Tom McCook, founder and director of Center of Balance in Mountain View, CA, is an internationally recognized Pilates teacher and movement specialist. Beginning his full-time career in personal training in 1984, Tom designs programs for health and life performance for working professionals, people rehabilitating from injuries, and world-class athletes, including Olympic Gold Medal swimmers Natalie Coughlin, Jenny Thompson and Misty Hyman.
Through years of continuous study and his strong commitment to a daily meditation and physical practice, Tom has developed a refined understanding of what it means to be have a balanced, functionally fit, intelligent body. His teaching integrates Pilates, Franklin Method, yoga, hands-on bodywork, resistance stretching, BodyCode system, somatics, and life coaching, which enhance his holistic approach to working with clients and teachers. Tom produced "Combining Pilates & Yoga for Balance," an exercise video that brings together the benefits of Pilates and yoga.
Tom began his study of Pilates in 1991. He has been leading Pilates teacher training courses since 2001 for PhysicalMind Institute formerly, and currently for Balanced Body Education. He has certifications through the PMA, ACE, along with being a CEC provider. In 2010, Tom became one of the first Master teacher trainers in CoreAlign.
Since 2004, Tom has been studying the Franklin Method and is now a Level 3 Educator. The Franklin Method has been an instrumental part of his teaching, offering a very effective approach for improving movement potential and health through imagery and experiential anatomy.
Tom teaches workshops, conferences and retreats worldwide. He is part of the Passing the Torch Mentorship program offering continued education, insight and guidance to certified Pilates teachers. Tom also offers a 3-month movement and life coaching course, “Embodying a Balanced Life,” helping students to develop healthy practices, create momentum, and experience more freedom in their lives.
Tom’s goal as a teacher is to empower, educate and inspire others to live more fulfilling and balanced lives. He lives on the coast outside of San Francisco with his wife and business partner Karen deMoor.
To contact Tom, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
