My Journey with Pilates

I originally wrote and shared this post in October 2024 for Equilibrium Studio’s blog, but I wanted to give it a refresh and share it here on my own site. One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “How did you get started?” I’m excited to finally share that in a more public way.

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I took my first Pilates class over ten years ago. It was taught at the Y, and the instructor was an older woman who moved with grace and control. While I admired her movement, I hated the class. I tried it once and never went back. I wasn’t exactly someone who loved slow, deliberate movements. My thing? High-energy bursts! Kickboxing, hours of cardio, and running...that’s where I thrived. Pilates? It felt too slow, too meticulous.

For years, I chased intensity. I loved the thrill of fast, powerful workouts that left me drenched in sweat and breathless. But as time went on, anxiety, poor posture, tight muscles from overuse, and complete neglect of recovery started catching up with me. I sat too much. My hips were tight, my core weak, my shoulders rounded, and my body was paying the price for always being on high alert. That’s when I began finding my way back to Pilates.

The Personal Benefits of Pilates

Pilates has been a game-changer for me. The things I once hated about it, the slower pace, the emphasis on small, precise movements, and the focus on breath, became the exact things my body needed. Over the last year, I’ve committed to my Pilates practice, and I’ve reaped the rewards. I can activate muscles I didn’t even know I had - I could feel my back muscles engaging for the first time. My posture improved, and I started to connect with my breath and body in ways I’d never imagined.

Stretching? I used to hate it. I avoided it like the plague. Recovery wasn’t part of my vocabulary. But Pilates forced me to confront that mindset. Now, I realize how essential stretching and recovery are for performance and overall well-being.

Beyond the physical benefits, the most significant benefit has been reconnecting with my body on a deeper level. Pilates challenges me to slow down, helping me embrace the discomfort, not necessarily pain, but the discomfort of truly being present in my body. And let me tell you, slowing down has been hard, but I’m grateful for the ways Pilates has gifted me the power to slow down, be intentional, and have more control of my body.

Why I Pursued a Pilates Certification

When I began my journey, there were no Pilates studios in Detroit. There are now three Pilates studios in Detroit, and they all opened last year. I knew I had to do something about it when I realized that. Detroiters deserve access to this practice, and I want to be part of bringing Pilates to my community. I want to expose people to the mind-body connection, help them move better, and get them feel stronger and more supported in their daily lives.

But my vision doesn’t stop at teaching classes. I’m working toward opening a wellness space in Detroit, a place where people can get holistic support on their wellness journeys, a one-stop shop for mind, body, and soul care. I’m so excited about connecting with clients, hearing their stories, and helping them achieve their goals.

That’s one of the things I love most about Pilates...everyone comes in with a different reason. Some people want to feel the burn, others want post-surgery recovery, some want to be flexible enough to play with their grandkids, while others are collegiate athletes looking to cross-train. No matter why they walk through the door, I love hearing their stories and watching their progress unfold.

Learning at Equilibrium

To be the best instructor possible, I wanted to train at the best place. Anyone in the industry can attest, Pilates training is extremely expensive. Thankfully, I received a scholarship to train at Equilbirum Studio, the first STOTT Pilates training facilitiy in the US. I got the opportunity to train under experts who have trained longer than I've been alive. Training at Equilibrium was a true gift. The instructors there were incredibly generous with their knowledge and support. They held high expectations but were always willing to help guide me along the way.

What I loved most about being at Equilibrium was seeing the passion and dedication of every single trainer. They cared deeply about the practice and their clients. It was never just about fun music or getting a good sweat...it was about making real, lasting changes in people’s lives. I’m grateful they nurtured me during the CMR program.

Instructors like Heather were welcoming and willing to share their techniques and insights. I remember being nervous about starting to teach, but Gayle encouraged me to dive in. During supervised teaching, she was always there to clarify movements, offer tips, and give thoughtful encouragement. Amy Slowik was a game-changer. Not only was she an incredible instructor trainer, but she also went above and beyond to support me personally. She let me observe early morning private sessions and constantly pushed me to be my best.

This program challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. I set out to earn a scholarship for it a year ago, and I’m so thankful I did. With a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, I thought I knew how to teach, but Pilates was different. You can’t rush the process, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. The anatomy, precision, and depth are all part of what makes Pilates such a transformative practice.

A Path Forward

As I continue my journey in Pilates, I’m filled with excitement about the future. I’m eager to bring everything I’ve learned to Detroit and help others move better, live healthier, and connect with their bodies more deeply. Pilates has changed my life; I can’t wait to share that transformation with my community. This is just the beginning.