About Donna Parsons

How Did I Get Here?

When I first ventured into a Pilates studio, I had a mysterious hip injury that, according to doctors, had no reason to exist. This situation had preceded the beginning of my Pilates education. The debilitating pain went on for about 4 years with no resolution. During this time I hoped Pilates could heal whatever had caused this problem and was deep into my first instructor certification program. Ultimately, it was too late to reverse the damage. Major surgery was my only option.The hip replacement technology that existed at the time was not recommended for younger patients like me because total hip replacement was inherently unstable and would need revision within 10 years. (My doc at the time refused total hip replacement as an option, telling me I would ‘wreck it’ within 2 years. I’m sure he was not wrong.) I was truly fortunate to hear about the work of Dr. Harlan Amstutz in Los Angeles and his clinical trials for hip resurfacing. I was accepted into his second full trial and was able to have the surgery.

Because it’s a more complicated procedure that preserves the head of the femur, the results were superior without danger of dislocation, which enabled me to regain my strength and resume my physical life without restrictions. After a full year of diligent rehabilitation, it has now been an amazing 23 years of ongoing success. I was able to use my Pilates training as both pre-habilitation and post surgery rehabilitation in the context of applying all the basic principles of the system and working from a full body perspective rather than relying on physical therapy. I was able to regain all previous range of motion while increasing full body strength and stability. Even though my doctor told me it was impossible to increase hip mobility after the first year, every time I showed up in his office year after year for the evaluation required by the study, I had more strength and range of motion. I have dedicated my professional life to sharing my experience with others to help them realign and strengthen their bodies, whether for elite athletic achievement or strong healthy joints in order to live more enjoyable and functional lives. Even though the technology of joint replacement has come a long way since my surgery 23 years ago I believe we should turn our attention to the root causes that result in artificial replacement. Human joints are far superior to artificial joints. We are truly fortunate to have replacement technology but we are far too quick to believe that joints are ultimately disposable and that the root cause of joint disintegration is normal and inevitable. This could not be more wrong and blind. Instead of leaning into technology, which will always be inferior to the human body, my goal is to teach people how to take the fate of their bodies into their own hands. In many cases if the appropriate action is taken to realign the joints and address the root cause of the dysfunction early, we can prevent the necessity of joint replacement. The health of our bodies is our responsibility and can be within our control.

Certifications and Education

Stott Pilates Full Certification (Essential, Intermediate, Advanced)

Stott Pilates Instructor Trainer (former)

Balanced Body Master Trainer (former)

West Coast Pilates Full Certification

Ballet Training
Bachelor of Fine Arts, United States International University
John Hart CBE, Director
Erling Sunde, Ballet Master (formerly of the Royal Ballet)

Modern Dance Training
Ernestine Stodelle (founding member of Doris Humphrey Dance Co)

Professional Experience

Director of Ballet Curriculum
New England Ballet, CT

Ballet Instruction
New Haven Ballet, CT
Yale University, CT

Pilates Instructor Training Workshops
San Diego, CA
London, UK
Chicago, IL

Studio Owner
Pilates of North County
San Diego, CA

Director of Pilates
Tri City Wellness
Carlsbad, CA

Senior Pilates Instructor
Pillar Performance
San Diego, CA

Studio 8
Chicago, IL

My Personal Pilates Story

I was born and raised in Los Angeles as a second generation Californian. From my earliest memories I have always sought out physical activity. I played soccer and ran track as a kid as well as ballet lessons from the age of 5. It was my desire to become a professional ballet dancer and although that did not happen at the level I had imagined I was able to have incredible experiences and study with world renown teachers. Ballet and modern dance training, along with a clear definition of the Pilates principles serve as the foundation for my teaching. It is my desire to share my accumulated knowledge with others.

I studied with Pilates master teachers who inspired me to learn the many aspects of the method as well as its original intentions, including the practice of daily mat work. My education also includes incorporating the tools of anatomy and physiology, which give me the ability to go deeper into the original intention of the work. I disagree with current contemporary education that interprets Pilates as a form of personal training or physical therapy. It is neither. This is why the true potential of its benefits have not been well understood by the general public. It lives in a very different world and when done correctly, becomes the bedrock for all other forms of training. I teach the Pilates principles clearly and effectively in the context of the complete system to those who are inspired to reach for a different experience. It is my goal to provide a more accurate explanation of Pilates rather than allowing it to be defined by the culture of the moment.

My experience includes extensive training from three significant branches of Pilates education. I became an instructor trainer for two of these organizations and gained valuable experience working with aspiring teachers. I am no longer affiliated with any formal organization, as I have taken my knowledge and experience into my own hands. As an independent thinker and curious person, I have been able to find the essence of Pilates and move it forward without losing its intention. I have found my own North Star that speaks to the truth of human potential through organizational analysis of this truly powerful method. My goal is to encourage and teach each individual I work with to be the owner of their own bodies and decide their own destiny.