Why Kathleen does and teaches Pilates

By Kathleen Mangan

The reason I do and teach Pilates today is much different than the reasons I began with, back when I first started teaching in 2008.  At the time, I was a dancer and starting Pilates centered around enhancing and correcting my physical abilities. And Pilates did just that for me.  My reason for teaching Pilates began as a way to find an additional profession that kept me away from a desk, would build on my momentum as a dancer, and could be rewarding in its ability to help people just like it did for me.  I already knew I loved Pilates and that it yielded results, so teaching was a natural fit!

Today, all of those things are still very true!  However, the older I get, and the more life experience I have, I do Pilates largely now as a way to feel better in spirit.  Mentally I need the work, the focus, and the 55 minute break from daily stressors.  Emotionally, Pilates helps me specifically with grief.  Yes, it sounds dramatic, but Pilates has become for me the best possible way to get my endorphins up and to help tough moments feel lighter and take up less space in my life.  I know I will feel better during times that are hard, and I feel lighter in spirit after I do Pilates.

In teaching Pilates, I can see the same experience happening to many of the people I work with.  I've gotten to be part of people's recovery from losing a loved one, getting sick, or having difficulty during some of life's tough transitions.   People can literally develop strength where they didn't have it before.  I'm not a miracle worker but I believe people know they are in good hands with me and when they connect to their bodies in this very specific work.  There's power in strengthening and healing your body, and I love helping people step into theirs!