Why Classical Pilates?

I anticipated this self-made prompt to be an easy one - but when I sat down to write it, I realised that I’m actually not sure what the “why” was (or is) behind the decision.

I’ve been reflecting on this topic increasingly over the past few weeks as we embark on recording the first few episodes of Oral Histories, a podcast series designed to capture the

stories of the people and studios behind the Pilates method.

Naturally, the question of “why this?” comes up while speaking to these incredible teachers, and the responses are fascinating.

Some people come to Pilates because of a personal injury, through which they discover the method’s healing power.

Others have backgrounds in biomechanics, physiotherapy, holistic medicine, or dance. Still others are drawn purely to movement, inspired by a wide array of life experiences.

My own story is rather happenstance. I started practicing Pilates (Classical, of course) in my early teenage years alongside my mom. We only did Mat, often back-to-back with a spinning or HIIT class, at a studio called Vie Fitness in Ann Arbor, Michigan.*

Rose and Mom

Enjoying a cuppa with mom

When I moved to London in 2020, I tried to find a Pilates studio and ultimately came across Pi.

At first, I was a very timid and quiet client, always sitting at the very end of the group and leaving the studio quickly after class.

At some point along the way - a few years into my time at Pi as a client - I felt an extremely strong desire to begin Teacher Training. I wanted to start so immediately that I first enrolled in the Mat Training, because waiting five months for the next Full Comprehensive course felt far too long.

Despite practicing Pilates for my whole adult life, I’m still not certain what exactly made me feel such urgency to complete a Training Program at that time.

What I’ve accepted for now is that I ultimately felt extremely inspired, safe, and curious inside the walls of Pi. After completing the Mat work training days, I received a text from Holly (director of Pi) asking if I wanted to do a bit of admin work for her and the studio. That role quickly integrated me into the space even further, and after getting to know the teachers during all those hours behind the desk, I was absolutely sold on completing my Full Comprehensive training at this studio.

I wanted to be involved with Pi in every way I could.

I’ve continued in that admin role to the present day, and it has expanded greatly - I now effectively run the operations of Pi, and I love it! Through the other apprentices, fellow teachers, and wonderful clients who come through Pi’s doors, this job consistently reminds me of that feeling I once had of wanting more than anything to do the Teacher Training at this specific studio. Despite its quirks and challenges (and yes, there are many), I’ve never felt so appreciated and valued in a job.

In many ways, I like to think that the Teacher Training at Pi and my Operations role at the studio have uniquely shaped each other in parallel - a relationship that I never could have anticipated. I was completely wrapped up in the space through all of these beautiful dynamics, and that layered experience has meant everything.

So, after all that babbling, why? What is the “why”? Is it even necessary to ponder so heavily on it? I think the “why” for me had less to do with wanting to be a Pilates teacher and more to do with wanting to embrace Pi to the fullest experience possible. I may have fulfilled that desire purely through working behind the scenes with Holly (we’ll never know), but I feel endlessly grateful to have experienced Teacher Training and gone on to teach this method.

Part of my job at Pi is to have phone calls with people who are considering an apprenticeship with us.

I always encourage them to explore multiple studios and follow the place where they feel the strongest connection. If you’re reading this and considering Teacher Training in a Classical studio, pay attention to where you feel most aligned - you’ll know it when it clicks.

I started and left two other programs before I landed on Pi, some higher power guiding

me to exactly where I needed to be. 

At the end of the day, I think the “why” doesn’t always need a perfect answer. Sometimes it’s simply about finding a place that inspires, challenges, and nurtures you - and letting that journey unfold.

For me, Pi became that place, and the experience has been far richer than I could have anticipated.

*Vie no longer exists after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The owner started The Pilates Barn, also in Ann Arbor, in the aftermath of lockdown, which remains my all-time favourite studio.