Barbara Zaro is the owner and principal Pilates instructor of Balance Point Pilates Studio. She successfully completed her initial certification  through Turning Point Studios with Master Trainer Nora St. John of Balanced Body University. After several years of teaching, she began studying with Rael Isacowitz, founder of  Body Arts and Science International (BASI). Impressed with his work,  she subsequently completed a second comprehensive certification program through BASI.  Inspired by the way that BASI integrates both the art and science of movement with a contemporary approach to the work of Joseph Pilates, Barbara became a host and training center for BASI. Each year her studio offers the prestigious BASI college level Comprehensive Teacher Training  and Mat courses to aspiring Pilates Professionals.

In addition to her substantial Pilates education, Barbara earned the title Pilates Gold Certified through the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). This designation is recognized both nationally and internationally as the most prestigious certification attainable in the Pilates industry.  She continues her education each year by updating her skills and knowledge at professional conferences and seminars where she studies with the Pilates Elders and master trainers.

Barbara's extensive Pilates education and training  also includes specialty certifications on the most recent Pilates innovations --- the EXO Chair and the Spring Board. She opened the first studio in the Greater Sacramento Region that offers classes on these two contemporary pieces of equipment.

Barbara's personal path to Pilates began in 1997 when she embarked on a a post-surgical rehabilitation program for a serious back injury.  Her physical therapist introduced her to Pilates mat and apparatus as part of her regimen to strengthen and fortify her back.  She soon discovered the significant healing and strengthening power of a regular Pilates practice.  The progressive nature of the method brought her back to health.

In addition to her training in the Pilates Method, Barbara comes to this work with over 30 years of dance experience. She  originally studied and performed ballet on the San Francisco Peninsula and continued to do so locally when she and her husband moved back to Davis in 1981. For several years she taught children's dance, creative movement, and fitness classes for seniors prior to opening her studio.