Kirklan Taber,  Fitness Director and Founder.  HOW KIKI YO CAME TO BE.

Years ago, while working with a personal trainer, I was hurt. Frustration around the injury soon turned to a desire to learn and understand my body’s workings.  That catalyst has kept me busy for the last fifteen years!

My first steps on this trek were to re-visit what had happened to me, learn from it and go on.   I concentrated on anatomy and exercise physiology (Personal Training), completing the AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) program in 1994 and The Amercan Council on Exercise Certication in 1995. While continuuing my studies I began professional training at “Your Personal Best”, a private training studio that catered to a clientele with sports injuries and disabilities. 

Working with this special population, in addition to my own experience with injury, I was lead to think outside-the-box.  I quickly realized that one fitness program does not fit all.  With this awareness I began to broaden my search for exercise techniques and fitness programs that could be tailored to suit each person entering my studio.

My journey has led me from weight training and rehabilitation to Pilate's and yoga. In 2000 I found that as I gained strength I was losing flexibility.  One day at the gym I watched a man in his Yoga practice.  I was struck by its beauty and grace.  Realizing immediately the need to incorporate this practice into my own life and instruction, I immersed myself in the studies of Yoga becoming a certified teacher in 2002.

With the mindfulness of yoga and its emphasis on breathing and the body’s core, Pilate's presented itself to me as the next step on my journey.  The Pilate's method with its focus of strengthening the body from the inside out inspired me to re-think “the work-out”.  The Pilate's method with stretching and lengthening movements can be paired with weight training.  The results are lean, longer muscles with improved stamina and balance. Kirklan is a certified PilatesFit Instructor through YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide.

A long-held dream was realized with the opening of KIKI-YO in 2004.  This studio lets me approach fitness training on a variety of levels.  Private sessions, small groups and classes offer a menu of re-habilitation, growth and maintenance. In July 2011, Kiki-Yo closed its doors.