My Philosophy …

Physical Education by MRT is an exploration of wellness—woven with intelligence, humor, and love. At its heart is a belief in the power of movement and care to connect us to ourselves and the rhythms of life.

I approach every practice with curiosity and intention, creating space for transformation, whether through dynamic group movement or deeply personal one-on-one sessions. My philosophy is rooted in understanding where the physical and emotional meet, offering a thoughtful balance of strength, awareness, and connection. It’s about more than fitness or skincare—it’s about fostering a relationship with your body, mind, and spirit that keeps you grounded, vibrant, and alive.

Marina Rae Trejo has been immersed in movement and wellness since early childhood, growing up on the beaches of Southern California. Her life was filled with ballet, violin, nature, and a unique family upbringing of homeschooling and VW vans. She discovered Pilates in her teens through Julian Littleford of JL Body Conditioning, a former Martha Graham dancer and renowned Pilates leader, igniting her passion for movement, geometry, and design.

While in college, Marina apprenticed with Astrid de Wild at de Wild Pilates Studios in Santa Barbara, CA. This four-year apprenticeship, rooted in the mentorship traditions of Mr. and Clara Pilates, gave her a deep foundation in teaching and understanding the body.

After relocating to NYC in 2000, Marina shifted back to movement from a career in fashion. She taught at Power Pilates New York and co-founded happy now flat belly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which emphasized education, community, and Pilates excellence.

Marina furthered her holistic health education through anatomy studies with Irene Dowd, earning her 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification, and joining the inaugural teacher-training program for The Class by Taryn Toomey. In 2011, she became a licensed esthetician, blending her expertise in movement and wellness with skincare.

Now, Marina offers in-person movement classes in North Brooklyn, private sessions, and personalized skincare treatments. Her work has been featured in Vogue, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and T Magazine.

From a life in motion
to a practice with purpose..

Love Notes …

  • "Marina is simply captivating. With ineffable grace and a particular knack for distilling the poetry of the body into language, she somehow makes her classes fun and serious, spiritual and approachable, invigorating and thoughtful. She’s fresh citrus and avocado from California that somehow ripened perfectly In New York. Before her Plyometrics class, I had a true phobia of group exercise classes and cardio in front of anybody. She quickly chipped away at my fear with a unique positivity that’s so pure it’s somehow still palatable in the midst of the Trump doldrums. I never expected to feel such a sense of community and comfort in my sports bra! Something special happens in the spaces she occupies - her classes are a balm, a challenge, a release and a treat. I’m more at home in my body because of her."

    ♡ Imogen L, Film + TV Set Decorater

  • "I have been working with Marina for over 14 years and I can honestly say she is much more than a technically skilled and proficient Pilates and fitness instructor. Her knowledge of anatomy and ability to explain how the body moves has helped me immeasurably in learning and understanding about my own body and its various challenges, but in addition, she has become a trusted wellness advisor and has always given me spot-on advice about all things related to nutrition, stress reduction, sleep, meditation and exercise. Most importantly, Marina is an exceptional soul. She is generous and genuinely cares for her clients in a way that I’ve heard repeated by many others. Her classes are challenging but inclusive, she pushes in all the right ways. For all these reasons and more, she is a consistent, positive and glowing, presence in my life."

    ♡ Tina G, Real Estate Lawyer

  • Marina is wise but hilarious, soft but tough as hell, mystical but REAL... Her classes are challenging, novel, fun, and while they are never showy or competitive, Marina's methods inspire you to push and see new possibilities within yourself. Truly, her classes are so different in attitude than any other exercise class I've ever taken, and they saved me after having a baby and experiencing so many of the physical and hormonal difficulties that woman can face in that postpartum time. They've given me full confidence that, with some work and patience, I can love and understand my body again. What a gift! I am eternally grateful to Marina for her guidance, spark, and sense of humor-- the hours I spend working out with her are some of my favorite of the week!

    ♡ Jessica W, Business Owner