Interview with Cristin Wertman

Cristin Wertman discovered Pilates at the age of 14. She asked her parents for Pilates lessons as a Christmas present and their response was, “get a job!”  When she was able to afford lessons on her own she was instantly hooked and thought it was the best method of exercise ever.

After attending the University of California Santa Barbara she began her Pilates career. It has been over 10 years and she has never looked back. She trained at The Pilates Institute of Southern California under Stacey Vargas, which was through The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado. She continues her education with always taking private lessons from the best and her favorite instructors, Amy Lange, Lisa Hubbard, Rael Isacowitz, Sandy Shimoda and Karen Frischmann at Vintage Pilates.

Cristin was on the cover of Pilates Style Magazine in 2008 and has been featured a handful of other times in the magazine. She has been an ambassador for Lululemon and has been on pilatesanytime.com performing Lisa Hubbard’s workouts.  

We caught up with Cristin recently! Keep reading to learn a bit about her teaching style and what advice she would give to someone trying Pilates for the first time.
 

Tell us a little bit about your teaching style.

I would say my teaching style is authentic Pilates with a splash of Jane Fonda! I truly believe in sticking to the classical method of Joseph Pilates. He was a genius and the method really does wonders for your mind and body. I like to throw in old school Jane Fonda butt, ab, and arm exercises because they are really fun and they really work! Especially when you apply your Pilates tools while doing the exercises. I also like to throw in mini trampoline work.  It’s fun, low impact, and good for your lymphatic system. My mom was an aerobics instructor for 17 years and when I was a little girl I would go to her classes with her and sit on the stage while she taught and watched. That’s probably where I get it. I like my clients to leave me after their workout feeling invigorated, strong, lean, happy, and healthy.
 

What is your favorite Pilates exercise and why? 

Tough question! I love every Pilates exercise. I’m going to go with the stomach series of 5. Just like every Pilates exercise you work your entire body. You definitely can work and engage your entire body with this series. I also love the footwork. I love starting the workout with footwork to get your legs warmed up, and its reflexology for your feet! I also love rolling like a ball, teaser, and stomach massage.They all test the stability of your low belly. Oh, and side kicks! But I was only supposed to choose one exercise. I also love working my upper back in the method. It feels good for my posture. 
 

Tell us where you teach and how we can find you.

I teach in Corona del Mar, CA where I have a Pilates studio in my home. I also do house calls. You can call me directly at 310-570-7943 to set up an appointment.    
 

What advice would you give someone trying Pilates for the first time? 

Start as early as you can! In my opinion it’s the best investment for yourself. I could go on and on about the wonderful benefits of Pilates. The best way I like to describe it is the method keeps your body moving and flexible the way it was when you were a kid! Pilates is also a lifestyle, it helps you perform your every day movements and other sports and activities with ease. Also, be patient. Pilates is a journey, so embrace the process.  
 

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I have a 3 ½ month old son, Everett! He is now my favorite and most important thing to me in life, in addition to my husband, Greg, and our 110 pound Bernese Mountain dog, Addison. I make each day an adventure for Everett and Addison. It is quite the workout! I absolutely love it. I also love hiking. I think hiking and Pilates are the two best forms of exercise. Throw in healthy eating and you are good to go with those three components. Hiking is so great because you can get some fresh air outside, get your low-impact fat burning cardio in and it’s a great way to catch up with friends. It’s also good to do something daily that scares you; I’m always scared of mountain lions when I hike! 

Interview with Pia - Rhythm Pilates Participant

Thinking of taking the Rhythm Pilates course?
See what Pia had to say about her experience!

Can you tell us about Rhythm Pilates from a participant’s perspective?

My experience with Rhythm Pilates was great! The atmosphere that Lisa provided was full of knowledge and encouragement. She took the time to go over every detail within the choreographies, and after the workshop, I gained a full new concept to incorporate in my teaching approach.

Why did you decide to take the RP training?

I took the training because I think it will allow me to reach a bigger audience of new client, and also add to my profile as a teacher. I think that music makes everything more fun. The first time a saw a Rhythm Pilates class, I knew immediately that I wanted to add this new modality to my teaching approach.

What was your favorite part of the program?

My favorite part of the program was/is having Lisa available as a resource. She is always there to give her support, not only for Rhythm Pilates but also for the entire Pilates community. I’m not a dancer, but Lisa mixed dance, yoga and Pilates in a way that even a person with no dance background can easily understand the movements and the choreography. She made the process enjoyable.

Would you encourage others to take the program?

Absolutely! Rhythm Pilates is a great program because it mixes three movement modalities, making it appeal to a bigger audience. Also, RP is a fantastic addition to your teaching (and it’s fun!) Rhythm Pilates mixes yoga, dance and Pilates in a way that benefits your body, your clients and your class offerings.

Do you currently teach RP? If so, when & where?

I’m not teaching yet, but I do see myself teaching Rhythm Pilates in the Huntington Beach and Seal Beach area in the future.

Pia discovered Pilates about six years ago and became immediately passionate for the Pilates method. It took her five years of working in the corporate business world before she realized that she wanted to help people in different and more meaningful ways. She is currently attending Orange Coast College for her Pilates certification, and is also working on attaining her Rhythm Pilates certification.

Interview with Katherine Slay

Tell us about a little about your background and how you discovered Pilates.

Up until I was 19 I had invested countless hours into a dancing career. The starving artist lifestyle got old quickly.  Feeling a little lost I attended and completed college and I did what any college graduate is supposed to do: I started working an 8-5 corporate job.  Two years into the rat race I was overweight, uninspired and miserable.  I started practicing Pilates as an anti-depressant and I became hooked.  What started out as a mental and physical rehab turned into a fulfilling career.  Ten years later I’m still drinking the Pilates Koolade.

Where did you receive your Pilates training? 

I am certified through Body Arts and Science (Rael Isacowitz), Power Pilates (Bob Liekens), the Power Pilates Teacher Trainer program (New York, NY).  I am also a certified member of Pilates Method Alliance.  

How long have you been teaching? 

10 years!!  So blessed.

Tell us where you teach.  

I have a handful of private clients that I teach out of their homes.  I also teach at Prana Pilates, Villa Pilates and Yoga, Yoga Works, and sub at Equinox.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise and why?

The Scorpion on the reformer! (photo pictured above)  It’s so cool!  I am still at the point in my own practice that I love living in the advanced work: “bringing the circus back!”  I’ve worked really hard to get there and I’m working hard to keep the advanced material alive in the teachers I am fortunate enough to work with.   

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I dig blogging, music, books, photography, fashion and decor- anything that inspires me creatively.  I love to travel (I’ve been to 15 countries!), practice yoga, snowboard, and I’m recently addicted to running.  

Who has been one of the most influential persons in your journey of Pilates?  

Bob Liekens (New York).  He’s a true teacher’s teacher.  He is a wealth of information mixed with an approachable, humble personality.  Going though the Power Pilates Teacher Trainer program with him as one of my teacher’s really changed everything for me in the best of ways.  
 

What is your favorite song/food and drink?

Song?  I’m obsessed with music!  I don’t think I can narrow it down to one song but at the moment I’ve been drowning in a odd mixture of Atoms for Peace, the new Eminem album and Lana del Rey.    

Food/Drink? The skinny margaritas and just about anything on the menu at True Foods!  I love champagne, Maestros and any great steak house, and I’ve been seen at Mother’s Market juice bar on one or two occasions ;)

Katherine teaches a classical approach to Pilates mixed with love and humor to soften the edge.  With over 10 years teaching experience she teaches Pilates, yoga, flexibility/stretch for dancers and specialty workshops to teachers throughout the country. 

She’s a rebel, Pilates teacher/Teacher Trainer, blogger/writer, avid yogi/yoga teacher, dancer, GLAMAZON, Bulldog enthusiast, foodie, anatomy geek, and fashionista. www.katherineslay.com