In this episode, Deana Blackman, owner of Rhythm and Flow Pilates in Sharon, MA, and a Balanced Body Master Trainer in Pilates and CoreAlign, shares how the CoreAlign reshaped her teaching, how standing movement creates stronger connections to daily life, and how sensory integration, from visual to proprioceptive cues, can empower students to create lasting change. With a special passion for working with neurological conditions like MS, Stroke, and Parkinson’s, Deana reminds us that movement isn’t about perfection, it’s about confidence, freedom, and real-life function.
In this conversation, you’ll hear how Deana:
Discovered the CoreAlign and why it reignited her passion for teaching Pilates
Uses movement puzzles to help clients overcome pain and regain confidence
Integrates Pilates and CoreAlign to support real-life functional movement
Applies sensory integration (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive) to enhance learning and reduce over-cueing
We also talk about the powerful ways she uses the CoreAlign to transform lives like helping a client with chronic neck pain return to hiking and yoga, and supporting Edith, in her 80s, to walk out of the studio without her cane. Deana shares how she helps clients find freedom, confidence, and strength through their work, along with what’s ahead: her new CoLab classes and her upcoming October workshop on the visual system.
Resources Mentioned
Upcoming Workshop with Deana, October 25th 9:00 AM PST
See It, Move It, Transform It: Harness the Visual System with CoreAlign to Unlock Effortless Movement: Learn More
Deana Blackman’s website: rhythmandflowpilates.com
CoreAlign CoLab classes, workshops & community: corealigncolab.com
Guest Bio:
Deana Blackman is the owner of Rhythm and Flow Pilates in Sharon, MA, and a Balanced Body Master Trainer in Pilates and CoreAlign®. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she blends the science of smart movement with a focus on creativity and compassion. Deana has advanced training through The Neuro Studio and a special passion for supporting people living with neurological conditions.
Her specialties include:
Integrating Pilates principles with the CoreAlign® to create functional, real-life movement patterns
Sensory integration training (visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive) to enhance learning and reduce pain
Movement problem-solving for clients with chronic pain, injuries, and neurological conditions such as MS, Stroke, and Parkinson’s disease
Functional outcomes for daily life — helping clients walk with confidence, regain independence, and return to activities they love
Connect with Deana:
📸 @rhythmandflowpilates on Instagram
Follow CoreAlign CoLab:
📸 @corealign.colab
📸 @arwenbrooke_pilates
▶️ @ArwenBrooke_CoreAlignCoLab on YouTube
🌐 corealigncolab.com | colabmovement.com