Elaine Economou is co-founder & CEO for MOVE Wellness, Teacher Training Program Director and a wellness coach who has devoted her life to helping people get as strong as they want, to live a life they love. She designed MOVE to be a place where anyone can come to find the support, expertise and inspiration they need to meet their individual fitness goals and live healthy, balanced lives, regardless of age, experience or ability. Dedicated to fostering a continuum of care for community members beyond the MOVE studio, Elaine has developed collaborative partnerships with professional healthcare providers, organizations, nonprofits, teams and fitness clubs in and around Ann Arbor, including Trinity Health, Probility Physical Therapy, AFC Ann Arbor, Cancer Support Community of SE Michigan and Michigan Medicine. She currently volunteers with the Pilates Method Alliance Advocacy Board, Michigan Medicine Women’s Health Leadership Board and UM CHAARG.

She created MOVE’s Pilates Instructor Training program to ensure those interested in pursuing a career in Pilates teaching can get the professional training, mentorship, and growth opportunities they need to develop the highest level of expertise and knowledge to support their clients.

Elaine holds a BA from Hofstra University and certification through the National Pilates Certification Program, STOTT PILATES and the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods. She also completed the Wellcoaches School of Coaching program. A former professional dancer, she is a lifelong student of movement and the human body, taking specialty courses and attending several Pilates on Tour, IDEA and PMA conferences. She also spent nearly twenty years working professionally in non-profit administration in development and director roles.

When not teaching, volunteering or working on the business of MOVE, Elaine can be found walking her dogs in the forest near her home, spending time with her three boys and husband at home, traveling, and relaxing at their favorite “up north” spot, Beaver Island.