At Body Design by Alissa, we believe in having fun while exercising and building personal relationships. We care about you and are personally invested in helping you reach your fitness goals. We want to get to know you and will create a program that will help fit your lifestyle, budget and specific fitness needs. Body Design by Alissa is a small boutique training studio, not a big get-lost-in-the-crowd gym. We specialize in giving you individualized, unique, specific attention that provides you with accountability, results, and support. Our studio makes you feel comfortable. And… did I say we have a lot of FUN, yet?
We look forward to getting you into the best shape of your life!
Alissa Harakal (owner)
Alissa’s passion for exercise and fitness began at the age of 3 when she had her first dance class. She still enjoys all forms of dancing today and integrates it into her workout routines.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, Alissa took a year to complete a certification in massage therapy. She then received her master’s degree, specializing in biomechanics and knee osteoarthritis. While attending her master’s program, she helped run a stage II cardiac rehabilitation program.
Alissa continued her education at the University of Michigan for two more years in pursuit of a PhD in biomechanics.
Alissa now owns and operates Body Design by Alissa, LLC. Her days consist of laughing with her clients and supporting them in staying healthy, fit and vibrant.
Alissa is committed to the highest quality of training in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Integrating dance, personal training, pilates and massage creates a unique approach to fitness. She is regularly reassessing her own training techniques and those of the Body Design by Alissa instructors by requiring completion of new certification programs and staying up-to-date with the latest fitness research and methods.
Alissa currently holds the following certifications:
Susan Scheiffley (instructor)
Susan is your typical working mom who leans in. Having struggled with her weight her whole life, including extreme obesity, Susan empathizes with those who suffer the mental anguish and sense of defeat caused by excess weight. She understands the nature of compulsive overeating, poor nutritional choices, and the resulting lack of energy which leads to a sedentary lifestyle. She got serious about her health and fitness when she had a daughter and wanted to be a better food and exercise role model for her child.
Susan found Pilates and fell in love with the gentle but highly effective total body toning. She found that improving her core, created improved mobility and enabled her to get in better shape to tackle other forms of exercise that she also enjoys, such as walking, TRX, cross fit circuit training, body pump, and even dance cardio! Susan decided to go through Stott Pilates training because she wants to help others permanently break the obesity cycle and become the best version of themselves – for good. Today, Susan is able to maintain her weight and live an active lifestyle by making her daily fitness regimen a top priority. Everyone in her family has not only benefited from her improved mood and vitality, they too have taken a healthier path and focus on healthy eating and exercise as an essential part of their daily self care.
Jeannine Burgett
Jeannine Burgett PT, CPI comes from a background of over 30 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and is certified in Pilates training through APPI America. She became a PT because she wanted to help others be healthy and active. She began using Pilates in her clinic and saw such great results that she obtained her Pilates certification and joined the wellness community. Jeannine lives with her husband and teenage daughter in Springfield, VA. She also has two grown sons, a sweet daughter in law and a cute 2 y/o grand-daughter who all live in Texas. Jeannine is excited about partnering with Body Design by Alissa and helping others achieve optimal wellness through the principles of Pilates at the Burke Wellness Center.