Kris Mazalewski
My experience with Pilates started 15 years ago. I had been training with weights and working with lots of clients. When after one day of lifting just a little bit heavier, on the morning of the following day, (as I proceeded to start my day), I was unable to straighten myself up to a standing position. It was shocking, literally. Ironically, just prior to this incident, I had been looking into Pilates and my interest was stimulated, by the fact that I had always wished I had become a dancer and loved the strength and fluidity of dance I had experienced through my limited background. I wanted to be strong, but with grace.
The health club that I was managing had contracted an orthopedic group from NY to come and demonstrate a Pilates Reformer class to our instructors. From the moment the class began, I felt that this was a practice that I couldn’t wait to explore and come to know. I was taken by the philosophy and the way it made me feel from the inside out.
My first experience was on the Reformer, as the company from NY brought one for each of us to work on. This class was the catalyst that brought me to fast forward….fifteen years of study, practice and teaching. I wanted to share the joy I felt from this practice with my clients and create classes that made my students feel as I good as I do. I also knew that I could help my students stay safe from injury with the skills I had come to learn. Especially, because I the issues that I encountered from that heavy day of lifting, have yet to return!! I was able to go on and run in 8 Reach the Beach Relay races, as well!!
I have had the great fortune of experiencing Pilates in many corners of the world including Australia! I feel this broad background has lent me to the creativity I feel I possess when teaching both individually, as well as, in every class setting. I look at each class as the beginning of an experience for all to realize and enjoy! Your body’s strength and balance start from your feet and the importance of working with your frame to reach its ultimate potential is possible with Pilates.
I look forward to being a part of the Yoga Soul practice. It is a wonderful sanctuary!