I took my first Pilates class over ten years ago. It was taught at the Y, and the instructor was an older woman who moved with grace and control. While I admired her movement, I hated the class. I tried it once and never went back. I wasn’t exactly someone who loved slow, deliberate movements. My thing? High-energy bursts! Kickboxing, hours of cardio, and running—that’s where I thrived. Pilates? It felt too slow, too meticulous.
For years, I chased intensity. I loved the thrill of fast, powerful workouts that left me drenched in sweat and breathless. But as time went on, anxiety, poor posture, tight muscles from overuse, and complete neglect of recovery started catching up with me. I sat too much. My hips were tight, my core weak, my shoulders rounded, and my body was paying the price for always being on high alert. That’s when I began finding my way back to Pilates.
The Personal Benefits of Pilates
Pilates has been a game-changer for me. The things I once hated about it—the slower pace, the emphasis on small, precise movements, and the focus on breath—became the exact things my body needed. Over the last year, I’ve committed to my Pilates practice, and I’ve reaped the rewards. I can activate muscles I didn’t even know I had - I could feel my back muscles engaging for the first time. My posture improved, and I started to connect with my breath and body in ways I’d never imagined.
Stretching? I used to hate it. I avoided it like the plague. Recovery wasn’t part of my vocabulary. But Pilates forced me to confront that mindset. Now, I realize how essential stretching and recovery are for performance and overall well-being.
Beyond the physical benefits, the most significant benefit has been reconnecting with my body on a deeper level. Pilates challenges me to slow down, helping me embrace the discomfort—not necessarily pain, but the discomfort of truly being present in my body. And let me tell you, slowing down has been hard, but I’m grateful for the ways Pilates has gifted me the power to slow down, be intentional, and have more control of my body.
Why I’m Pursuing Pilates Certification
When I began my journey, there were no Pilates studios in Detroit. There are now three Pilates studios in Detroit, and they all opened last year. I knew I had to do something about it when I realized that. Detroiters deserve access to this practice, and I want to be part of bringing Pilates to my community. I want to expose people to the mind-body connection, help them move better, and get them feel stronger and more supported in their daily lives.
But my vision doesn’t stop at teaching classes. I’m working toward opening a wellness space in Detroit—a place where people can get holistic support on their wellness journeys—a one-stop shop for mind, body, and soul care. I’m so excited about connecting with clients, hearing their stories, and helping them achieve their goals.
That’s one of the things I love most about Pilates—everyone comes into the studio with a different reason. Some people want to feel the burn, others want post-surgery recovery, some want to be flexible enough to play with their grandkids, while others are collegiate athletes looking to cross-train. No matter why they walk through the door, I love hearing their stories and watching their progress unfold.
Learning at Equilibrium
Training at Equilibrium has been a true gift. The instructors here are incredibly generous with their knowledge and support. They have high expectations but are always willing to help guide you on your journey.
What I’ve loved most about being at Equilibrium is seeing the passion and dedication of every single trainer. They care so deeply about the practice and their clients. It’s not just about playing fun music and getting a good sweat—it’s about making real, lasting changes in people’s lives. I’m grateful they nurtured me while in the CMR program. Instructors like Heather have been welcoming and willing to share their techniques and insights. I remember being nervous about starting to teach, but Gayle encouraged me to dive in. During supervised teaching, she’s always there to clarify movements, offer tips, and give gentle encouragement. Amy Slowik—she’s been a game-changer! Not only is she an incredible instructor trainer, but she’s also gone above and beyond to support me personally. She’s let me observe early morning private sessions and constantly pushes me to be my best.
This program has challenged me in ways I never expected. I set out to earn a scholarship for this program a year ago, and I’m so grateful I did. With a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, I thought I knew how to teach—but Pilates is different. You can’t cheat the process; honestly, I wouldn’t want to. The anatomy, precision, and depth are all part of what makes Pilates such a transformative practice.
The Diversity Scholarship has allowed me to immerse myself fully in this learning experience; I couldn’t be more thankful to be a recipient. If you think you’ll train at Equilibrium and not be challenged, think again. The CMR program has pushed me to grow, and I’m already looking forward to continuing my education and expanding my knowledge.
A Path Forward
As I continue my journey in Pilates, I’m filled with excitement about the future. I’m eager to bring everything I’ve learned to Detroit and help others move better, live healthier, and connect with their bodies more deeply. Pilates has changed my life; I can’t wait to share that transformation with my community. This is just the beginning.