"Working with Raisa brings countless benefits. The Zoom sessions with her have been foundational to my ongoing physical and mental health during the pandemic.

In this era of restricted movement—whether we are fully isolated or just not able to see friends and live life normally—it’s so crucial to move. Whatever issues bring us to Pilates are aggravated by lack of movement—more sitting, working in bed, fewer walks, whatever. When we don’t move, we get jammed up.

Raisa is a genius about the human body! She has studied so extensively in so many fields, and this is evident in every session. She pays such close attention to everything that is happening. I feel completely safe—it’s uncanny how even in the Zoom modality, Raisa can tell exactly where I am holding tension or am off balance.

For those who come to Pilates to gain strength, the remote sessions are wonderful. The machines are so great and I miss them, but the mat work actually feels harder.

I have learned so many techniques for working with the four walls around me—the wall has become such a good friend in terms of movement, strength, lengthening. And I am continuing to learn new ways all the time to better understand, develop, care for, and strengthen my own body under Raisa’s guidance.

Working with Raisa is the best thing I have done for myself during quarantine. I recommend her and the Zoom sessions highly!"

- Kate C, current student -

For the private Pilates and movement sessions, Yoga classes and workshops with Raisa Punkki,
email punkkiCo@gmail.com or go to the CONTACT page.

These photos are from the ODC's Sanbox series, a month long movement laboratory, where we explored the body sensations that create movement and the movement that feeds the body sensations.

Photos and video by Raisa Punkki