My Pilates Story
Teaser - Pilates Mat Exercise
Did you know…
that I have 4 jobs?! Lol. No joke, I really do, and content curation and creation is not one of them! It’s just something I picked up for fun, but more on that later. Below is on my first job ever…
After getting certified as a Pilates Instructor in the early 2000’s, being an instructor of the discipline, as well as martial arts, and working as a personal trainer to hundreds of clients ranging in ages 4-80+, TEACHING people about their bodies has been, and always will be my first love, my most happy place, and something I plan to do for the rest of my life.
Being in my 40’s, I realize now, more than ever, just how important taking care of and listening to my body is, and how Pilates is the one practice that’s outlasted every other program I’ve ever committed to. PILATES IS LIFE and I have been constantly praying about, teaching, practicing, and figuring out just how to share more of my passion for it with all of you!
Showing off my new 20 year-old Pilates body!
I started training back in 1997, and soon became completely obsessed with Pilates. I couldn’t get enough of it, and my body started changing in form, flexibility and strength so drastically. I always thought I had good posture, but after learning about muscles I didn’t even know I had, I felt like I was standing 3’ taller.
I was training so much, that it became almost a daily ritual. I couldn’t deny the euphoria after every session and I wanted more! I started training in an open studio format, where I had advanced enough to be able to teach myself by using a reference card, with all of the exercises and required resistance listed, and soon I realized that I wanted to become an instructor myself!
Teaching one of my very first (and favorite) clients at Performing Arts Physical Therapy in West Hollywood, CA
This process took several years to complete. The studio that I completed my first certification course at was also a physical therapy clinic, and I learned so much about therapy clients’ weaknesses and needs during my apprenticeship there. I met so many inspiring instructors there, but one in particular, named Thalia Thomas, was the superstar mentor that would change my life forever and help me establish my career in teaching Pilates.
When Thalia opened her own boutique studio in West Hollywood, CA, I soon followed with my small client base in tow. Together, we grew into a family over the next 10 years, developing numerous programs that have really shaped the foundation of my teaching style today. With her mentorship, along with my martial arts background, I developed a very challenging, militant style of teaching the classical form of Pilates.
Celebrating Thalia’s birthday in 2021
Thalia still teaches a very small group of private celebrity clients, while catering to their specific dietary needs with her own nutritional programs that she cooks everyday in her very own kitchen! We share many loves together, from teaching, to cooking, to event planning and being crazy type A’s in all parts of our lives.
I wouldn’t have the passion for Pilates like I do if it weren’t for her, and I am still pinching myself about opening my own home studio with her support every step of the way! I am so excited to share this next piece of Happie at Home with you, friends!! With my studio, and so many years of sweat, laughter and tears behind me, I am working on tons of tutorials to share with all of you! Stay tuned, loves…
