, ,

Pilates for the lumbar spine

Stephanie Oldre started the MOVE instructor training program in 2017 after falling in love with Pilates and what it did for her body. That same year, she had x-rays taken of her back showing hyperlordosis, an exaggerated curve of the lumbar spine. Two years later, she’s celebrating a new and very different image of her lower back and putting her love of Pilates into practice on behalf of her clients.

From diving, swimming and weight-lifting to Pilates

Stephanie first fell in love with fitness and working out as a swimmer and diver in high school. She practiced twice per day and was encouraged to lift weights two to three times per week. She recalls, “We were encouraged to lift heavy, and I built up quite a bit of muscle. But stretching was never really taught or prioritized.”

During her time diving, Stephanie ended up hyperextending her back while attempting a reverse dive, which resulted in some lower back pain. She was able to get some massage therapy but otherwise maintained her usual workouts and continued to lift weights beyond high school.

Pilates, pregnancy and weight gain

In 2008, Stephanie had her first child through cesarean section. And over the course of the pregnancy, she gained an unexpected amount of weight. At 5 feet 2 inches tall, she had started her pregnancy at 130 pounds. At the time of delivery, she was 205 pounds, going down to 185 pounds shortly after. 

“I had never been overweight before and this was really hard for me to deal with. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror.”

While Stephanie did slowly lose the extra weight through returning to everyday activities like walking and waitressing, she quickly noticed that she’d also lost much of the strength she once had.

Around the time her son turned three-years-old, Stephanie joined a gym. But this time she had an interest in toning her body rather than simply building muscle, and heard that Pilates was the thing to do.

A passion for Pilates practice and efficient exercise

Stephanie was hooked from her very first Pilates experience. She practiced Mat Pilates regularly and saw differences in her body she’d never seen before.

“I fell in love. It felt as if I had core strength for the first time ever. Which is nuts considering I’d been so active with weight lifting in the past,” she says. “I was going to the gym just twice a week for Pilates and some cardio and ended up being my smallest size and lightest weight ever.”

Early on during Stephanie’s Pilates work, her instructor Ginger noted what a natural she was at it and suggested she might consider becoming an instructor herself. Stephanie, despite loving this new experience, had to laugh. With a young child and a very necessary full-time paycheck from her traditional desk job, it just didn’t seem feasible. 

“Over the years, Ginger continued to encourage me to look into it. She could tell how much I loved it. But I continued to laugh it off as a dream idea.”

Deciding to become a Pilates instructor

Five years after the birth of her first son, Stephanie had a second child. And after a brief interruption to her new favorite fitness routine, Stephanie found her way back to Pilates and added some weight training back into her routine as well. But something still felt off.

“After I went back to work after maternity leave, it never felt right,” she remembers. “I was always wishing that I could somehow work a more flexible schedule so that I could be home with my kids. But when you have a good job with good money and benefits, that’s hard to do.”

However, Stephanie and her husband eventually decided that a change was doable and it was time for something else. And it didn’t take long for her to realize exactly what that something else should be.

Stephanie went back to her Pilates instructor and asked about next steps. Ginger sent her to Elaine Economou at MOVE Wellness, where she was able to join the new instructor training class. “I loved mat Pilates and loved helping people, but I didn’t know anything about Reformer or other equipment. I suddenly realized I had all these new tools at my disposal for helping people. It was intense and a great learning experience.”

That passion for learning and helping others was also evident to Elaine. “It was obvious Stephanie would make a great trainer. She told me this story about helping her father-in-law develop a fitness routine that eventually improved his health.”

Lower back pain, tight muscles and the lumbar spine

Over the course of Stephanie’s instructor training, she noticed some lower back pain and tightness, which she’d experienced for much of her life but had always dismissed as “normal.” But working through and analyzing posture during her training helped her see just how tight her lower back really was.

And Elaine noticed the same thing. “Stephanie was strong. But she had extremely tight hamstrings, hips, lower back and shoulders. Her erector spinae muscles, which run along either side of your spine, were really tight and that made it difficult for her to articulate her spine and get balanced movement.”

The same year that Stephanie began her training at MOVE, she started seeing a chiropractor who took x-rays of her spine that confirmed exactly what they had been seeing during her posture analysis in Pilates. 

“I was only a little surprised to see that my tailbone was practically parallel to the floor.” But Stephanie knew that she now had the knowledge and tools at her disposal to do something about it.

From lordosis and a desk job to Pilates powerhouse

The bright side to Stephanie’s lordosis diagnosis was that she had the power to change it. Elaine notes, “I think that Stephanie’s lordosis was probably always there, but that her muscular imbalance and tense tissue, compounded by several years sitting at a desk job, gradually pulled her lumbar spine into a deeper curve.”

During her instructor training, Stephanie diligently chipped away at the tightness and tension she’d developed and brought balanced movement back to her body. She worked on integrating smaller muscles into stabilization, mobilizing her spine, and ultimately lengthening her back and relieving tension on those larger back muscles.

“For Stephanie, it truly was as simple as doing the exercises in a way that she could actually feel her body moving the way it was supposed to. Once she did that, her dedication and consistent practice took her the rest of the way,” says Elaine.

Stephanie had a clear, new goal. Stretch out that lower back and correct the degree of her lordotic curve using the Pilates principles from her training. She worked hard for the next year and noticed an increase in flexibility and mobility. She could sit up tall on her sitz bone without having to bend her knees and could feel the difference in the reach of her spine during certain stretches.

New spine x-rays and a new Pilates trainer

In April 2019, Stephanie went back to her chiropractor and had new x-rays taken of her back. The images spoke for themselves. The extreme curve to her lower back had been corrected. “I am living proof of what Pilates can do. And more important, I now know how to help other people with the same issues and can confidently say, “Yes, I CAN help you with that!”

For Stephanie, making a difference for her clients by helping them be more mobile and pain-free is the best part of her new job. And she’ll be the first one to tell you that experiencing limited mobility in her own body helps her relate to what others are going through. 

“My favorite thing about teaching Pilates is knowing that I’m making a difference in so many lives. Hearing stories of what they can do now and what they weren’t able to do before. That never gets old.”

Elaine agrees that Stephanie’s own experience paved the way for a bright future in teaching and healing. “Stephanie really came to this work enjoying it in her body and with a desire to help others. She realized during instructor training that she could actually unravel her own unique postural issues. That, to me, is a great pathway to becoming a trainer.”

Consistent Pilates practice can heal your body

One of the biggest takeaways from Stephanie’s experience is that consistent Pilates practice with the help of a supportive, knowledgeable trainer can have a life-changing impact on your fitness. Having that set of expert eyes on your body and working toward relieving pain and increasing mobility, rather than just treating symptoms, sets the stage for aging well.

Recently, Stephanie was asked if she had a favorite Pilates exercise or apparatus. And true to form, her love of all things Pilates made it impossible to decide.

“There are so many good ones. I love the versatility of the Reformer and the challenge involved with chair exercises. Oblique work on the chair is awesome. Feet-in-straps on the reformer is just the best. But I love mat work. It’s what I first fell in love with and nothing can replace that. Side-lying leg work on the mat gets me every time.”

Ready to bring out the best in your own body? Find out what Pilates can do for your own fitness and health needs today.

/0 Comments
,

GYROKINESIS® Method: A photo gallery

Wondering what exactly Gyrokinesis method is? Angela Sutcliffe is a dancer, instructor and movement scholar. She’s also one of our Senior Trainers at MOVE. Get a sneak peek of what you can expect in a Gyrokinesis class in the photo gallery below while Angela talks us through why she loves this particular movement system.

When were you first introduced to Gyrokinesis?

In my college dance classes. I took ballet three to four times a week in college. Occasionally, we would do a Gyrokinesis class instead of ballet class to give our bodies a break from the intensive training. My body craved the ease of movement I found in those classes. Not that it was easy. But it was more focused on finding maximum movement potential with less muscular energy expenditure. Applying the principles I was learning in that class changed how I responded to dance training. I found myself less physically exhausted.

What made you want to start teaching Gyrokinesis?

At first, I wasn’t sure what teaching the method would offer me that would be so drastically different from what I was able to do with my clients in the GYROTONIC® method. Initially, my thought was, “Well, isn’t it just the same thing but without the fancy equipment?” Becoming a certified instructor for Pilates or the Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis methods requires a huge investment of time, energy and money. And it was important to me to understand the value of the method before investing in more training.

I took several classes myself and ultimately decided this additional method would help me develop a more nuanced understanding of my work with clients in Gyrotonic sessions. It helped further shape the lens through which I observe movement, and that alone made it worthwhile.

What do you love most about the Gyrokinesis method?

While Gyrokinesis is a structured class, there’s still opportunity to explore within the movement. The physical and verbal cues from the instructor are minimal. It’s an experiential class that allows you to gain more confidence and build a deeper integration the more you practice. It’s more about the movement truly becoming yours, rather than someone cuing you into different positions with their hands or voice.

Of course, that flexibility is also one of the most difficult aspects of the class for most people when they first start. You may feel like you’re flailing for the first couple of classes. When I first started, I found myself wishing the instructor would just break down the movement for me so that I could get it exactly right the first time. That’s just it though, there’s no “right.” There’s just your exploration of the movement.

Do you have a favorite pose?

My personal favorite is the hip-knee mobilization series. It’s a series of connected movements on the floor in which you’re working to find opposition through the legs and what we call “narrowing” to find space in the hip joints. We create more freedom of movement and less compression through these joints and allow the pelvis to roll or glide over the head of the femur bones with less restriction.

Can anyone take a Gyrokinesis class?

Yes. For example, any Gyrokinesis class, although structured, can be modified to allow for a seated or standing position if going to the floor is challenging. If you’re more comfortable seated or standing and can’t get to the floor comfortably, make sure to let your instructor know ahead of time so modifications can be given.

Is it easy to incorporate Gyrokinesis into daily practice at home?

It’s so easy. There is a series of seated and floor exercises that we give to clients so that they can practice the spinal motions and core connections we use in class to facilitate other movements.

Some days, I spend more time working at my computer than I originally planned to and my spine gets a little stiff. After spending just five to ten minutes doing the spinal motions “homework” for Gyrokinesis, the tightness from sitting at a desk disappears. I even gave my mom the information and when we’re on the phone I ask her if she’s “done her homework today.” She gets a kick out of that but also knows that its just because I love her and want her body to feel its best. 

If you could give someone one reason to try Gyrokinesis, what would it be?

It’s a chance to help your body feel its best by creating more space with a focus on decompression and lengthening throughout. You’ll forge new pathways for your body to move with ease and freedom, which in turn allows you to continue to do the things you love to do without restriction.

Tell us something about the poses you chose to highlight in the photos we’re seeing here.

The movements here were specifically chosen to showcase the accessibility and ease of this movement modality. But also the beauty and light that radiate from these movements by creating an open, accepting, sponge-like body to absorb all of the things life has to offer you.  

Livestream Gyrokinesis class at MOVE Wellness

Ready to feel it yourself? Enjoy a FREE 14 Day trial of MOVE Livestream and enjoy unlimited access to any of our 30+ livestream classes including twice weekly Gyrokinesis classes.

  • Gyrokinesis: Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. with Suzanne
  • Gyrokinesis: Thursday, 12:30 p.m. with Angela
Start a FREE 14 Day Livestream Trial
/0 Comments
,

Powerlifting to Pilates: Wisdom from Laura

Practical and profound. Two words that immediately come to mind when you sit down and have a conversation with MOVE instructor Laura Tyson. From the authenticity and professionalism she brings to her practice to her everyday celebration of movement and life, Laura is one of the many people who makes MOVE the special place that it is.

From wildlife researcher and powerlifter to Pilates trainer

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I grew up on a farm in Monroe City, Missouri, taking dance lessons and doing gymnastics throughout my childhood. In college, I majored in Fisheries and Wildlife, becoming a wildlife research technician and working in that field for 20 years. My research project work included Missouri muskrats, Canadian geese, Ohio gulls and deer and Illinois wood ducks!

Afterwords, I shifted careers and became an American College of Sports Medicne (ACSM) personal trainer. And in 2017, my husband and I and our three boys moved from Ohio to Michigan.

What is something people might be surprised to know about you?

I placed second in the Women’s National Collegiate Powerlifting Championship in 1987!


Pilates provides efficiency and independence

What drew you to Pilates?

The structure of the movement is what I love. With Pilates, every part of your body is engaged as you progress through movements, becoming stronger and more flexible while engaging the proper sequence of muscles at the proper time. All of this allows you to live and move smoothly and without injury.

Pilates is SO efficient. It helps people become more independent. It’s something that I can easily teach people and confidently tell them, “You can do this at home!”

We’re so unaware of our bodies much of the time and we live in this sort of blame-filled society when it comes to our bodies and our health. I love helping people who come looking for answers on how to move better. My motto is, “If you like it and it’s enjoyable, you’ll do it again.”

I excelled at powerlifting, but it didn’t really make me happy. I love getting outside. I want to ride my bike, I want to walk, I want to garden. Pilates helps me do that.


Advice for Pilates beginners

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone trying Pilates for the first time?

Find someone knowledgeable to teach you the basics first. Pilates can be overwhelming in a class situation (especially classes that are too large) if you’re not familiar with this type of movement. And if you’re not taking the time to learn the exercises correctly, you won’t realize the benefits. Get the basics down with private training and then build your repertoire with small classes. You’ll be amazed at what your body can do.

I don’t have the same body I had when I was 20. And I won’t have the body I have now when I’m 80. You work with the body that you have.

Fun and inspiration from a Pilates instructor

What is your current favorite Pilates exercise?

Airplane on the Cadillac!

What is your favorite food?

Cheesecake.

What is one conversation past or present that you’d love to eavesdrop on?

Any conversation between my kids when I’m not around!

If you could offer some words of wisdom, what would they be?

Go outside. Go barefoot. Move like your body was intended to move.

Amen, Laura!

Ready to discover the beautiful efficiency and independence that Pilates can bring to your life? Learn more about our private training sessions with instructors like Laura.

You can also find Laura on Facebook at Laura Tyson Body Basics!

/0 Comments
,

Teach from the Heart with Jenna Zaffino, May 4 – 5

Teach From The Heart is a weekend intensive experience that fuses movement, meditation, reflection and writing to reignite your passion for your own practice, and help you grow as an instructor.

A unique professional development experience for Pilates, Yoga, GYROTONIC® and other movement instructors

As movement instructors, we engage in continuing education and professional development all the time. But how often do we get a chance to step away from anatomy and physiology and prioritize our own personal and professional selves? How often do we get to step back and ask:

  • What does your professional future hold for you? 
  • How do you sustain your energy and avoid burnout while working tirelessly on behalf of your clients? 
  • Who are you meant to work with and how do you find and connect with those people?

Celebrate Pilates Day this spring by carving out some space to celebrate yourself and all that you hope to become. Join Jenna Zaffino at MOVE Wellness for Teach from the Heart, a special teacher immersion experience focused on the things we never have time for but wish we did.

Workshop Schedule

Saturday, May 4, 9 am – 5 pm

Sunday, May 5, 9am – 4 pm

Location: MOVE Wellness, 2058 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Cost: $525

Two-day workshop participants receive 14 Pilates Method Alliance CECs.

To register for the event or get more info:

Call us at 734-761-2306 or email office@movewellness.com

Pilates UNFILTERED podcast recording at 7 pm on Saturday

Teach from the Heart participants will also have the option to join Jenna for a free LIVE recording of her Pilates UNFILTERED podcast on Saturday evening. This unique experience offers you the opportunity to connect with the community and get in on the discussions that matter to us most.

Movement and career coaching with Jenna Zaffino

The course celebrates the very best of Jenna’s work in movement and career coaching. During the retreat, you’ll take a deep dive into your identity and growth as as teacher, methods for navigating the inevitable bumps in the road, and opportunities for further personal and professional development after you’ve been at it with this beautiful work for so many years. We’ll move, explore, plan and create together to empower you as you head toward the next part of your journey.

This course sets you up to share the teaching voice you’ve been waiting to speak with, work with the clients who are excited and willing to take this journey with you, and build a business that supports your gifts as a movement professional.

We hope you’ll celebrate the coming of spring and yourself with us during this special event!

To learn more about Jenna and see a sample workshop schedule, visit the Teach from the Heart page.

Interested in becoming a Pilates or GYROTONIC® instructor? Explore the 2019 Instructor Training course offerings at MOVE Wellness today.

/0 Comments
,

Desk job to Pilates teacher: Meet Stephanie Oldre

Stephanie Oldre is a Pilates teacher at MOVE, but prior to that, she was a former Payroll and Benefits manager. She’d never given Pilates much thought until she found herself wanting to spend more time with her kids and less time sitting behind a desk.

We hope her story below will inspire you to MOVE more too.

From Desk Job to Teaching Pilates

About 7 years ago, when I first started taking Pilates classes at a local gym, my instructor told me that she thought I would make a fantastic Pilates Instructor. I quickly fell in love with Pilates but never gave teaching Pilates any serious thought. Until a few years later when I found myself quite unhappy in my profession and with a desire to work part time to allow for more time at home with my children. What she had said to me had always stayed in the back if my mind (and she had encouraged me a few more times to look into it). So when I finally decided it was time to make a change, I went to her and told her that she was right and I am ready. She put me in touch with Elaine at MOVE and my life hasn’t been the same since.

I had no idea what incredible things were in store for me or what exactly I was signing up for but it was one the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve found where I belong and what I was meant to do.

STEPHANIE OLDRE, MOVE Pilates Trainer

Pilates is for Everyone

I think people might be surprised to know that I did not come from a movement background and  that I haven’t always been fit. During my first pregnancy I got up to 208 lbs. Measuring in at 5’3, that was quite overweight. After giving birth, I had only lost about 23 lbs leaving me still overweight at 185 lbs. It has taken a lot of work and dedication to get to where I am now and I am quite proud of what I’ve accomplished. Pilates has been a big part of my fitness journey and made such a tremendous difference in my life.

I also have Fibromyalgia and Narcolepsy. Pilates has helped tremendously with my symptoms and allowed me to still enjoy my everyday life.

The thing that has drawn me to Pilates is seeing the difference that it can make in lives and that it can be for EVERYBODY. I love how versatile it is and how it can improve anyone’s life at any level. Also, I had been a weightlifter before finding Pilates. In my years of weightlifting I had never had strong abs until I started doing Pilates. I love having abs!

Advice for Aspiring Pilates Teachers or Practitioners

If you’re thinking about Pilates, here’s one piece of advice: just keep doing it. Pilates is a journey and everyone’s journey is different. You will learn experientially and you will have many “’Aha!’ moments” along the way. As long as you don’t give up.

I’m inspired by change. As a Pilates teacher, seeing positive changes in the bodies and lives of my clients is so rewarding. Hearing their feedback and testimonials fuels me.

Favorite exercise

Such a hard choice! I love the side leg series on the mat and hip rolls.

Stephanie Oldre is a Pilates Trainer at MOVE Wellness Studios. If you have any questions or would like to book a session with her, email office@movewellness.com or call 734.761.2306.

/0 Comments
,

Professor to Pilates Instructor: Meet Sara Schuman

Journey to Pilates

We love spotlighting our trainers’ unique journeys to becoming Pilates Instructors because we know that no matter who you are, incorporating Pilates into your workout routine can be beneficial.

Prior to MOVE, Fitness Instructor Sara Schuman used to teach college Philosophy. After a visit to her doctor in 2012, she decided to prioritize her wellness and discovered many fitness options to keep herself engaged and motivated. Since then, she has lost over 50 pounds, become a Pilates Instructor, HIIT, Barre, and certified American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Group Fitness Instructor, and redefined wellness for herself.

“To me, wellness means flourishing in any given environment,” Sara says. “Things change, our bodies change, our goals change, so being able to make the most out of whatever situation we find ourselves in at the moment is what I take to be wellness. I’m inspired by hearing and seeing the progress of others. Everyone has a story about their journey. We can learn so much from each other if we are willing to share and listen.”

Becoming a Pilates Instructor

Sara became interested in Pilates as a career because of Pilates’ functionality and ability to heal. Pilates “helped with a lot of back issues and shoulder issues,” and “help her be upright.” After completing the MOVE Instructor Training Program, Sara wanted to share the power of rehabilitative movement with others.

“I am able to do things I wasn’t able to do about 4-5 years ago,” Sara says.

Wanting to share the benefits of Pilates with those who have been injured or limited in their mobility, Sara also became involved with the MOVE Transition Program. In the Transition Program, Sara teaches Balance Classes for populations who cannot get on the ground and trains clients privately who need individualized support in reaching their health goals.

Come try a session with Sara today!

“I am able to do things I wasn’t able to do 4-5 years ago.”

Sarah Schuman is a Pilates instructor and group fitness instructor at MOVE Wellness. Schedule an appointment with her today! Please contact the studio at 734.761.2306 or office@movewellness.com for more information.

/0 Comments
, ,

Important Lessons From a GYROTONIC® Trainer

Meet Silvia, physical therapist from Costa Rica and our newest GYROTONIC® Trainer. Silvia shows us below how movement really is medicine and how important it is to slow down.

“One of the best things about GYROTONIC® is the awareness of the whole body connection.”

 

Introduce yourself. Where are you from? What is your background/interests?

I’m from Costa Rica, I’m a physical therapist, I worked for almost 10 years as a PT and manager of a private clinic in Costa Rica. We had all kinds of injuries in the clinic, at all ages.

How does the fitness industry differ in Costa Rica from the mainland United States?

I think that here in Michigan more old elderly people go to the gym and in Costa Rica is the opposite, younger people exercise. I don’t have an explanation for that, but I think it is important that throughout life continue to move forward and do different things, not just exercise during your youth to be beautiful, or exercise during your old age to be healthy. Exercise is something that everyone needs as a routine in their lives.  

Obviously as a physical therapist, you are very informed about the human body. When you decided to do Gyrotonic, did you learn anything about the human body you didn’t know before? Did anything surprise or shock you?

One of the best things about GYROTONIC® is the awareness of the whole body connection.

My favorite thing – and the biggest surprise – was what we call the narrowing sequence.

Only good things are going to happen, only good things are going to be talked, and only good things your body will receive

What sparked your interest in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®? What do you most love about it? What do you find most challenging about it?

The amazing feeling when you finish your session, the way you feel is really good because you work your body, breath, and your mind at the same time. I really love the structure of the System and one of the good things is that everyone can practice GYROTONIC®, people with injuries, elderly people, young people, athletes, dancers, etc, will have many benefits.

The biggest challenge is to continue studying and learning the use of all devices and new techniques.

What can clients expect in a session with you?

The most important thing for me is that the client feels good during the session. During that time only good things are going to happen, only good things are going to be talked, and only good things your body will receive. Because we live in accelerated world, it’s really important to have this kind of rest during life. In a session with me, we are going to let the body and mind “rest” from the great wave of duties for a while, perceiving benefits in a physical and in a mental level.

What inspires you?

My husband and my family inspire me to be a better person and a better professional. Helping people feel better, look better and be more independent is something really valuable to me.

Favorite exercise

Gyrotonic, Zumba, walks

Favorite healthy meal

Quinoa salads with all kind of veggies!

/0 Comments
,

From Tech to Pilates Instructor: Meet Sarah Cohen

Part of our Meet the Movers series. 

Pilates trainer, Sarah Cohen started her career in Silicon Valley but eventually found herself becoming a Pilates instructor, and she never looked back. In her interview, you can witness Sarah’s characteristic determination that MOVE clients love about her. Learn about her Pilates career journey below!

Sarah, it has been awesome seeing you progress in your Pilates career. How did it all start?

When my youngest child started high school, it was time for me to start looking around for what I was going to do with the rest of my life.  I was terrified that if I didn’t start trying to figure out the next steps in my life before he left for college, I might not ever figure out what I was supposed to be doing.  So I went back to work for a small software company here in Ann Arbor…But now sitting all day looking at a screen made me really unhappy. I knew it had to be something else.

Then came her first Reformer Class at MOVE

Then I came to MOVE and when I stood up at the end of class, I couldn’t believe how great I felt…When I got up from the reformer, my body didn’t feel beat up like in so many other activities, I felt ready to conquer the rest of my day. I took another class a few days later and it was light bulb moment for me… this is what I would really like to do.  It turned out MOVE President Elaine Economou was about to start her Instructor Training Program.  How lucky am I?!?!?  The rest is history.

What about Pilates motivates you to keep consuming more and more?

I had some very specific goals of where I wanted to be in my Pilates career before I turned 50.  As a Pilates instructor, I was able to accomplish those goals and then some. The method of Pilates is so deep and rich and so many of the Leaders in the field have their own take on things. There is so much to learn within Pilates that I feel I might not ever ‘master’ all the movements.  The imposter syndrome is real.

With a Pilates Career also comes a Community

I am loving where I am right now for sure.  I appreciate the path that I am on. Being a new empty nester means it is awfully quiet around the house.  I love coming to the studio and seeing everyone there. MOVE is such wonderfully supportive place to work and I get to share the transformative method of Pilates.  Who could ask for more??

For aspiring instructors, Sarah offers this as advice:

Just know that we are all doing good work here.  That is what I keep telling myself and what I do believe deep down. The biggest lesson that I am learning over and over again is that we all need to be kind and patient with ourselves.  Breathe in and breathe out.

Book an appointment with her now!

 

 

/0 Comments
,

MOVE Trainer Spotlight | Sammy Hart

Meet Sammy Hart, Our Newest Pilates Graduate

  You may recognize Sammy – she’s been teaching yoga at MOVE Wellness for more than three years. She has recently expanded her movement knowledge even further by taking the MOVE Pilates Instructor Training course, and is now a MOVE Pilates Trainer. Find out more about Sammy below!
“I’ve been at MOVE for about 3.5 years and have been teaching yoga for 6. This past year I took a bit of a hiatus to go traveling with my husband which was more amazing than any photo could capture. Returning back to Ann Arbor I find myself once again in the role of student as I finish up my Pilates Reformer course. Pilates has both humbled and inspired me as a movement educator, and I look forward to teaching it. I am curious by nature and find myself in constant studentship whether that’s diving deeper into yoga and pilates, or different modalities of movement. I am fiercely independent, love to travel, eat, and drink good wine… it’s all about balance.”
  CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment with Sammy.
/0 Comments
,

MOVE Trainer Spotlight: Natalie Kreinke

MOVE Wellness Studios Apprentice Pilates Trainer Natalie Krienke


Our new group of trainers have completed their MOVE Wellness Studios Pilates or GYROTONIC Instructor Training Programs and are coming on board as MOVE Wellness Studios Trainers. This week, we shine the spotlight on Pilates Trainer Natalie Krienke.

You may already know that Natalie is MOVE Wellness Studios owner Robin Krienke’s daughter but did you know that she is a accomplished dancer as well? We are so excited she is joining our team as an apprentice Pilates instructor this summer. Natalie will also be teaching a Pilates Stretch, Strength, and Endurance class and is available for private sessions for a limited time before she heads back to college. Catch her while you can!

Natalie Pilates Trainer Spotlight

 

“I love the atmosphere at MOVE Wellness Studios, because while everyone there is working on their individual goals, we are all working towards a better community of wellbeing. Julie Simpson, the Physical Therapist at MOVE Wellness Studios, inspired me to become a Pilates trainer. I had been doing Pilates for over 4 years, and her ability to combine physical therapy and pilates for the goal of rehabilitation has amazed me. To me, wellness means being able to do what you want to do on an everyday basis, without having to worry about how it might affect you physically. I am inspired at the way Pilates is able to alter how bodies move. It incorporates strength, coordination, breath, and so many other things that brings a sense of balance back to the body.”

 

Schedule a private session with Natalie. 

/0 Comments