“I came into the studio and asked Carmen, ‘How do I become a teacher?’ After many sessions at Aligned and working with Carmen, I realized I had to learn about my body, learn the exercises, and practice to become a Pilates teacher.”
I came to Aligned Pilates wanting to learn more about Pilates and wondered how to become a teacher. I'm very athletic and love to dive into new stuff. At first, I came into the studio and asked Carmen, "How do you become a teacher?" After many sessions at Aligned and working with Carmen, I realized I had to learn about my body, learn the exercises and how to practice first to become a Pilates teacher. Now, I'm on a journey with Carmen to become an instructor finishing my last weekend intensive in THE PROGRAM ™, a teacher apprenticeship program at Aligned Pilates.
As a new student at Aligned Pilates, I remember loving the idea of the BEGINNER INTRODUCTION. It’s where I got a taste of classical Pilates and the apparatus. When I finished my intro, I realized how much this exercise could help my body be aligned, heal, and get to know my center.
Today, I practice regularly, and my body looks different, and my mindset has changed. I try not to stress about how I look as long as I am healthy and able to move in my body. I am thankful! In the past, I have done pilates once a week, but I haven’t noticed a significant change. Now, I often practice at home with Carmen's YouTube, with other students at the studio in my AP class, take private time with Carmen, use the self-practice hours, and think daily about my body’s alignment.
One thing I love about Aligned Pilates is Carmen's trust in me to practice independently in self-practice time while she is teaching others in their private lessons. I love to be in the studio when new students are being taught. It feels like I’m reviewing my past; it keeps me motivated and practicing!
If you are considering trying Pilates, I say, “Come on in and try it out!” Until you are in the studio and think you know your body, only after a few sessions will the experience teach you new things about yourself, and you will fall in love with Pilates.
~ Sejung (Sally) Kim, Certified Pilates Teacher at Aligned Pilates
“Since consistently practicing Pilates at Aligned, I have grown to look forward to my time at the studio, and Pilates has become my new favourite workout!”
Before I found Aligned Pilates I was in a bit of a workout rut. I was feeling bored and unmotivated by my existing routine and was looking to incorporate something new that would reinvigorate my excitement for moving my body. I was also dealing with some occupational back and neck pain that I was having a hard time managing on my own.
After doing some research into Pilates, I decided that this could be a good workout for my lifestyle and body. At first I chose Aligned Pilates due to the location, but after my first few introductory lessons with Carmen, I chose to continue training because of her fun personality, hard work ethic, and passion for Pilates.
Since consistently practicing Pilates at Aligned (private workouts, group workouts, and self-practice), I have grown to look forward to my time at the studio. Pilates has become my new favorite workout! I feel physically and mentally stronger, and I have also noticed a significant decrease in my back/neck pain.
As a client of Aligned Pilates, I value Carmen’s teaching style—she pushes you to be your best while still having fun! I also really appreciate the range of available training options, whether private lessons, small group classes, or self-practice. I feel that I can tailor my training to my budget and schedule. Carmen also has a YouTube channel that is an excellent resource if you want to practice at home or get extra information on a specific exercise.
I would recommend Aligned Pilates to anyone contemplating trying Pilates. It is a great workout in a great studio with a great instructor—there is nothing not to enjoy! Whatever it is, how you tell your story online can make all the difference.
~Ashley
“I started Pilates to slow down and, ideally, stop my spine from becoming more curved and twisted. I want to help my body to be strong as I age.”
I have scoliosis, which started to worsen about five years ago. In addition to back, hip, and hip flexor pain, I couldn't use my body the same way I used to. In addition, I was concerned that I would become a hunched and twisted little old lady before long! So, about three and a half years ago, I started Pilates to slow down and, ideally, stop my spine from becoming more curved and twisted. I want to help my body to be strong as I age.
My sister, who does Pilates in Calgary, researched studios in Edmonton and recommended I check out Aligned Pilates. When I read the information on the website, what appealed to me was Carmen's extensive Pilates training and credentials. I also liked the idea of individual and small-group instruction and guidance.
Most importantly, my scoliosis has not continued to worsen. Although my back will never be “cured," it has improved. I have less pain often. I am also learning to use, move, and control my body in new ways. And I am gradually gaining core strength.
There are many things that I value about Aligned Pilates. At the top of my list is Carmen's expertise in and passion for Pilates and her genuine interest in her clients and the development of their Pilates practice. I also admire Carmen's commitment to the ongoing development of her Pilates practice. Despite her expertise, she continues to learn and grow, the benefits of which ripple out to her clients. Carmen also does a great job tailoring her teaching approach to each client's learning style and needs. I appreciate her straightforward feedback about areas for improvement, balanced with positive reinforcement when I do something well. Lastly, I value and enjoy the studio environment and the people at Aligned Pilates. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, friendly, and supportive. It's a place where I like to spend time!
I love Pilates and am so happy that I decided to try it!
~ Deanna
“My husband is so proud of me, and more importantly, I am so proud of myself!”
Before coming to Aligned Pilates, I struggled with body posture and strength. I found myself in a head-forward position, especially at work, where I worked with a keyboard and patients. I was trying to hold my core firmly but ended up only pinching my buttocks tight, which never felt right, but I thought that was what I had to do. Without a trainer, a teacher, or mirrors in my home workout area, I could not see what I was doing right or wrong with my posture. All of this has been progressing well at Aligned Pilates Studio.
I have better posture and feel much more vital. Pilates encourages me to keep increasing my health and fitness while keeping my mind engaged with my body for years to come. My sessions go by so quickly, and I'm always energized. My husband is so proud of me, and more importantly, I am proud of myself.
I value the studio's cleanliness and the diverse equipment I access as an Aligned Pilates student.
Pilates is unlike anything I have heard of or tried, and it is what you're looking for to help with your fitness. Carmen sees you as an individual and works with you to achieve effective results. I can only imagine what my life would be like had I started earlier.
Thank you, Carmen!
~ Connie
“I value the support and genuine approach Carmen applies to every student. Everyone is treated as an individual in what their body can do.”
I have suffered from arthritic pain and lack of mobility for years and felt it was time to seek some relief and strength-building.
I searched for a Pilates studio extensively online and talked to friends and associates. When I came across Aligned Pilates Studio, I was intrigued by Carmen’s approach to the workings of Pilates. The ABOUT section is very open and honest, with no sales approach. She is constantly training and teaching herself and believes strongly in the art of Pilates.
The main result of my time at Aligned Pilates is my improved balance and movement in everyday life. I have learned to manage my body by sitting and getting up without much pain. I also enjoy the physical aspect and the good mental feeling I leave with from the studio.
I value the support and genuine approach Carmen applies to every student. Each person is treated as an individual in what their body can do.
For years, I had no interest in Pilates since I had no idea what it was about and didn’t make a move to educate myself about it. My entire life, I believed any form of exercise had to be fast-moving and work out until it hurt. Pilates is not easy; however, it is disciplined and steady work to get results. I would recommend Pilates to everyone - young or old- to take the first step and find out how Pilates can help you feel so much stronger and healthier in your life.
~ Jan
“My body thanks me for doing Pilates regularly!! With osteoarthritis being an issue, improving my muscular strength in my whole body and Core helps me walk and sit upright and Feel strong.”
I have osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and bursitis, which cause lower back and hip issues. As a result, the pain and discomfort hinder my sleep, and I have restless nights. I also have a weak upper body.
In 2015, we moved to Edmonton. I wanted a studio close to home so it would be easy to attend classes regularly. Carmen is a very attentive teacher. She has an eye for spotting weakness or identifying when I am not using the muscles I should be (the core!).
I love my AP classes, where I practice my program, which is ideal. I progress at my rate.
My body thanks me for doing Pilates regularly! With osteoarthritis an issue, improving the muscular strength of my whole body and my center (core) helps me walk and sit upright.
The atmosphere at Aligned Pilates is friendly. We work out together on our exercises, and no one hinders the progress of another client. The light conversation we do have makes for an enjoyable time.
Pilates works for me, and it's a workout! You'll find muscles you never knew you had. Many training options exist so people can find a time that suits their schedules.
~ Ruth