This summer we will feature Trinity Fitness + Spa’s CEO Amy Kelly as a special guest contributor. Amy opened Trinity Fitness + Spa in 2005 after she lost her mother to pancreatic cancer. Trinity has partnered with Peak Pilates to explore new ways that Pilates can make a positive impact on the quality of life for cancer patients.
This past weekend I was away from my normal stomping grounds at Trinity Fitness + Spa in Northern Virginia because the Trinity team was in Dallas, Texas where we partnered with Peak Pilates to debut Pilates-sage at the eWomen Network Conference. Janette from the Education Team at Peak Pilates accompanied our staff and helped us spread the word to participants and encourage them to try Pilates-sage and/or Pilates - whether they were beginners or current Pilates enthusiasts.
Women executives of all different fitness levels came to the "make-shift" spa to try Pilates and experience it on Peak Pilates equipment first hand. The women were so surprised at how easy, yet challenging Pilates is. People talked about feeling taller, longer, leaner - but most of all - they wanted more!
The "looks" that we got as people walked past the reformers and cadillacs were almost humorous in their interest and trepidation. I think that we forget sometime as Pilates professionals that a good portion of the general population has never seen Pilates equipment. They only know Pilates from a tape or other media information. Watching so many women catch the Pilates "fever" reinvigorates us as well.
The story about Pilates-sage and its creation captivated women, because they all want to support women dealing with cancer. Pilates-sage is appropriate for everyone, but its application for people dealing with cancer or other chronic debilitative disease really touched the attendees. All the money we raised when people paid to try Pilates or Pilates-sage was donated to the eWomen Network Foundation, and the list of charities they support is so inspiring. They all touch your heart in some way, and focus particularly on women and children.
I think that all Pilates and fitness professionals believe in helping others and inspiring their clients to lead healthier, fuller lives. It was exhilirating to work as a team to inspire people and get to do what we love at the same time.
I believe that most people in the world want to help, and I was honored to be there with Peak Pilates furthering that goal through something we all love... Pilates! I want to thank Julie Lobdell and the entire staff at Peak Pilates for being a part of this amazing experience!
- Amy Kelly, CEO of Trinity Fitness + Spa