Pilates Studio
About our
We are a sincere Pilates Studio with a straightforward vision. We believe that a Personalized Pilates session is the optimal way to get the full benefits of Pilates. The small details are crucial to get proper muscle activation and stabilization. Mobilizing and stabilizing the body through intrinsic and extrinsic feedback are key to advantageous results. We believe that closely guided movements that are tailored to the individual body are what will create profound results.
Rissah "ZsaZsa" Shao
Cleveland Pilates Owner and Studio Director
Extensive Experience and Practice in Physical Therapy
Comprehensively Certified Level 4 STOTT Pilates Instructor
STOTT Pilates Rehabilitation Pilates Trained
Certified Specialist in Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Pilates
Certified Specialist in Injuries and Special Populations for Pilates
More than a decade of Specialized Pilates Experience
ZsaZsa Shao is a Master Trainer, Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, and founder of Cleveland Pilates in Northeast Ohio. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background as a Physical Therapist in holistic outpatient rehabilitation, she discovered Pilates through its effectiveness in managing chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, movement restrictions, and postural dysfunction. ZsaZsa completed all four levels of STOTT PILATES training under Vivian Zapanta, one of Asia’s premier STOTT PILATES Instructor Trainers. She is certified in Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates and Injuries and Special Populations, and trained in Rehabilitation Pilates with pioneer Melanie Byford-Young. Her additional qualifications include Fascial Movement Foundation, Trigger Point, Barre Above with Pilates Focus, and TRX. She continually advances her expertise through continuing education and specialized certifications.
Known for her caring, charismatic personality and individualized approach, ZsaZsa specializes in rehabilitation, post-injury recovery, and helping clients overcome pain, movement limitations, and postural problems. Her Pilates methods promote neuromuscular adaptation, sensorimotor control, functional joint stability, balanced strength, mobility, and optimal alignment. She also enjoys mentoring Pilates instructors, having facilitated teacher trainings and helped develop skilled teachers throughout Northeast Ohio.
Established in 2021, Cleveland Pilates is ZsaZsa’s greatest accomplishment and the realization of her vision to help people achieve optimally functioning bodies that move pain-free. She creatively adapts Pilates apparatus and props to each client’s unique kinesiology and physiology, emphasizing movement quality and functional joint stabilization across all planes of motion. This individualized, rehabilitation-informed approach is the foundation of Cleveland Pilates, helping clients move with greater freedom, efficiency, and confidence.
