The International Language of Pilates

Welcome to the Pilates Instructor’s favorite season: Spring!

Spring is even more of a rebirth today as the world continues to emerge from the grip of Covid-19. Resilience is in the air and your beloved Pilates Method is your faithful companion to reinforce a joyful, positive, up-and-forward attitude.

Thanks, Joe Pilates.

Today’s post is essentially a love fest for the greater Pilates community. No workout required, but you know you want to.

When I took my first Pilates class all those years ago I could not envision my Pilates future. Miopically focused on cultivating a proper Neck Pull, I never thought that Pilates could eventually embrace my love of travel, writing, and languages as well as feed my movement habit.

At first, I couldn’t imagine myself as a Pilates instructor.

So that was the first hurdle.

Could I have a job where I tell people what to do all day long?

LOL, what am I saying – I only make suggestions, right?

Fast Forward…

Today I have the privilege to meet Pilates people around the world. And the best part?

Turns out we all speak the same language: the Pilates Method.

Wherever I land – Italy, Austria, Brazil, or Seoul – the Pilates exercises allow me to communicate and share my experience.

True, Pilates originated in America, and many of our words remain in English, untranslated: Short Box, Footwork and Short Spine Massage to name a few.

But I can pretty much figure out what the word ‘Alllllunga!’ means when accompanied by helpful hand gestures. I’m sitting taller right now, actually…

Next Stop: Austria

Several years ago fortune smiled on me and I was invited to Vienna, the City of Music, with warm people and delicious cakes. Just outside the city in the town of Mödling I met a fantastic Pilates teacher and now my lovely friend, exactly my age and also named Andrea.

You cannot make this shit up.

Andrea Seipel shared my love of movement, the Pilates Method, books, cinema, the outdoors and so much more. She equipped me with the most useful German phrase which I repeated over and over to myself until I knew it almost as much as I know the Roll Up:

“Haben Sie eine Englisch Speisekarte?” (Do you have a menu in English?)

Mostly the response to my question was “Yes.” Yum.

Over the years we’ve kept in touch and she recently interviewed me for her YouTube channel.
It was great fun.

I cherish the friendships that even after considerable time apart, simply pick up right where you left off.

Check it out here.

Thanks for watching!

Coming Attractions

Join me in San Diego *IN PERSON*

(and the crowd goes wild!)

Save the date: September 9-11, 2022

More details coming in the next few weeks. Expect plenty of Pilates social outings, self-directed workouts and a new workshop. I am so excited about this topic, you’ll not want to miss it.

Can you guess?

Plus with your registration, you’ll receive a special invitation to an additional education experience while you’re in town valued at $499.

Yes, a special bonus just for you while we’re in the studio together. Thanks so much for joining the fun.

Back to my New Workshop offering. Curious about the topic?

I’ll give you a hint: my new workshop and bonus education item are essentially the ultimate Pilates Projects. If you’ve been reading here for a while I think you’ll have an idea…

Another hint: It’s NOT the Snake/Twist on the Reformer LOL

Much more granular.

Hit me up in the comments and see if you can guess 🙂

Until then, you can check out my Education Schedule for updates. New dates coming soon to a studio near you.

Have a great workout!