Get to Know Us

Cynthia Axtman is the owner of Bellevue Pilates in Bellevue WA

Cynthia, Owner

Welcome to our premiere East Side studio! My name is Cynthia, and I’ve been active in Pilates for 20+ years with Master teacher Dorothee Vandewalle. My family and I live in the Bellevue community. When I’m not in the studio, I can be found regularly on the tennis courts, volunteering my time conducting Bible studies, and entertaining our dear friends from around the world. I hope to meet you soon.

Meet the Team

  • Nancy

    INSTRUCTOR

    Nancy is a long term Pilates enthusiast and has been an instructor for over 15 years. She brings a special energy and enthusiasm to each class, and thrives on sharing the best of Pilates with clients. When not in studio, you’ll find Nancy helping people buy their dream homes in Seattle.

    "I can say unequivocally that Nancy is an excellent Pilates instructor. She is always positive, full of energy, creative and fun to work with. She gives specific cues and helpful corrections to ensure you get a quality full body workout. Thanks in large part to Nancy, Pilates has added a level of strength and fitness to my life that I might not otherwise have achieved" -BP Client

  • Genevieve

    INSTRUCTOR

    Genevieve’s passion for Pilates came from her passion for moving and being active. She started her Pilates journey in Maryland, and trained in Washington DC and New York. She loves helping people reach their fitness goals, whether it be to stay in shape, get in shape, or help them recover from an injury.

    "Genevieve is an incredibly skilled instructor and pays very close attention to posture and positioning. She frequently checks in and makes modifications throughout the session. I really appreciate her attention to detail in this respect. And overall, she's just a very kind person who genuinely wants to see her clients succeed and improve"- BP Client

  • Carmela

    INSTRUCTOR

    Carmela is a 2nd generation, classically trained, Pilates Instructor with over two decades of teaching experience. She has run her own studio and continues to guest teach throughout the country. In addition to Pilates, Carmela is an award-winning author of two books, a coach and a certified Spinal Flow practitioner. Her multi-tiered approach to wellness helps her clients literally - and figuratively - discover their inner strength and harness their innate healing power.

    “Recently I had a private session with Carmela. I have been doing Pilates since 2017 and wanted to try out an instructor who is classically trained. It was absolutely wonderful. The studio was beautiful, and Carmela guided me and helped me connect very deeply to the movement. It was a great experience!!” - BP Client

  • Kristy

    INSTRUCTOR

    Six years after the birth of her daughter, Kristy faced a life-changing diagnosis of Diastasis Recti. Determined to rebuild her core and restore her strength, she began searching for a workout that could deliver results without adding stress to her body. Then she discovered Pilates—and everything changed. From her first Pilates class, she was hooked—the mind-body connection and post-workout energy left her feeling stronger and revitalized.

    Pilates transformed Kristy’s life. With over 650 hours of training from a leading certification program, she is dedicated to helping clients find strength, balance, and joy through its practice.

    "Taking with Kristy is the best night of the week!" - BP Client

  • Anneliese

    INSTRUCTOR

    With over a decade of experience and comprehensive training - only 3 generations removed from Joseph Pilates, her unparalleled expertise and dedication ignite confidence, strength, and vitality in every client. Combining a profound understanding of movement with a passion for personal growth, Anneliese empowers individuals to discover their potential and redefine what's possible.

    Highly sought-after and known for her dedicated approach and personalized instruction, Anneliese has earned the trust of clients who value her deep understanding of movement and wellness.

    - BP Client

  • Janet

    SEASONAL INSTRUCTOR

    Janet was introduced to Pilates in her second year at Texas Christian University while studying ballet. Pilates helped her better understand the connection between her mind and body and fostered an ongoing interest in improving her body's movements. She appreciates how adaptable Pilates is, making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and physical conditions. Her goal is to assist clients in reaching their fitness goals and discovering the potential of their bodies and minds.

    “Janet does a great job.  What has impressed me most is her knowledge of Pilates.  The corrections she makes to my technique and form really help a lot with even more ergonomic and effective training sessions"- BP Client

Studio Policies

  • Pilates sessions at Bellevue Pilates are by appointment only.

  • Pre-registration and prepayment are required. Visit our booking page here.

  • We have a 24-hour cancellation policy.  You will be charged for your session unless you call 425-646-8400 or email info@bellevuepilates.com at least 24 hours in advance.

  • Socks are required during your sessions.  Practicing barefoot is not allowed. 

  • Please do not wear jewelry, or pants or shorts with zippers (to protect the equipment). Scented lotions and perfumes are discouraged.

Three elderly women doing Pilates on the Tower Wall Unit