Philosophy
My philosophy is simple. I teach you the original exercises created by Joseph Pilates that will be most beneficial and effective for your body. I listen to your goals. I assess your level or fitness; i.e. range of motion, injuries, strength, and flexibility. Then I select the exercises that address both your objectives and your physical needs. With over 500 exercises to choose from everyone is able to benefit from the Pilates.
My Pilates Story
I was introduced to Pilates in 1994 while I was getting my Dance Degree at UNLV. At the time I had no idea I would end up becoming a Pilates instructor or that I would still be doing it for over 15 years. I became a Pilates Instructor when I moved to Chicago in 1998. Pilates was a great “job” to have while I was earning my Masters Degree in Dance Movement Therapy. So even though I had a great clientele at Body Endeavors, I gave up being a Pilates instructor once I graduated from Columbia College in Chicago.
In Chicago, I worked at as Dance Movement Therapist at Cornell Interventions, Associates for Life’s Challenges, and was fortunate to be a crisis counselor for Aon employees and their families after the 911 terrorist attacks in New York.
Once I moved to Los Angeles, my counseling license wasn’t recognized in California. Instead of getting a duplicate master’s degree or my PhD, I starting an in-home Pilates business. I loved my clients, but after 6 years, another business opportunity came my way. I went for it, but it did not turn out to be what I was told it would be. So I gave that up in March of 2013. After a few months off, I discovered my true passion is with Pilates. I love the method. I love the clients that are attracted to the work. I love that I can use all my life experience and education. And I love that I can assist clients in feeling better and gaining control of their health.
Pilates to me is a journey in self-discovery of my body every day – which connects me with a place beyond the physical. The more I connect with, and witness what and how I am doing everything I do, the more I can see how much I appreciate my body and myself, and that appreciation turns into gratitude. Gratitude for my being and life is why I believe Pilates is beneficial on a spiritual level as well as on the physical, psychological, and emotional levels. That is why I have continued with Pilates for close to 20 years.