Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Pavelek.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was a kid, I always said I wanted to be a dancing scientist and in a lot of ways that’s where I landed. I grew up in Denton, TX and first experienced Pilates for myself at Texas A&M where I got a degree in kinesiology and dance. However, it was after a difficult pregnancy in 2010 that I really became dedicated to Pilates. I lived in Plano at the time and was lucky to find a classical studio with instructors who knew the method and were also amazing teachers. Pilates helped rebuild my body and gave me an outlet and community, which I needed as a new mom. After so much time practicing Pilates myself, I started working on becoming an instructor and finished my comprehensive certification in 2013. Teaching Pilates felt like the culmination of all my movement experiences including my dance background, teaching non-movers how to move as a public school dance teacher, my biomechanics experience in school, and knowing what it feels like to be deconditioned after my pregnancy. I have been teaching around Plano, Dallas and Denton ever since! In late 2024 I was offered an opportunity to open my own studio inside Denton Sports Chiropractic and knew it was time! I am excited to share classical Pilates with Denton.
Alright, 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?
The road has been mostly smooth but very, very long. If I’m being very honest, when I started teaching Pilates it was just for me. It was something I enjoyed and a great part-time job as a stay at home mom. But over the years it has evolved. I have seen how Pilates transforms people’s lives and it’s truly an honor to work with people in this way. Helping my clients realize their own strength is the most rewarding part of my job. But, transitioning from an instructor to also a studio owner has been a very slow progression. I never set out to be an entrepreneur. My clients’ support gave me the confidence to open my own spot.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Denton Classic Pilates is a small private training studio specializing in classical equipment training as well as Pilates mat classes. We teach the traditional work of Joseph Pilates and use it as a tool to help you do what you do better. We are masterful at giving our clients a personalized experience and helping them move more effectively in and out of our studio. We welcome clients at all levels of fitness from beginners to experienced athletes wanting to find the missing link that might be keeping them from going to the elite level. It is also perfect for someone recovering from injury, surgery or pregnancy. Our expertise and format enables us to elevate your Pilates practice from simply a workout to a deeper connection with your body and strength. We are located in the heart of the Denton Square, owned by a life-long Dentonite and are dedicated to helping our community feel strong.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most of my clients are surprised to learn that I almost didn’t survive the birth of my first child (now age 15) and it was Pilates that helped me feel like myself again. Not only did Pilates help with typical postnatal ailments but also helped restore my lung function after receiving CPR as well as my strength after 3 months of bed rest. I know what it feels like when your body feels broken, or maybe even like it’s betraying you. As difficult as this experience was, it helps me understand my clients better every day. Joseph Pilates said, “movement heals” and I have been lucky enough to see this to be true in my life as well as my clients’.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dentonclassicpilates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentonclassicpilates/
Image Credits
Matt McElligott
