How I fell in love with Pilates.

 

My name is Jazmin. They call me Jaz, sometimes Jazita or JaziJaz.

 

I was raised in a distant country called Chile, which is in the southern part of the world. I grew up surrounded by dance, art, education and medicine. I am a dancer, primary school teacher, obstetrician (midwife), fitness instructor and children's dance teacher. Yes! I am all those things, and my life has developed in learning.  My passion is study and learning more about my disciplines.

You may be wondering, “how did I fall in love with Pilates?”

To pay for my obstetrics studies at the university, I started teaching dance. I was already a professional dancer at 15 years old, and came to discover fitness by chance. I loved fitness from the beginning and with my knowledge in dance and medicine, it was much easier to incorporate everything in each format. I developed a personal style in my way of teaching. In order to be a comprehensive and complete instructor who could help my students achieve their goals in this world of fitness, I became fully certified in each available discipline. However, I knew there was something else I wanted to attain.

 

Through ballet I learned about the Pilates mat. I knew that there was much more to it, but in my country it was difficult to access.

I believe nothing is by chance.  One day I fell in love, and at age 38 I got married. I packed my bags, sold my house, left my business and all my students, and came to the United States to try my luck.  Without a language, or acquaintances, or contacts, I came to America with just with my knowledge.  Having spent 18 years on a fitness trajectory and 25 years in dance and productions, I knew that there were more opportunities here if I tried hard enough. I learned the language as quickly as possible (I am still learning) and started my work teaching classes in different places.

However that still didn’t feel like it was enough. I wanted to know more. I wanted to study to be an instructor in Pilates Apparatus. I looked everywhere, but there was nothing that suited my time and work.  Everything was either too far or very expensive.  Then, one day, at the corner of my house, I saw a sign that read “Club Pilates – Opening Soon”

Living in West Palm Beach, everything at the time seemed too far to travel to so when I saw this sign, my heart jumped! I waited excitedly for 3 months and when I finally saw the “OPEN” sign in the window, I went in to the business and asked about the classes. I was so happy, and immediately paid my registration fee. I think I was even the first person to inquire and register. I believe it was fate that brought Club Pilates to my doorstep. When you really want something, the universe always conspires in your favor.

As I started classes, I admit I was absolutely lost. Despite my extensive knowledge as an instructor, I knew nothing in the area of this discipline. Thanks to the help, patience, and wisdom of my beautiful master trainer Leslie Russell, I fell in love with Pilates. The best person the universe could have delivered as a teacher was Leslie and she has inspired me like no one ever before. 

I Love you Forever my dear Leslie!    

Thank You.

Step by step, despite the my language barrier and being surrounded by people who knew much more than me, 

I remained inspired and wanted to grow and be much better. 

To be able to have learn the tools that I could share with my students was essential. Helping them to feel, explore, learn, grow, advance, progress and be better every day in each class. I can't stay calm if I don't see a progression, no matter how small. I am so satisfied when I see them achieve the exercise flawlessly.

I have a memory of each student in their first class and I don't forget their progress. I remember their beginnings and how they have grown.  I enjoy watching them progress together in this beautiful journey called Pilates.

Every thank you I receive, every assistance I provide, every smile I return, every drop of sweat, and even every frustration is a reward. Together, we never give up and seeing them come back for more fills up my heart and soul.

Even though I arrived here with a funny accent looking for a way to learn more, my students were very kind and helpful to me along the way. After 8 years I’m proud to say many of them still come to my classes.

Since arriving in the United States, I have earned 13 more certifications, plus all the Pilates Apparatus certifications with 8 specialties.

The ultimate question is - why did I fall in love with Pilates? Because, finally I can offer everything I have acquired and learned throughout my life as a contribution to generate a positive change in people.

Thanks to this wonderful machine, it is possible to effect progress in the physical and mental health of others.

Since I began to understand how my body was adapting to each exercise, I now understand how my mind is connecting with each movement. I’ve learned how my breath flows with each combination and I progressively feel the flow of my body, mind and spirit.  For me that is priceless.  There is no class in fitness that I teach (and I teach almost all of them) that makes me feel that happiness and connection with my soul. Other than perhaps bellydancing, which is my other half.

The alignment of my body and my inner being as my muscles stretch, contract, accommodate and perfect each time has given me sharper focus, concentration, and overall connection.

My imagination is more fluid now, and I can create more effective and powerful combinations for each level of student.  I understand that from a beginner to an advanced student, a simple exercise brings powerful results.  I personally practice and experience each combination so that my students can do them properly and transform their lives and bodies with Pilates.

Club Pilates gave me all the tools to  a better instructor. It gave me freedom, it gave me comfort, it made me feel at home and in communion with my colleagues and my students.  

Through Club Pilates I have experienced this world more fully, and I know my students see and feel the change. I have to say that not a single person has regretted trying a class with me. They fall in love just like I did. By seeing their muscles work it invites me to connect with others, and when they feel it for the first time, I can see the happiness on their faces.  I can see them finally understand the dynamics of their body, just like I did in the beginning by connecting body, mind and spirit. 

Today I have my private clients who love Pilates as much as I do and thank me every time for having insisted on participating in a class. It has changed their lives. It has taught them what it is to exercise conscientiously. And it makes me infinitely happy to be able to help them on their journey through this magical world of Pilates. 

And to you, my friend, if you have not yet taken that first step, I invite you to come to one of my classes. I promise you that I will do everything in my power, to make you live an unforgettable experience and for the first time you will feel your body and mind united in a single movement. Come and live this journey that will lead you a long and wonderful life...

 

Nothing is a coincidence. If you are reading this, please don’t hesitate. I assure you that Pilates will change your life in an absolutely positive way!

  Jaz_ Jazmin_Jaz

PS: special thanks to that unexpected angel ... 

without your help this wouldn't be perfect ...

M.W.