This is a celebration of our community. Of the power of movement, of female-owned small business, of old Capitol Hill, of trying something new. It’s a celebration of perseverance and teamwork and impact. It’s a nod to consistency, and a moment to pause and reflect on what hasn’t changed: Pilates on 10th is a place of discovery, acceptance, and healing. And it’s home to our life changing experiences!

Keeping up with Gordon Overbye is not for the faint of heart. Gordon is usually on the move, displaying dedication to his many active passions—Pilates of course, and so much more… Have you always been this active? Did you play sports or exercise much growing up? I grew up on Mercer island. I played sports all day long, every day! Competitively I played basketball, baseball, and ran track and field / cross country.

Why do we love the Tower? The Pilates Tower functions like the Cadillac, but it’s attached to the wall on one side, and the base affixed to the ground instead of a raised Mat. The Tower is a versatile piece of equipment that easily translates to a group class, so it’s ideal in a studio setting. You can easily add challenges, or add support to Pilates exercises so it’s an accessible piece of equipment to use for all types of bodies and experience levels.

Talking to Anne Marie is like taking a long, deep breath…

She brings intention to the conversation, and it’s impossible not to follow her lead. As she gently and thoughtfully answers my questions I imagine that this must be the same energy that’s inspired her accomplished career, not only as a teacher of Pilates, but as a teacher of teachers. 

Kim is the kind of person that jumps into things with two feet. From the moment I met her I thought she had gumption, a magnetic personality, and the amount of drive a person needs to really Make. Things. Happen. It didn’t take long to realize I was spot on, and that there’s a whole lot more to her as well. Kim is incredibly caring and passionate about helping people, it’s what makes her an amazing mom, business owner, friend, and Pilates Instructor. 

We wanted to dig a little deeper, and luckily our friend and accomplished Pilates Instructor, Heather Holloway McCash, was taught by someone who actually knew Romana personally! Heather had the opportunity to ask her former teacher some questions, and she is graciously sharing her story with us today: 

In honor of Women’s History Month, during March we will be celebrating influential and inspiring women in the world of Pilates. It only felt right to kick this series off with arguably THE MOST influential woman in Pilates history: Romana Kryzanowska

What makes Pilates unique as an exercise method is the attention to the movements of your spine. The Barrels in Pilates teach you how to correct your posture and find strength and flexibility to take that posture into your everyday life. 

If you work with Heather often you’re probably familiar with her propensity to check in, often! She evaluates how you show up to session each time she sees you, and regardless of how well she knows your abilities or routine she will always ask how your body is feeling today.