Everything you might not know
What made you fall in love with Pilates?
I started my teaching career in 2012. I went through barre teacher training at a ripe age of 23. Looking back, becoming an instructor was hands down the best decision I ever made. I taught barre until 2019 when I found BE Fit. The second I finished my first class at BE Fit, I knew it would be my future! It’s crazy how things work out that way. I loved how I felt after every single class – mind and body.
What’s your favorite Pilates move or sequence and why?
My favorite BE Fit move would have to be heavy squats and standing outer thighs. If you have ever taken a class with me on a Thursday a.k.a Outer Thigh Thursday a.k.a OTT, you will experience all of my favorite sequences. Booties and hip mobility are made on OTT.
What do you love most about working at BE Fit?
A deeper dive
Career and Inspiration
What made you fall in love with Pilates?
I started my teaching career in 2012. I went through barre teacher training at a ripe age of 23. Looking back, becoming an instructor was hands down the best decision I ever made. I taught barre until 2019 when I found BE Fit. The second I finished my first class at BE Fit, I knew it would be my future! It’s crazy how things work out that way. I loved how I felt after every single class – mind and body.
What’s the most rewarding part of being an instructor?
The most rewarding part about being an instructor is seeing clients get stronger together because they found a place that speaks to them like it speaks to us. It is hard as heck and that is a true community. I have met some of my bestest friends at BE Fit. Seeing my regulars is what truly is the most rewarding part. It doesn’t ever feel like “work” when you connect with clients on that level.
Teaching Style and Philosophy
How do you approach teaching clients of different skill levels?
Understanding everyone has different body types and mobilities! All our muscles function the same, but that does not mean we are all conditioned the same. Understanding the clients body type truly makes the biggest difference.
What’s your favorite way to motivate someone who is struggling in class?
Talking about the muscles they are using and feeling. You can really connect with yourself when you understand what is actually going on and why. Everyone wants toned abs and butt, but understanding how you get there is the true motivation.
How do you balance challenge and accessibility in your classes?
Offering modifications, amplifications and motivation. I love having a variation and choreography flow that links every single exercise in class. Clients expect it in each exercise and choose to enter each one with whatever they need that day. Modifications do not equal weakness, if anything they are the complete opposite. It’s understanding what your body needs in that moment and listening. That is growth.
If someone is nervous about trying Pilates for the first time, what would you say to them?
You never know until you try it. Our bodies are capable of life and miracles beyond our understanding. Pilates is a functional use of our muscles without the harm on our joints and mind. The hardest part is getting there and once you are finished you will wonder what took you so long to try it! It’s a motivational type of humbling.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of Pilates?
Yes! I am a huge fantasy and sci-fi reader. Everything from Frank Herbert to Sarah J Maas to Anne Rice. I am also an artist. You might recognize my work on the walls in the OC and Long Beach studios 😉 I have been drawing and painting since I was 5 years old.
What’s a perfect day off for you?
I am NOT a morning person by any means. So, my perfect day off starts without having an alarm. Waking up, putting on a record and reading alongside my Italian greyhound, Idgie. I am typically really tired after a full week of teaching, so I am not usually functioning til late afternoon when I have either fun dinner plans or walk into town to listen to some live music with friends! I also recently got myself a Disney pass! There is nothing more nostalgic than Disneyland around the holidays, especially Halloween time. I love fitting in a couple of hours at the park with friends on days off, too.
Personal Life and Hobbies
If you weren’t a Pilates instructor, what would you be doing?
I would be in the design world! I have a BS in Interior Design, so I would think that I would be doing something very creative in design.
Do you have a favorite travel destination or dream place to visit?
I absolutely love traveling. Nothing compares to the Swiss Alps and the Scottish Highlands though. I have been dying to go to South America for over a decade! I would love to see the Andes and dance the Tango in Buenos Aires.
Fun and Quirky
What’s your guilty pleasure (food, TV show, etc.)?
Besides reading? I love binge watching medical dramas haha! I think in my past life I was definitely a surgeon. Food obsession? I love snacking on anything Trader Joe’s has to offer. My current guilty pleasure would have to be their cashew butter cover cashews. Absolutely should be illegal.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Stevie Nicks, without question. I would probably pass out from being that close to her, tbh, but I would love to hear her stories in person. Her music has always been a big part of my life. Stevie has an answer in her lyrics for every situation! Every. Single. One.
What’s the most unexpected item in your gym bag?
I always carry a small massage ball in my bag. It is a must when you live such an active lifestyle! I also always carry around a small tape measure. Probably a habit from my design intern days, but it truly does come in handy more often than you would think.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I have an insanely good memory. I am not sure if it is a talent or a curse!
Fitness Tips and Advice
What’s your go-to move or stretch to combat sitting all day?
I am rarely ever sitting all day unless I am on an airplane, but when clients ask what they should do, I always tell them hip mobility exercises. Hip rotations help alleviate any low back discomfort so much. It really all comes down to how we support our spine.
How do you stay consistent with your own fitness routine?
My mental health is what keeps my routine consistent. Those neurotransmitters dictate a lot! Movement = reward.
What’s one thing you wish more clients knew about Pilates?
You can do pilates in every stage of life. All or most injuries, pregnancy, and ages can get through class using modifications and proper motivation.
