Several weeks ago Amie, from Peak Movement, shared an article on instagram from the New York Times about how Yoga Professionals are starting to participate in cadaver labs to better understand the human body and best support their clients. Through her instagram stories, Amie discussed how the Pilates Industry is unregulated and how little anatomy education is provided on becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor. Amie and I are so passionate about this topic and felt motivated to continue this discussion on this podcast. In this podcast we discuss navigating through an unregulated industry, our personal views on the importance of understanding biomechanics and anatomy, and how we can have accountability as teachers and clients moving forward. Interestingly enough, this topic is a very controversial subject matter, but we feel this is an important discussion to have to facilitate more conversations on how we as teachers can best support our students, and questions clients can ask to find the right instructor for their personal needs.
My name means “friend” in French, which is the philosophy I follow when developing and maintaining relationships with my clients. Each person I work with knows that they are welcomed in as their authentic self.
My journey began as a professional ballet dancer, a career that was cut short due to injury. I moved to New York City to rehab my injury and became a Pilates Instructor. Pilates was consistently encouraged as an adjunct to Physical Therapy. However, after years of increased pain, I realized Pilates was a big part of the problem.
It was because of this I stepped away from Pilates and became a Personal Trainer and a Muscle Activation Techniques Specialist. I immersed myself in continuing education programs including the Resistance Training Specialist, cadaver labs, neuroscience science and motor learning, and Trauma-Informed movement programs, all of which taught me the complexities of mechanics, motion, and how to safely design exercise for everyone, regardless of body shape, size, chronic pain, or injuries.
As I found my way back to teaching and practicing Pilates, I approached it with a new thought process that prioritizes biomechanics and thoughtful and safe exercise progression, through a trauma informed lens.
As a result of my twenty-four years practicing fitness across multiple disciplines, I have developed a unique style of Pilates and personal training. I work with each person to design exercise that they enjoy and leaves them feeling confident and strong. Clients are empowered to strengthen their body, recover from injuries, and uplift their souls.
After owning my own businesses in New York City and Washington, DC, I now find myself surrounded by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Colorado. While fitness is important, I now find combining it with time spent in nature is my formula for living a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
