Inside the Pilates Studio: Brooke Siler
I love Brooke’s new book The Women’s Health Big Book of Pilates, and it makes me think fondly about my first few Pilates Mat classes some 15 years ago.
As a new Pilates mat student way back when, I cherished my copy of Brooke’s first book, The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening and Toning Your Body- Without Machines.
An iconic Pilates book, it was my constant Pilates workout companion. How wonderful to have a book with all the same exercises in it that I was learning in my Pilates Mat classes.
What a concept!
Before the wide availability of Pilates information online, The Pilates Body arrived with a treasure trove of images, illustrations and suggestions about creating a steady practice for advancing your workout.
A few months ago, I connected with Brooke in Los Angeles for an amazing fundraising event for our beloved colleague Mari Winsor. Lessons and teaching were dripping from the walls in Mari’s Melrose studio that day, and Brooke was right in the middle of it, teaching and having a lesson herself with Moses Urbano.
Especially as Pilates teachers we can never get enough of the good stuff for ourselves and continually study and teach this amazing method of body conditioning.
Where can I find Brooke?
Last year Brooke closed the doors of her flagship Pilates studies in New York City, Re: AB. Look for her teaching on the Upper East Side at Pilates Challenge (1226 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028).
And for the first time, in October 2015, Brooke will be presenting at Pilates Association of Australasia while getting in some quality time with her family in Australia.
1. What is your favorite Pilates exercise and why?
Brooke Siler: The Roll Up. It’s simple and versatile. It works strength, stretch, articulation and you can do it almost anywhere. It feels great on my body.
2. What exercise is your least favorite? Pick only one.
BS: Long Back Stretch. Even when I’m strong and perform it well it still feels awkward.
3. What turns you on creatively, mentally or physically about the Pilates method?
BS: Personal power. I love that this method provides the tools necessary to not only take care of ourselves, but to thrive!
4. What is your idea of earthly happiness?
BS: My kids, my friends, my family, good health and lots of laughter. (I also would not be mad at some rose champagne & dark chocolate thrown in there!)
5. What to your mind would be the greatest misfortune?
BS: To lose my children.
6. What is your favorite Pilates word?
BS: Teaser Time!
7. What is your least favorite Pilates word?
BS: Teaser Time!
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
BS: Artist
9. If Heaven exists, and by some chance when you arrive at the pearly gates Joseph Pilates is also there, what would you like to hear him say to you?
BS: Great job. Thank you for helping.
10. What did you learn today?
BS: My daily lesson is: “I have enough, I do enough, I am enough”.
About Andrea Maida
A native of Pittsburgh, Andrea began her study of the Pilates method in 2000. She holds two comprehensive certifications from Romana’s Pilates in New York and Excel Movement Studios in Washington, DC. Andrea continues to study with numerous world-class instructors including Romana Kryzanowska, Jay Grimes, Sari Mejia-Santo, Junghee Kallander, Cynthia Lochard, and Kathryn Ross-Nash whenever possible. Andrea was privileged to be in the inaugural class of The Work at Vintage Pilates under the direction of Jay Grimes, 1st Generation Master Teacher and student of Joseph Pilates.
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