Why Elin does and teaches Pilates

By Elin Hampton

After the birth of my twin boys, my body felt like unfamiliar territory. I was recovering, exhausted, and wearing a boot from a fall that had thrown everything even further out of balance. A chiropractor suggested I try Pilates “for a short while” to help strengthen and realign my body. I had no idea that those tentative first sessions would become a 29-year relationship with a practice that continues to shape me and my life.

From the start, Pilates resonated with me in a way no other form of exercise ever had. As an asthmatic, I avoided cardio, and team sports held no appeal, partly because I’m not competitive, and partly because I had no interest in collecting sports injuries! Pilates offered something different. It helped me move my body safely and build strength safely without strain.

During the pandemic, when life pushed all of us to reconsider what truly mattered, I decided to begin Pilates teacher training. At first, I simply wanted to learn more. I wasn’t sure I would ever actually teach. But once I started practicing on friends and peers, something clicked. I was surprised by how much joy it gave me to share what I knew... to watch the look of accomplishment wash over someone’s face, whether they were discovering a new muscle or mastering an exercise they never thought they could possibly do. How deeply rewarding!

Unlike so many other forms of exercise, Pilates is inclusive. At Strong Body, our clients range from their twenties to their nineties... many body types with various backstories of injuries and reasons for wanting to practice Pilates. Every client is a new puzzle, bringing a new perspective. Teaching Pilates continues to teach me. It sharpens my observation, deepens my understanding, and keeps me intellectually and creatively challenged. In the studio, people let down their guard. We work hard together, celebrate small victories, and thankfully, share plenty of laughter! I truly love my clients. It’s the reason I keep showing up.