Everything you might not know
What inspired you to become a Pilates instructor?
After taking classes for years, I wanted to be able to inspire people the way other instructors had inspired me. To be a part of someone’s path to fitness, strength, and mental stamina to help them push past things they didn’t think they could do.
What is your favorite Pilates move or sequence and why?
Ending a leg block at the back with kneeling inner thigh (I know, I know!) and going into super reverse twisted kneeling crunch – it’s a smooth transition and strong focus shift for the client. I also love starting with heavy legs and ending with a carriage lunge to really challenge balance and endurance.
What do you love most about working at BE Fit?
How would you describe your teaching style in a few words?
Form-focused and encouraging. I want you to leave feeling challenged, but accomplished.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching?
Spending time with my husband and friends, traveling, and tending to my plants – I have a lot of plants!
A deeper dive
Career & Inspiration
What made you fall in love with Pilates?
The first time I took SRT, I could not believe that my body actually did that. It was so much harder than I could have imagined, but it made me feel like a champion. Every single class I take now, 15+ years later, is still so challenging and pushes me mentally and physically. And in only 45 minutes! It’s just as mental as it is physical for me.
What’s the most rewarding part of being an instructor?
Seeing your clients get stronger!
How do you keep your classes fresh and engaging?
Keeping my routines as varied as possible, theme days (Friday Thigh Day, Intervals, Bilateral vs Unilateral), and adding in updated moves & variations.
Did you have a mentor or someone who inspired your fitness journey?
No, but I am constantly inspired by anyone older than me who is serious about their mind-body connection and staying active. Once I hit my forties, my focus shifted to longevity, functionality, and building lifelong strength.
Teaching Style & Philosophy
How do you approach teaching clients of different skill levels?
Modifications & amplifications! You can teach the same move to someone on their first or 400th class, it just depends on what’s built in and how you approach it. Different spring loads and challenge options go a long way.
What’s your favorite way to motivate someone who is struggling in class?
Be judicious with corrections, shout them out on the mic, and check in on them individually. I never want someone to leave class feeling defeated. Tired and shaky, yes, but not like they failed, ever.
How do you balance challenge and accessibility in your classes?
Again with the modifications and amplifications. I like to say that I’m building in layers, take it or leave it. Giving people the freedom to stay full range/skip the variations goes a long way. For those who can handle more than what’s being cued, I might send them to the back of the XFormer or go to 0 springs at the front.
If someone is nervous about trying Pilates for the first time, what would you say to them?
I get it! But it’s only 45 minutes of your life, so why not try? I let them know that everyone had a first time, there is nothing wrong with modifying (I do it pretty much every class I take), and they can take breaks whenever they need.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of Pilates?
Yes! I have been in the restaurant & bar/hospitality industry for over 20 years. I love dining out, exploring new places, and traveling. I’m also really into plants and being in nature. And I do crossword puzzles every day!
What does a perfect day off look like for you?
A BE Fit class with my best friend in the morning, going to the beach or on a hike during the day, reading a book outside at some point, and going out to dinner with my husband in the evening. Oh, and can I have 8+ hours of sleep, too??
If you weren’t a Pilates instructor, what would you be doing?
Probably teaching barre again!
Do you have a favorite travel destination or dream place to visit?
Somewhere with a good beach! Oahu & Mexico are favorites.
Fun & Quirky
What’s your guilty pleasure (food, TV show, hobby, etc.)?
There’s not a much better combination than peanut butter & chocolate with a good bourbon. Also, I love HGTV and cooking competition shows.
What’s the most unexpected item in your gym bag?
Sunscreen!
Fitness Tips & Advice
What’s your go-to move or stretch to combat sitting all day?
Interlace your hands behind your back and reach, open up through the chest and pull your shoulders back. It combats being hunched over a computer, phone, etc. You can even do it at your desk, but it’s nice to pair with a couple forward folds if you’re standing.
How do you stay consistent with your own fitness routine?
When you teach a lot, it can be easy to forget to carve out your own time to take class. I try to take class 3 times a week and supplement with barre classes once or twice a week, but I definitely don’t always hit that goal. It’s the same as it is for us instructors as it is for clients – you just have to make it a priority and show up!
What’s the biggest misconception about Pilates you’d like to clear up?
That you have to be a certain _________ to do it. Whether that’s age, gender, body type, ability, etc.
Inclusivity is so important to me and I truly want people to feel welcome when they come into the studio.
What’s one thing you wish more clients knew about Pilates?
That it’s comprehensive strength training! You are building muscle, gaining mobility, boosting metabolism, and all with basically no impact. Perfect workout, right?
