Pilates has been my primary form of movement training for the past 20 years.

I feel my absolute best when I practice Pilates several days a week, and my body lets me know when I miss it.

Pilates to me is a lifestyle.

It allows me to be active and enjoy things I love doing, such as cycling, skating, skiing, swimming, camping, hiking, gardening, reading (fun fact: Joseph Pilates made an Eye Chart to train the eye muscles), and spending quality time with my husband Paul, two sons, Joseph and James, and Pablo, our magnificent Chihuahua.

My practice helps me to interact positively with the world and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Pilates teaches me how to be calm, patient and gentle with myself. From years of practicing, I know what I like and what is essential to help me feel my best. As a minimalist, I value my time enjoying a simple life with lots of Pilates.

As a second-generation Pilates teacher, it’s my absolute privilege to pass along this form of corrective exercise to others, as I learned from my teacher, Jay Grimes, a student of Joseph Pilates. I uphold the legacy Jay Grimes and Sandy Shimoda of Vintage Pilates have graciously shared. As a perpetual student, I also continue to study with world-renowned teachers.

I am thankful daily for my students who put their trust in exploring the work of Pilates. The work itself is what changes us for the better.

My mantra is “keep moving”.

XX Carmen