About Us

Absolute Center (ABC) began in early 2002 as the vision of Katie Santos and Louise McMenamin to create a Pilates and Yoga center in which their ideas about movement could be implemented. Shortly into the planning Louise realized that the vision would not be complete without the inclusion of their friend Claudia Moose. With Claudia’s vision, the trio developed the idea of blending Pilates, Yoga and Resistance training into the method they call “Reconditioning”.

During the next 9 months, weekly meetings lead to the creation of the plan of postural realignment focus using the latest research in movement and Claudia’s expertise. An important component of the company’s vision was the creation of an instructor training program that encompassed the ideals of Reconditioning.

In early 2003 the location at 3658 Mt Diablo in Lafayette was found, and the next 2 months were spent in negotiation with the building owners who were none too sure about what ABC was up to. Much convincing by the trio to dispel the idea of “lots of loud music and jumping around” enabled ABC to signing the lease in late January. With the help of friends and family, the beautiful space (half its current size) was created and opened on March 10, 2003.

ABC reached its initial goals for client and student attendance within the first 8 months and managed to bring aboard several highly regarded trainers to help with the work. The next three years were spent refining management and training objectives with time for fun and community events. That ended abruptly when Louise was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia on June 9th 2006. ABC was turned upside-down with her departure not only from the aspect of clients losing their fitness barometer but Claudia, Katie and the rest of the ABC crew were not sure if their friend was ever coming back to work or even if she would live.

With her diagnosis, the search was on for a bone marrow donor and with Stanford University’s help, one was found in August of 2006. Louise was accepted into the Bone Marrow Transplant program that month and began a rigorous regime of chemo and radiation to prepare her for the transplant. This was to be a 18 month journey, paid for by Louise and insurance. Our wonderful community rallied to raise over $100,000 to offset the costs, something we will be ever grateful for!

Louise’s treatment and recovery brought her back to us in September of 2007. Shortly before, ABC learned of the opportunity to expand into the space next door and in October of 2007, began expansion into its current 4200 square foot space.

ABC continues to develop programs for both clients and instructors with the help of its staff and contractors. ABC was invited to become one of the first Balanced Body University Training Centers and is proud to offer the best in Pilates Instructor Training both in its facility and around the country!