with Greta von Gavel, PT, exploring the use of Pilates for injury recovery and prevention, and trained with Thomas Myers, a leader in fascia research and the Anatomy Trains system. This expertise allows him to work with a diverse range of clients, from athletes to those recovering from injuries, and particularly with older adults looking to improve balance, strength, and flexibility for longevity and confidence in daily life.

 

Since 2000, his studio, Pilates Etc - Oak Bay Village, has been a trusted presence in Oak Bay Village, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for movement and transformation. Whether helping clients rehabilitate, refine their technique, or build a stronger, more balanced body, Liam brings unparalleled expertise, compassion, and a firsthand understanding of Pilates’ power to heal and restore.