May 17, 2017

Meet Kay Smith of Lifelong Pilates in Mid Cities

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Smith.

Kay, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was once a hard core spinning instructor doing high intensity interval training several days a week. I’m also a certified personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine, and was into heavy weight training 3 days a week. I was into the “no pain, no gain” philosophy.

My instincts told me something was missing in my fitness routine. It seemed I was always going to the chiropractor for adjustments. And I was exhausted on the weekends from my hard core workouts during the week. If I was so fit, why wasn’t I having more fun?

I found the answer while rehabilitating from an ACL reconstructive knee surgery. I discovered Pilates and realized slowing down is good for the body and the mind. I awakened deep core muscles that I never even knew I had. The chiropractic adjustments became fewer and further apart. The deep breathing not only helped my focus. I found I tired less easily while doing a spinning class. My whole body felt more relaxed and lengthened. I was hooked. I earned one full Pilates certification through the Physical mind Institute. I then earned another full Pilates certification through Stott International. Eventually that led to opening my own boutique studio where I work one on one with people and teach classes of up to 6 people on the machines.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My Pilates business did not take off from the start. This was back in 2000, and I had to explain to everyone what Pilates was. After converting a few personal training clients to Pilates, they started referring me. And the business grew from there.

Please tell us about Lifelong Pilates.
I love teaching Pilates and working with a variety of people – from athletes to moms to seniors to dancers.

Often, people come to me after physical therapy has not relieved their problem. Being trained in Stott Pilates “Injuries and Special Populations”, I’m able to modify exercises and focus on their special needs. I’m also trained in Stott Pilates “Zen-ga”. In Zen-ga classes, we use soft balls and stretch bands to release tight fascia. The fascia often needs to be released before tight muscles can be released.

I’m committed to helping my clients’ look and feel better. I don’t accept walk-ins, because I want the classes to be all about quality. Those who are new to Pilates start with privates. When a student is ready, they can join a class. The classes are offered at 3 levels: Essential, Intermediate and Advanced.

Pilates is all about control, precision and focus. That’s not to say it’s all serious. We make it fun with “Make it up Mondays” and “Wacky Wednesdays”.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I was pretty much a tom-boy growing up. Climbing trees, playing hide and seek (I was actually really good at not being found), a neighborhood game of volleyball, or just sitting out in the yard eating water melon with no care about how messy it was. Life was slower back then without computers and the internet. I spent a lot of time playing outside.

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