At Pure Pilates, our teachers don’t just teach Pilates, we live it. This Love Story Series is a collection of personal reflections from our team, sharing how each instructor first fell in love with Pilates, the exercises that continue to inspire them, and the self-care rituals that support their practice both inside and outside the studio. Together, these stories offer a glimpse into the passion, intention, and care that shape every session at Pure Pilates
I’ve been a Pilates student for more than 25 years, a teacher for over 20, and the owner of Pure Pilates for the past 18 years. Time moves quickly, but this journey has been anything but accidental.
Before Pilates entered my life, my background was in musical theater. That path led me into the fitness industry in the 1990s as an aerobics instructor, then into corporate fitness, and eventually to running my own in-home personal training business. These were high-impact years filled with step aerobics, kickboxing, and repetition. My body was strong, but it was also taking a beating.
I’ve been a Pilates student for more than 25 years, a teacher for over 20, and the owner of Pure Pilates for the past 18 years. Time moves quickly, but this journey has been anything but accidental.
Before Pilates entered my life, my background was in musical theater. That path led me into the fitness industry in the 1990s as an aerobics instructor, then into corporate fitness, and eventually to running my own in-home personal training business. These were high-impact years filled with step aerobics, kickboxing, and repetition. My body was strong, but it was also taking a beating.
I knew I needed something different. I wanted a movement practice that would support my body, not break it down. And I wanted to be a student again.
That’s when I discovered Pilates through private sessions.
Like so many people new to Pilates, I experienced an immediate aha moment. The work was precise, challenging, and humbling. Even in great physical shape, Pilates asked something entirely different of me. I loved the focus, the nuance, and how it made me feel, not just during the session, but long after.
What surprised me most was how freeing it felt to not be the expert. To be guided. To trust the process.
Those years as a student led me to become a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor, close my personal training business, and open Pure Pilates. When I shared my plan with my father, he asked, “This Pilates thing… is it going to last?”
Decades later, the answer is a resounding yes.
While Pilates may appear trendy on social media, the work we do at Pure Pilates is rooted in individualized instruction, thoughtful programming, and long-term wellness,supporting strength, mobility, and quality of life for years to come.
A Simple February Self-Care Practice
This winter, I made a small but meaningful shift in my routine: I replaced my afternoon coffee with herbal tea.
I still take my afternoon pause,just now with warmth instead of caffeine. I’ve been loving the Tea Forte Herbal Retreat Sampler, especially Cherry Cosmo and Apricot Amaretto. It feels intentional and comforting.
Whenever possible, I take 10 to 30 minutes away from my desk or teaching schedule. I hold the warm mug, breathe in the aroma, and allow the moment to be quiet,often stepping away from my phone entirely.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as warmth, stillness, and permission to pause.
My Favorite Pilates Exercise: The Swan Dive
If I had to choose a favorite Pilates exercise, it would always involve spinal extension,and at the top of that list is the Swan.
My ultimate favorite is the Swan Dive on the Ladder Barrel, closely followed by the Advanced Swan on the Cadillac. On the mat, I love incorporating Swan and other back-extension exercises into my workouts.
The Swan Dive is a challenging, advanced Pilates exercise, but what makes it so powerful is the progression. With the right preparation, it can become a full mini-workout that builds strength, control, and coordination.
Swan Dive Progression
1. Fire Up Your Legs
Although Swan emphasizes spinal extension, strong hip extension is essential. Begin with single-leg hip extension and progress to double-leg extension to engage the hamstrings and glutes.
Prep One: Hip Extension
2. Fire Up Your Back
Deep extension requires full-back engagement. Keep the legs actively pressing into the floor while the abdominals support the movement.
Prep Two: Back Extension
3. Find Your V’s and W’s
For Catch and Release Swan, proper arm glide in the shoulder socket is key. Hold your extension while moving your arms smoothly from a W to a V shape.
Prep Three: Back Extension with Arm Glides
4. Nurture Your Baby Swan
I always begin with Swan Prep,lovingly called Baby Swan. It allows you to check in with your body, establish support, and assess how your back feels that day. Often, this is exactly what the body needs.
Prep Four: Swan Dive Prep
5. Embrace the Seesaw
Hip extension and spinal extension must work together to create the rocking motion of Swan Dive. Combining hip extension with Baby Swan builds that essential coordination.
Prep Five: Swan Prep with Hip Extension
6. Try My Favorite Dive
This is my favorite progression. The catch and release through the hands creates height, flow, and a sense of ease in the movement.
Prep Six: Catch and Release
7. Dip Your Toe into the Swan Dive Pool
This is the dress rehearsal before the final exercise. While it can feel a bit clunky, it’s an important step in integrating all components.
Prep Seven: Is This Diving or Drowning?
8. The Finale: Swan Dive
Swan Dive is a full-body Pilates exercise. The arms and legs support the core, momentum comes from length, and breathing is essential. If I had my choice, I’d stop at Catch and Release,because that’s where I feel like a rock star. Always listen to your body and enjoy the process.
