Weeks - The BalleCore workout: integrating Pilates, hatha yoga, and ballet in an innovative exercise routine for all fitness levels

I would like to thank the following people who have assisted me and have supported my efforts with BalleCore over the years and throughout this bookwriting process.

First of all, I want to thank all of my former private Pilates and BalleCore clients and students who came to my former studio and allowed me the opportunity to explore, refine, and educate their bodies through developing BalleCore. In particular, I am grateful to Caterina Bandini, a news anchor and reporter, and one of my regular students. She experienced firsthand BalleCore's physical and mental benefits, and was the first to heighten the program's visibility in her capacity as a reporter. I am also appreciative to my loyal students at The Sports Club/LA in Boston who continue to inspire me by coming to class consistently and always staying focused and positive.

A very warm thank-you to my former teachers from whom over the years I have learned a great deal. Special thanks to Martha Mason, Juanita Lopez, Romana Kryzanowska, and Sheri Senese.

Thank you Jacquelyn Stathis at The Sports Club/LA for being the first to offer BalleCore at such a respected health and fitness club, and for your continued support. Michele Hanlon, group exercise manager at Equinox, and Tracie Finan, creative program director at Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women, have been such passionate supporters of BalleCore, which has been instrumental to the program's success. Thank you, Carol Scott; as director of ECA World Fitness and as a respected fitness professional, your recognition of BalleCore as an innovative fitness program opened many doors.

I am grateful to Laura Young, Principal at the Boston Ballet, for giving me the opportunity not only to teach Pilates but the chance to introduce my program to the school's young dancers. It's been such a privilege to teach Pilates and BalleCore at the Ballet these many years.

Thank you to the dedicated BalleCore instructors whom I have trained, and who are now teaching BalleCore all over the world. Your zeal to teach BalleCore and your hard work does not go unnoticed. You are reaching out to so many people who are looking for an elegant and smart way to exercise! Special thanks to my first BalleCore instructor and good friend, Nancy Jesson, who is always supportive, and to my first Teacher Trainer, Cristina Bruno of Bodywork in Westport, Connecticut; your loyalty to me and BalleCore, your knowledge of movement and creative energy is appreciated. Also, thank you to my colleague Nora Gomez-Dears, whose special lectures have inspired many instructors in my training program. To my West Coast instructors, Charlyn Huss d'Anconia of Core Body Knowledge, thank you for coordinating efforts to establish BalleCore in California, and to Dawn-Marie Ickes, of Core Conditioning in Studio City, California, whose educational feedback and support for BalleCore has been extremely helpful. To Luis Bravo, BalleCore instructor and Web designer, your patience and artistic ability is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to Nina Marquis, MD, for providing BalleCore's first medical endorsement and for offering insightful feedback on improving the program. You've been a loyal student and friend who recognized all the program's potential from the beginning.

Elizabeth Moon, makeup artist, thank you for making me look good during the long photo shoots. You managed to keep me looking fresh all day, and your positive attitude and laughter were just what I needed! Thank you for being a loyal student, too. Thank you Cristine Wu at Lord's & Lady's for doing a great job with my hairyou miraculously kept each strand in place through every exercise. Ted Lopes, owner and trainer of Innovative Fitness, thank you for helping me feel centered and strong for the photo shoot.

Karl Aspelund, thank you for your unique and professional illustrations. I appreciate your attention to detail and for working at such a fast pace. Thank you, Jennifer, for leading the right illustrator in my direction.

Angela Sterling, thank you for your incredible photography and for making this book the best it could be. Your love of movement and photography is so evident. It was such a pleasure to work with you, and thank you for going above and beyond.

Also, Ben, thank you for your assistance in the final hours. Your knowledge of computers and photography was a huge help with getting the right files to the right people at Ballantine.

I am extremely grateful to my literary agent, Laurie Abkemeier at DeFiore and Company, for her ongoing guidance from the very beginning. You have made this process an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. My thanks also to Brian DeFiore for providing his valuable expertise.

Tricia Woods of Sparkatects Inc., thank you for always supporting my goals with BalleCore. You have been instrumental in making my vision with BalleCore become a reality. Your marketing knowledge, professionalism, and ongoing support will always be valued.

To all the people at Ballantine, Johanna Bowman, editorial assistant; Vincent La Scala, production editor; Stacy Rockwood-Chen, production manager; Laura Jorstad, copy editor; Beth Tondreau and Suzanne Dell'Orto, designers; and Sarina Evan, publicist, my enduring thanks for all of your hard work. Special thanks to Maureen O'Neal, editorial director, who led the book production process from start to finish with never-ending enthusiasm. I am honored to have had the opportunity to write this book with such a dynamic team of professionals.

I would like to thank my family and close friends for always listening, and for truly being happy for me and my accomplishments.

Last, if it weren't for the love, patience, and ongoing support of my husband, BalleCore would not have evolved. Thank you so much, Jack, and to my little girls, Elisabeth and Olivia, you have brought tremendous joy to my life!