By Karen Wilder
Diving into my Pilates journey felt like exploring uncharted territories, navigating the currents from a more classical approach, then contemporary and back to the timeless realm of classical Pilates. This adventure began with the confidence of a seasoned fitness instructor stepping onto the mat, not fully aware that this initial leap would serve as the foundation for a profound and transformative journey. Little did I know that this initial step would become the genesis of an incredible adventure.
As the sole Pilates instructor in my small rural Kansas town moved away, I found myself standing at a crossroads. The void left behind prompted me to consider the prospect of teacher training. Having previously undertaken weekend training as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, I was no stranger to the world of certifications, workshops and conferences. However, the prospect of Pilates training seemed to be a venture into unknown territory.
Is the Weekend Mat Training Enough?
With an eagerness to embrace this new challenge, I embarked on a weekend mat training program. The experience left me exhilarated, ready to share my newfound knowledge with others. However, as I attempted to translate my enthusiasm into effective teaching, I discovered a gap in my preparation. I realized that I was ill-equipped to address the diverse needs of individuals who struggled with certain movements, experiencing pain or requiring more assistance than I was trained to provide.
Faced with this realization, I made the difficult decision to step away from teaching for a few months. My commitment to the well-being of my students was paramount, and I couldn’t reconcile the idea of potentially causing harm. During this hiatus, my passion for Pilates remained undiminished. I sought opportunities to continue my personal practice, taking one-off lessons whenever my travels permitted.
From the First Reformer Experience to the Comprehensive Certification
A pivotal moment occurred during a trip when I had the opportunity to engage in three consecutive private Pilates lessons on the reformer. The revelation was profound – a moment of clarity that resonated deeply within me. Standing up after my third lesson, I distinctly remember thinking, “I can do this forever, until I die.” This revelation marked a shift in my perspective, especially as someone who had been teaching indoor and outdoor bootcamps for several years. While I cherished my bootcamps, the toll on my body and the realization that I might not sustain this physically demanding routine into my later years prompted me to reconsider my path.
With newfound determination, I decided to undertake comprehensive Pilates training encompassing all the equipment. The prospect was exciting but also a little intimidating. After thorough research, I identified a training program that was both drivable and accommodated my family commitments. My supportive husband played a crucial role during this period, contributing his time and effort as I delved into the world of Pilates education.
However, the journey was not without its twists and turns. After completing a few mat training weekends, the program I initially chose fell apart, leaving me in a state of uncertainty. Undeterred, I recalibrated my approach, even reaching out to True Pilates in NYC for guidance. Practical considerations led me to choose Peak Pilates in Boulder, CO, setting the stage for numerous travels back and forth over the next two years.
The journey wasn’t just about acquiring certifications; it was a personal and professional evolution. The move from a small Kansas town to Kansas City added another layer of complexity. While officially certified as a Pilates instructor, questions lingered, and doubts crept in. The feeling of imposter syndrome became a constant companion, pushing me to seek further mentorship and training.
With a desire for local guidance, I embarked on another teacher training, this time with Polestar Pilates. This training offered a different perspective and unfolded over several months, eliminating the need for extensive travel. However, the culmination of this training presented its own challenges. The testing-out process in Miami was less than ideal, lasting 2.5 days and leaving me with an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Despite these challenges, my passion for Pilates and my commitment to continuous improvement fueled my perseverance. I found myself working in various Pilates studios in town, gaining valuable experience but also realizing the limitations of my knowledge. It was during this phase that the idea of going solo began to take shape in my mind.
From the Basement Home Studio to Brick and Mortar
I took a leap of faith and opened my own studio, transforming my basement into a Pilates haven. The studio initially housed a mix of contemporary equipment, reflecting the diversity of my training. I moved from my basement to an actual brick-and-mortar in July 2015. I was very excited to move out of my house. I built my clientele up and had grown tired of the traffic in and out of my house. My family was tired of it too!
When I moved out of my house, I did it quickly. I had movers help me and I had actually been on a trip and took some time off from the studio so there was a little transition period from being in my house to my studio.
As the years unfolded, so did my understanding of both classical and non-classical approaches. I believed that having a broad skill set allowed me to tailor my teaching to individual needs, a philosophy that became the cornerstone of my studio.
However, the journey was far from linear. As life unfolded, personal workouts took a backseat to the demands of teaching and family responsibilities. The desire for a consistent and structured personal practice led me to seek out a weekly lesson. This decision was not without its internal debates, as I chose a Romana Pilates-trained teacher with a focus on Gratz equipment, the same equipment Joseph Pilates had in his studio. While I had previously enjoyed sporadic experiences with Gratz reformers, committing to regular sessions was a significant step.
The Transformation from Contemporary to Classical Pilates
The decision to pursue Romana’s Pilates teacher training in 2018 was met with skepticism from local colleagues who cautioned against its perceived narrow-mindedness. Undeterred, I undertook an audition process to prove my knowledge and commitment. Unlike previous programs where a check secured acceptance, this one required a demonstration of Pilates proficiency.
Over the next two years, my life became a whirlwind of hustle and dedication. This period, akin to an apprenticeship, provided an unparalleled learning experience. Working alongside my mentor, I not only learned the intricacies of classical Pilates but also unlearned some aspects of my prior training. My mentor sharpened my eye, honed my ability to guide bodies, and instilled a deep understanding of when and how to intervene during sessions. It was an education that transcended the physical exercises, delving into the art of teaching.
This period marked a turning point in my journey. The puzzle pieces that had eluded me for so long began to fit together, creating a comprehensive understanding of Pilates. Looking back, the road traveled was long and challenging, but the destination was worth every step.
A crucial element of this transformative journey was the presence of mentors and a supportive community. Surrounding myself with disciplined teachers who shared my passion became an essential part of my growth. Even today, I find myself grateful for the ongoing mentorship and encouragement from this dedicated community of teachers.
Reequipping the Studio with Gratz
I have always loved the Gratz reformer and had dreams of making the change from contemporary equipment. I bought my first Gratz reformer from a Pilates colleague in Phoenix. My husband and I flew to Phoenix, rented a minivan, picked up the reformer and began the long trek back to Kansas City. Over the next several years I acquired more equipment and eventually I brought 2 Gratz reformers in the studio.
Once I started my teacher training with Romana’s Pilates in 2019 I began training my private clients on the Gratz and upon completing the program I made the switch official in 2021. By this time, my clients knew I had finished my training and embraced this new transformation. I installed Wall Units in 2022 and now I can teach small group classes using various pieces of equipment. I love my small studio and my clients do too! It’s inviting and quiet and calming. The perfect atmosphere for concentrating on Pilates!
Throughout the 14 years of my Pilates journey, my evolution has taken various forms. Starting as a novice teacher with a classical inclination, I traversed through contemporary training while teaching on modern equipment. The decision to undergo Romana’s Pilates training was met with skepticism, but it proved to be a pivotal moment in my education. The process of auditioning, learning, and evolving as an apprentice was akin to being in pharmacy school, pushing the boundaries of my understanding.
The support of my husband, my biggest advocate, played a crucial role, especially during the acquisition of classical equipment. Post-pandemic, a significant shift occurred as I made the final transition to a pure classical studio. While some clients hesitated, many embraced the change, embodying the resilient spirit I believe Pilates fosters. The addition of Wall Units, though requiring patience, further enhanced the studio’s offerings.
In my unwavering belief that my teaching philosophy coupled with classical equipment creates stronger, more resilient bodies, I stand firm. The journey, marked by its twists and turns, challenges and triumphs, has led me to a place where I feel deeply connected to the essence of Pilates. It is not just a fitness regimen; it is a holistic approach to well-being, a journey that continues to unfold with each session, each client, and each day. The Pilates studio I envisioned has become a reality, a space where my passion for Pilates finds its fullest expression.
About the Author
Karen Wilder
From a hobby to a full-time profession, Karen’s Pilates journey began as a personal remedy for low back pain, improved posture, and enhanced well-being. In 2010, she embraced teaching after completing training with Peak Pilates and Polestar. Despite initial barriers to Romana’s Pilates Teacher Training, a move to Kansas City in 2011 allowed her to take lessons at Pure Pilates KC, a Romana’s Pilates Training Site. Under Susan Hard’s guidance, Karen underwent intensive training, culminating in her certification by Sari Mejia Santo in February 2021. Committed to excellence, she transformed her studio’s equipment to align with the classical Pilates method, upholding the high standards set by Romana’s Pilates. Karen teaches and inspires clients at Wilder Pilates, her Pilates studio in Lenexa, KS. Alongside her passion for Pilates, Karen also loves to travel, whether it’s on the beach with her family or hiking in Colorado or along the Na Pali coast.