It is our great pleasure to introduce to you Barbara Noel, our Maui Pilates Studio April 2021 Member of the Month!
Barbara has lived in Kihei with her beloved husband, James, for 26 years. They'll celebrate their 39th Anniversary this year. Barbara retired 6 years ago from a 30-year career as a Realtor, holding the position of President and Principal Broker of AA Oceanfront in Kihei for the last 6 years of her working life.
Barbara has been practicing Pilates for about as long as Pilates has been on Maui, for around 18 years, she figures. “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when the fitness classes I have always taken morphed into Pilates Mat classes. I started at Maui Community College with a group of like-minded women. At first it was a weightlifting class. We would all meet after work on the bottom floor of the library, schlepping our weights to class in roll-on suitcases. Maui Pilates Studio's beautiful studio is a far cry from those early days.”
“I have had many Pilates teachers over the years. Many of them were excellent instructors and I learned a lot from them, and I am grateful for them. A special shout out to Candice C., who first introduced me to Pilates all those many years ago. She will always have a special place in my heart. When Or opened Maui Pilates Studio, I knew I had found my ideal Pilates studio and teacher. His style of teaching is perfect for me and there is the added benefit of the beautiful studio which makes me feel like I am working out in Heaven."
Barbara has read two Pilates books we highly recommend anyone interested in Pilates; ‘Caged Lion’ by John Howard Steel, and ‘The Return To Life through Contrology’ by Joseph Pilates. We asked her what her biggest take is from reading these two books. “You do not need to sweat or strain or become out of breath to achieve fitness, strength, and flexibility. Pilates also improves your posture and gives you a feeling of well-being and satisfaction.”
We asked Barbara who is her source of inspiration. “My Father, Arthur Leva, who passed away in January at age 95. He was a World War II Veteran, a fierce Patriot, and a Noble Warrior. I am so grateful and lucky to have had him for a Dad.”
We wanted you to get to know a side of Barbara most of you probably don’t know. Did you know Barbara has been a volunteer for 22 years on the 'Dawn Patrol', a group helping to save the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles?!
Before she signs off, Barbara says she has advice to anyone interested in getting their Pilates journey started: “Just try it! It’s FUN! And it works.”
Congratulation Barbara! We are so honored to have you part of our Maui Pilates Studio Ohana!

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