Pilates Method
Cynthia Lochard
Level I
Principal Instructor
Tamika Walker
Level II
Michelle Ward
Level IV
Yusun Oh
Level V
Cynthia Lochard
Level I, Grand Master
Born 1960 in New York City, Cynthia began learning The Pilates Method in 1976, as a young dancer. Later she received a contract to dance with the New York City Ballet and worked for some of the world’s greatest choreographers like, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins and others. During this time she continued to practice Pilates at the then Joseph Pilates studio (Contrology) in New York City with Romana Kryzanowska.
By the end of 1987, Cynthia moved to Sydney during which time she continued to do Pilates with Alan Menenzies while maintaining her dancers body. Later from 1990 to 1994 Cynthia went back to dancing professionally and continued her career by joining The Sydney Dance Company and then later with Bangarra Dance Theatre. It was during her time with The Sydney dance Company that Cynthia met Megan Williams, and rallied to support the idea of beginning a studio on the Sydney Dance Company premises on the Wharf. This was the start of the APMA headed by Megan Williams.
In 1994 Cynthia returned to New York City to study as a Pilates instructor under the guidance of her teacher and mentor, Romana Kryzanowska – one of the last remaining disciples and protégé of Joseph H. Pilates. Later in the year Cynthia returned to Sydney as a certified instructor of the Authentic Pilates Method and opened her studio The Pilates Method. Soon after she developed a Training Centre under the name of The New York Pilates Studio together with the support of Sean Gallagher, Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Mejia Santo.
Cynthia began the first Authentic Teacher-Training program to Sydney in 1998, better known today as Classical Pilates. During this time she continued to travel often back to NYC to participate in the development of what is now known as Romana’s Independent Teacher Training Program. In 2009 Romana appointed Cynthia one of only three Grand Master Teacher Trainers for Romana’s Pilates worldwide. Cynthia has trained and certified hundreds of classical Pilates instructors in the Authentic Method, throughout Australia, Asia, New Zealand, United States, parts of Europe and Russia. Because of her love, passion and commitment to Joe’s work as thought to her by Romana, Cynthia continues to work hard to maintain the legacy and body of work of this program at her studio in Sydney, “Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Method Studio.”
Cynthia continues to be sought after around the world to conduct Seminars, Workshops, assessing students and presenting Continuing Professional Education courses , sharing her vast wealth of knowledge and experience.
Check out the video’s below for more on Cynthia and her life in Pilates:
Pilatesology – The Future of Pilates
Pilates Anytime – My Life with Cynthia Lochard
Experience
Romana’s Pilates instructor | 1994 – Present
Romana’s Pilates Teacher Trainer | 1998 – 2001
Romana’s Pilates Level II Instructor Certification | 2001 – 2009
Romana’s Pilates Level I Instructor Certification | 2009 -Present
Tamika Walker
Level III
Level III Instructor Trainer & Jr. Principal Instructor
Tamika, the daughter of Cynthia Lochard, has been involved in the method from a very early age. As a high-level athlete in her teenage years, Tamika was involved in a variety of sports including touch football, netball, water polo and competitive swimming before a sporting injury forced her to retire, and in the process, gravitated her towards a career in Pilates.
Given her experience, while having Cynthia as her mentor and trainer, Tamika excelled in the program, moving to New York to become one of the youngest certified instructors in the true Pilates method when Sari Meija-Santo certified her in 2009. Since her certification, Tamika has spent the past few year mastering her craft overseas in New Orleans and New York, while featuring as a guest teacher in New Zealand and Russia.
In addition to her Pilates certification, Tamika also completed a Certificate 3 in Fitness at the Australian Fitness Institute. Tamika has since been promoted to a Level 4 Instructor trainer of the Romana’s Pilates Training Program.
Michelle Ward
Level IV Instructor Trainer
Born and raised in Austin, Texas USA. In 2002 she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from Arizona State University. After college her interest in the body led her to study massage therapy, and in 2005 she moved to San Francisco where she began working as a body worker while training and performing with local modern dance companies. Through her dance training Michelle discovered Pilates and the benefits of a regular Pilates practice.
In 2010 Michelle made a permanent move to Australia with her husband and two children. She began training at Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Method Studio and quickly confirmed her passion for the work beginning the training program. Upon completion of the program, she stayed on as an instructor and loves that she gets to work closely with Cynthia and her staff of Principle Instructors.
In addition to instructing at The Pilates Method, Michelle teaches dance to students of all ages and runs her own Pilates studio in Engadine.
Yusun Oh
Yusun Oh, a former athlete and professional soccer player. In 2013, I played as a semi-professional for Japan, and in 2015, I returned to Korea to play in the professional league.
I discovered Pilates when it was incorporated into the soccer team’s training to enhance physical strength and performance. Pilates proved to be highly effective in injury prevention as well. Inspired by Pilates, I decided to pursue certification as a Romana’s Pilates Instructor after learning about the method. To achieve this, I moved to Sydney and completed my training at Cynthia Lochard Pilates Method Studio, a Romana’s Pilates training center.
In August 2018, I became a certified Romana’s Pilates Instructor, and for the past 8 years, I have been teaching alongside wonderful teachers at Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Studio.
I am passionate about sharing the positive impact Pilates has had on me, and my goal is to spread Romana’s Pilates globally. I aim to teach not only athletes but anyone in need of Pilates training, helping them improve their health and vitality in life.
Additionally, I am a certified soccer coach and physical education instructor.
Mick Bokyoung Cho
Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2013.
Gained professional experience as a physiotherapist from 2014 to 2016, with a focus on manual therapy for athletes and post-surgical rehabilitation. Played a key role as the lead physiotherapist for the 2015 Asian Women’s Junior Handball Championship.
Developed a keen interest in the role of exercise in recovery, leading to the adoption of Pilates in 2015. Began teaching Pilates in 2016, with a specialization in rehabilitation-focused exercises.
Transitioned to a full-time Pilates instructor in 2017.
In 2019, discovered Romana Pilates and began intensive training, gaining comprehensive knowledge and experiencing significant personal benefits from the method. Subsequently, launched the Romana Pilates program.
Relocated to Sydney in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic and continued advanced training at Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Method Studio. Achieved certification in 2022.
SeungAh Bong
SeungAh carries long history of combining movement with art. Growing up, she pursued a variety of artistic and athletic endeavors including dance, figure skating and various sports.
Seungah began her career in Korea, as a dancer and choreographer (in contemporary and Kpop) in fitness industry. She has worked with many dancers from all variety of age group (from toddlers to elderly).
SeungAh decided to further her development and passion in Australia. In 2011, she completed Bachelor degree in both ‘Dance Education’ and ‘Personal Development, Health and Physical Education’. Her studies, included different dance method and teaching various sports.
Now SeungAh is a mother of three and has a great understanding of the importance in maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle within our busy day to day.
She brings positive energy, a genuine curiosity to her work, infusing everyone she interacts with positivity and grace. She excels at helping clients improve their overall well-being. With her supportive approach, she guides you to develop strength, resilience, and joy as you persue active lifestyle.
In early 2022, Seung Ah completed her training at Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Method Studio and has been working under Cynthia Lochard’s team.
Alexa Kim
Alexa Kim; a dedicated Pilates instructor with a deep passion for classical Pilates. Her journey began in 2018 at Pilates Unlimited Auckland in New Zealand, where she was first introduced to the method. Captivated by its transformative power, she soon decided to pursue instructor training.
She completed her Basic Seminar with Cynthia Shipley, a Level Teacher based in New York. Eager to further her education, she relocated to Sydney in 2020 to train under Grand Master Cynthia Lochard. After rigorous training with experienced and highly skilled mentors, She earned her certification in 2021.
Since then, she has been honored to be part of the teaching team at Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Studio, one of the largest Romana’s Pilates studios. Working in this dynamic environment, she continues to expand her knowledge by engaging with instructors from around the world, attending specialized workshops, and participating in Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs.
Alexa is committed to helping clients experience the true benefits of Pilates, guiding them toward strength, balance, and overall well-being.
Mina Yoo
Romana’s Pilates Instructor Level 5
With a passion for movement and wellness, Mina has dedicated over two decades to the fitness and sports industry. Starting her journey in 2003, Mina earned a degree in Physical Education, gaining knowledge in various types of sports and obtaining multiple qualifications throughout her career.
Early on, Mina taught a wide range of fitness disciplines, including swimming, aerobics, yoga, health, dance sports, and many other fields, developing her expertise while still a college student. These diverse experiences have given her a deep understanding of how to tailor exercises to suit different bodies and goals.
In 2015, Mina discovered the power of Pilates and obtained her first Pilates qualification, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Mina took the next step in her Pilates journey by opening her own studio in 2016 and also began studying Romana Pilates.
In 2017, Mina undertook Romana’s Pilates Instructor training at Cynthia Lochard Pilates Method Studio in Sydney. Following completion of the instructor program, Mina returned to Korea to continue running her successful studio, while deepening her expertise in Romana’s Pilates.
In 2021, Mina made a significant move and immigrated to Sydney. Since 2022, Mina has been teaching at Cynthia Lochard Pilates Method Studio, refining her craft and continuing to share her passion for Pilates with clients in Sydney and beyond.