instructor bios

pippi vaughan bruggeman, owner
Pippi is originally from the Pacific Northwest. She received her degree from Oregon State in Exercise & Sport Science in 1995. As a competitive swimmer, she learned the importance of cross-training and injury prevention. Today her passion for fitness is continually growing in her professional and personal life!  After college, Pippi received her personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 1996.  She continued on to receive her Pilates Certification from Physical Mind Institute and Polestar in 1999-2000.  Since then she has become a certified Pilates instructor for golf, Level One Power Plate practioner, and a certified TRX instructor. Today, Pippi is an avid triathlete, mother, and fitness trainer. She believes that variety is the spice of life.  She strives to bring challenging and exciting moves to every workout.  She believes attitude is everything!  Pippi’s energizing spirit helps keep her clients motivated and focused towards reaching their goals.

abby hamburger

Abby has been instructing fitness and pilates clients in Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Irvine and Laguna Beach for more than 9 years. She continues her pilates education every year with workshops and conventions to keep current with the latest research and information in the pilates industry. She studied at Irvine Valley College and achieved her Fitness Specialist Certification, followed by a 24Hr Fitness Personal Trainer Certification and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer as well as APEX Nutrition certified. Next, she completed a Yogafit Certification and instructed at multiple studios. Two years later, she completed Physical Mind Pilates Mat and Polestar Reformer certifications which led to completion of her BS in Kinesiology from CSU Fullerton. Abby has had her personal training business with in-studio and in-home clients for the last 6 years.

sophia sosa

Sophia began her dance training at the age of six.  Her passion for dance continued into college where she graaduated with a BFA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach.  After assisting her pilates professor as CSULB, Karen Clippinger, she decided to get her certification from Body Arts and Science International.  In addition to teaching Pilates,  Sophia is a certified Pure Barre Instructor, and teaches various styles of dance including ballet, jazz,tap, hip-hop and modern.  She is a founding member of Jazzworks-Long Beach Dance company.  With her passion for fitness, she is excited to join bodybar and help motivate people in living a healthy and happy life.

nikki galvan 

Nikki is a certified personal trainer, TRX instructor, strength and conditioning coach. She is as a top notch running, spinning, and bootcamp instructor as well.  A military veteran herself, she attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.  As an avid athlete in college she soon discovered triathlons, duathlons and cycling where she has competed in the Duathlon World Championships for the past three years.  Currently, Nikki is in training to become a Firefighter.  She enjoys training individuals of all levels and abilities.  Be prepared to work hard for your goals!

carlina villaverde

Carlina received her Pilates Certification in New York City from the Center for Movement.  She studied under direct lineage from Joseph Pilates Protege, Romana Kryzanowska.  She teaches Classical Pilates, with East Coast flair.  She first fell in love with Pilates in college, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.  She teaches with a keen eye for correct body alignment, while giving a great workout.  

sunny yokoyama

Sunny comes to the fitness world with a background in professional dance.  She has been on the road with the Tony award winning musical of the Decade, 'Wicked' for much of the past 5 years.  She has worked in the entertainment industries in both New York and Los Angeles.  She received her certification through Stott Pilates in 2007 and holds a Bachelor's degree in Cultural Studies from UCLA.  Sunny recently received her Cardio Barre Certification as well.  Sunny brings her passion for health and fitness to bodybar and is excited to share it with her clients.

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