Q&A with Paige
Pilates Certification: Pilates Technique Certification
Other Training & Coursework:
NASM certified
AED & CPR certified
FRC Specialist
FMS facilitator
3-day anatomy workshop at Bastyr University
Previous professional dancer
Pranayama breath work certified with Jon Paul Crimini
Years Teaching Pilates: 15
What Motivated You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
I fell on the bolt of a roller skate when I was nine and cracked my tailbone. The injury gave me scoliosis, and the scoliosis gave me a lot of pain; I was throwing my back out multiple times a year throughout my childhood. These two things, combined with the high demands of my dance career, led me to seek out a method of exercise that would help me remain pain free and feel in control of caring for my body. I wanted to be empowered despite my injuries, not a victim to them.
How has Pilates Helped You?
Pilates gave me body awareness. This awareness extended beyond my body and into myself increasing my confidence to truly thrive in my life. The improved posture, balanced musculature, and pure strength that I gained has had an empowering effect that has seeped into every aspect of my life.
Favorite Pilates Exercise: Swan, hands down!
Proudest Pilates Teaching Moment:
When Christine first came to me she had a bead of sweat above her upper lip from the intense levels of pain that she endured on a daily basis. Her posture was quite rounded, and she walked slowly, as to ensure that she didn’t make any sudden move that would throw her back into spasm. The pain had exhausted her spirit, and because of this, she wasn’t all that pleasant to be around. We began working together consistently two times a week. It was dicey at first because she didn’t understand the transformative power of Pilates, nor did she fully trust me. It was understandable after trying for years to find relief by trying new therapists and methods. She was skeptical. Fast forward six months, and she’s walking taller, fifteen pounds lighter, and always smiling. It brought me such joy when that summer she cancelled her sessions because she had planned a trip to Europe. Our work together gave her complete confidence that she could handle the long hours of travel, carrying luggage, and being on her feet in another country. She told me that Pilates gave her back her hope and then it gave her back her life. We still work together today.
What Attracted You to Kinexology?
I was attracted to Chelsea’s critical thinking skills. She pushed back against our industry’s status quo, providing teachers with actionable tools that are backed by science and actually work. I noticed right away that frustration levels were down and fun and learning was up! (for both student and teacher alike).
Who Is Your Ideal Client?
I love working with growth-minded people who are ready to challenge the status quo--people who show up fully present and open minded, ready to learn more about themselves through their body work practice. Many of my clients are adventurous, independent women motivated by challenge and accomplishment, and most are struggling with an old ache that won’t go away, or a troublesome injury. They know they are not living to their full potential but they want to.
How Do You Use Motor Learning and the Kinexology Method in Your Sessions?
I speak less and focus on the one correction that may be harder to correc,t but which will make the greatest impact. By saying less, my students are more apt to listen and stop the workout so we can really troubleshoot the particular correction.
I have themes or skill sets that I know I’m working on. This still allows me the freedom to move around the studio to find the apparatus where this will make most sense to the student; but it keeps the hour loose enough that I can answer any specific questions that they would like to address.
I have a plan of how to actually move the client forward towards their goals. And I trust that the plan I’m creating is going to work, because I’m addressing skill sets, not exercises.
What Can Clients Expect From Working With You?
Empowerment. Transformation that starts in the body and extends to relationships, thereby improving quality of life. Real tools to manage pain and injuries when they’re away from the studio.