Why are you so passionate about Pilates?

When I was a dancer years ago, I struggled to find a way deal with the injuries and physical limitations I experienced. After trying several techniques, I eventually found Pilates, and I knew very quickly that I had found what I was looking for. And I wanted to share it with others.

What’s your favorite/least favorite Pilates exercise to teach?

My favorite and least favorite exercise to teach are both the short box series. It’s subtle and hard for clients to “get” because most of us have limited awareness of the movement possible in our spines. Plus, we can’t see our movement unless we’re in front of a mirror. But I love it because when clients do “get” it, it’s like a light bulb comes on, and they suddenly have a new understanding and awareness of their bodies.

What type of client inspires/challenges you?

I’m always inspired by clients who really want to learn. Like a lot of teachers, I guess, I really love when I have clients who want to learn, not just the exercises but even more what their bodies can do. It doesn’t matter whether they can do a lot or a little, but wherever they are at the start, I love seeing them make new discoveries and grow. In contrast, the most challenging clients for me are the ones who are mentally “checked out” when they come to their sessions. That’s a real challenge for me, to try to find ways to engage them and get them to focus.

What profession other than Pilates would you like to attempt?

I think I would enjoy neuromotor research, looking deeper into how the brain and body work together to produce movement. Technology has allowed researchers new perspectives on this process, which is at the heart of Joseph Pilates’ work, and I think our understanding will grow substantially over the next few decades. It would be exciting to be in the lab as these discoveries are happening.

If you could live anywhere where would that be?

Alternate universe NYC, where the weather is always good, the days are always long enough, the theater is always free, the housing is always affordable, and everyone is friendly, tolerant, and generous. That would be lovely.

Your favorite color and flower?

I don’t have a favorite flower, but my color is black–as I tell my siblings’ kids, “black, like my soul!”

Your favorite superhero or heroine? The closest would be Frodo Baggins from LOTR.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by people like Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Mother Theresa, and our current pope, Francis. People who challenge us to take action to right wrongs in the world, by combatting hate and fear with compassion and courage. To me, that’s the greatest achievement of humanity and our greatest hope for survival in the future.

Your favorite food and drink? Dark chocolate and all types of tea.

Your favorite book and tv show?

I don’t have a single favorite book or tv show right now, but when I read

Jonathan Livingston Seagull as a kid it made a pretty indelible impression on me. It exemplifies those characteristics that I find inspiring, and really resonated with me during those teenage years when we’re all struggling to grow up and “leave the nest,” so to speak.

The natural talent you’d like to be gifted with? A beautiful singing voice.

Your favorite motto? Love harder.

Your favorite hobby? Reading. After that, knitting.