Kathleen’s Why: Practicing and teaching 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 practicing Pilates centered around my desire to enhance and correct my physical abilities. And it did so, successfully! 

My reason for teaching Pilates began soon after. I was looking for a way to pursue 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.  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, the more I do Pilates 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 the best possible way to get my endorphins up and help tough moments take up less space in my life. I feel both balanced, and lighter in spirit after doing Pilates.

Through my teaching, I’ve seen similar experiences in many of the people I get to work with.  Our work together has, at times, become a recovery tool after losing a loved on, in coping with an illness, or as an aid in rising above some of life's tough transitions.  People quite literally develop strength where they didn't have it before Pilates.  I do believe people trust they are in good hands with me, and when they connect to their bodies in this very specific work.  There's power in strengthening your body to heal your mind, and I love helping people step into theirs!