Harmonizing the Body and Mind

Meet Emma Gandali, Who Teaches at White Lotus by Elizabeth Jackson

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Emma Gandali first encountered Pilates when a family friend suggested that she try it with her.

Now, nearly two decades later, Gandali shared she is still enjoying it—and she can be found teaching in the heart of the Village at White Lotus by Elizabeth Jackson.

“I began to see and feel the changes in my body,” Gandali said of her start with Pilates. “I immediately began to feel stronger, lengthened and more flexible. I found that Pilates harmonizes the body and mind.”

Gandali shared that this new found feeling and realization inspired her to start teaching.

When asked what motivates her to keep at it, Gandali said that for her, it’s her clients.

“Their progress and journey through movement keeps me inspired,” she said. “Seeing their moods lift after a session and watching their bodies become more agile motivates me to continue on this path.”

She shared that the most rewarding aspect of her work is also her clients, which she works with one-on-one and in semi-private settings.

“Seeing their bodies become stronger and their well-being improve is definitely the most rewarding aspect of my work,” Gandali added. “Their gratitude for the session and appreciation of the hour is also very fulfilling.”

Gandali said that her plan for Pilates includes integrating Gyrotonic into her sessions.

“Gyrotonic has introduced me to a deeper level of the mind-body connection and way of healing,” she explained. “My goal is to combine both modalities in each session to offer a deeper level of body awareness and mobility.”

She described it like an “internal massage and reset for the body.” She shared plans to include Gyrotonic to enhance all of her sessions.

“Gyrotonic classes are designed to take the body beyond its current limitations,” according to the program’s website. “People come out of a Gyrotonic class with increased freedom of movement, greater strength and more agility. Gyrotonic exercises are adapted to fit anyone’s ability, from those recovering from injury or living with a disability to elite athletes.”

The Gyrotonic Method has been created to open energy pathways, stimulate the nervous system, increase range of motion, and improve strength and movement efficiency. Each movement is meant to flow into the next, which allows joints to move with a natural range of motion, without compression. It uses specialized equipment to “guide, assist and challenge the exerciser.”

Gandali working with Elizabeth Jackson seems to be a perfect fit, as Jackson is a Pilates and Gyrotonic Master trainer, as well as Yamuna Body Rolling certified.

“My original interest was to be a physical therapist,” Jackson shared. “My background is in physics and science, plus my passion for humanity and the knowledge that both Gyrotonic exercise and Pilates were used in Europe as a physical therapy replacement drew me toward them. I also had deep pain from scoliosis, and Gyrotonic exercise was the only modality that alleviated my pain.”

When Jackson was ready to expand her Westside practice to the “lovely Palisades community,” she found 863 Swarthmore Avenue—taking over a space that boasted a 40-year background as a Vedic church, with stained glass windows set in a “serene courtyard corner,” which “creates a very healing atmosphere.”

When selecting instructors to work at the studio, like Gandali, Jackson shared she looks for people who are genuine, kind and polite, with a professional background that includes experience with injuries.

“Each instructor has a unique niche and background,” Jackson continued, “so the studio offers something to all spices and walks of life.”

Jackson, who offers private workouts as well as classes, shared that the feedback from the community has been very welcoming, that she has a “peaceful and professional space” where teachers offer “their best care to each client,” guiding them “through life’s obstacles so they feel stronger, more energized and whole.”

She added that she is very grateful to the Palisades community for having White Lotus, and for all the growth and dedication during its first year here.

For those interested in learning more, Gandali welcomed the community to visit her and White Lotus.

“I would love for the community to come in and try Pilates with the new modality I’ve fallen in love with, Gyrotonic,” Gandali concluded, “to continue on the optimal path of health and well-being.”

For more information or to work with Gandali, call 310-779-7788.