Teacher Q & A
Jody
Jody is a wife and mother of two grown children who lives in Reno, Nevada. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and criminal justice, and has served as a reporter and freelance writer for local newspapers including The Reno Gazette Journal and Nevada Appeal. After many years reporting, Jody found Pilates and studied the method at Pilates Coach and Balanced Body. Her personal practice improved her performance in running and skiing and sped up recovery following a hip fracture. It has been a privilege for Jody to work with a diverse clientele for over a decade and we are so fortunate to have her on our Purely Pilates team for the past three! When she is not teaching,writing or running, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two grown children.
Q: What is your background, are you originally from Reno? I am a native, fourth-generation Nevadan who tried to move away many times before I realized Reno is a perfect location for someone who enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and camping. I have a passion for Reno history and can be found writing about bucolic ranches of yesteryear. I continue to do freelance writing and spend much of my time volunteering at the Nevada Historical Society.
Q: What made you decide to become a Pilates teacher? I fell in love with the work! Long before I became an instructor, I practiced for 10 years prior. As a long time runner, pilates allowed me to enhance my fitness and I quickly realized all the work I did in the studio helped with what I wanted to do outside. This allowed me to continue to run injury free and still does!
Q: What is your teaching style? I would describe my teaching style as athletic and energetic. The client determines the work and the focus is always on reaching their goals.
Q: What client population are you drawn to? I enjoy working with clients with athletic aspirations or those recovering from injury. I suffered a stress fracture over 10 years ago in my hip and was able to rehab quickly through Pilates. I think this gives me insight to those who have suffered a setback and are trying to get back to an active lifestyle.
Q: What are three words that best describe your personality? Curious, Enthusiastic and Adaptable!
Danielle
Danielle is a Reno native who loves being part of the thriving, growing community Reno has become! She began her own personal Pilates journey with a mat class while attending UNR where she graduated with a degree in Nutrition. Danielle completed teacher training in 2020 and has been teaching Pilates ever since. Danielle has been a part of the Purely Pilates team since 2021 and loves teaching new and seasoned clients alike. Sign up for a class with Danielle today and experience her amazing grace and style. We can't wait for you to see what she has to offer!
Q: How long Have You been teaching Pilates?
I have been teaching Pilates for about 2 years. I completed my teacher training at the beginning of 2020 which, due to Covid, ended up being a difficult time to complete the practice and observation hours needed to become certified. Luckily, I was introduced to an amazing Pilates instructor who had two reformers in her basement and I was able to teach family and friends out of her home. If that wasn't lucky enough, in the Summer of 2021, Natalie, the owner of Purely Pilates at the time, reached out to me and asked if I would like to join the team and I have been teaching here ever since.
Q: How did you decide to become a pilates teacher? What inspired you?
After graduation from UNR, I was determined to find a form of exercise that I truly enjoyed and that I could do multiple times a week. I knew I loved Pilates so I did some research on the best studios in Reno which led me to Purely Pilates where I actually took my first reformer class. Fast forward to almost a decade of personally practicing Pilates, I gained a lot of knowledge about movement and mindfulness. Everything I learned in during a Pilates class always made so much sense to me and the mind-body connection made the hour long classes feel like they went by in 15 minutes. I began encouraging/annoying my family and friends to try Pilates so much so, that finally one of them asked me why I didn't just teach. I enrolled in the Teacher Training program through Purely Pilates shortly after.
Q: What is your teaching style? What drives you in your teaching? What can a student expect when they come to take your class?
My teaching style definitely changes depending on the body that's in front of me. I love being able to try new things and push clients that are a little more experienced or athletic but I also get excited every time a new student comes in and I can focus on the core Pilates principles and get back to the basics. Often times the basics are the first to go out the window so I try to emphasize the foundational movements of Pilates and then being able to add on or modify based on who is in class that day. I love to sprinkle in balance work into my classes and stress the importance of full mind-body connection and finding good form before and during movement.
Q: Do you have specialized training for teaching certain populations? Do you have a favorite type of student to work with?
I currently do not have a specialized training for certain populations but I definitely plan on continuing my Pilates education to gain as much knowledge as possible. I dont have a favorite type of student, but I will say that there is no better feeling than when a student reaches their personal goals, whether its increasing flexibility or being able to get up off the floor, being able to help them in their journey is a huge reward for me.
Q: What can clients expect to find you doing when you are outside the studio? Tell us something unique about you!
When I am not in the studio I am staying busy working as the Director of Business Operations for a local restaurant group in town. Working in restaurants really drives my passion for cooking so when I'm not working I am probably experimenting with different recipes and my favorite season is almost here, soup season! I love making different types of soups and other comfort foods while hanging out at home with my family and two dogs.
Q: What are three words that best describe your personality?
Thoughtful, hardworking, easygoing
Anna Rowland
Anna was born in Ohio and raised here in Reno since she was a baby. She considers herself a proud native and has enjoyed watching the growth of the "Biggest Little City" over the years. Anna found her love of Pilates while attending the University of Nevada. She has been teaching for a little over a year now and is passionate about continuing education and working with clients who love Pilates as much as she does! Anna joined the Purely Pilates team in March of this year, and we couldn't be more excited to have her! Sign up for one of her amazing classes today- you will be glad you did!
Q: How did you decide to become a pilates teacher? What inspired you?
I fell in love with Pilates when I was a freshman at UNR. Moving out on my own and finding my footing as a young adult was difficult, Pilates helped calm my mind and move my body in ways that I had not experienced with other types of exercise. After college, I worked in the service industry (I still do!) and I felt my body deteriorating. I went back to Pilates as a way to recover from years of wear and tear from running around serving tables and bartending. What I discovered was that my body and mind felt so amazing after just my first class back on a reformer. Pilates inspired me to get back to a healthy body and mind, and through that I realized I wanted to help others feel as amazing as I did.
Q: What is your teaching style? What drives you in your teaching? What can a student expect when they come to take your class?
Because I'm still relatively new to the Pilates world, I am still developing my teaching style. As of now, I would consider my style contemporary with a lot of the basics incorporated. I believe that there is so much power in the basics of Pilates and that building that foundation is so important before trying all those crazy moves you see on social media.
Q: What can clients expect to find you doing when you are outside the studio? Tell us something unique about you!
Outside of the studio, clients can find me bartending around Reno! I love making and creating craft cocktails! If I'm not behind the bar, I'm probably traveling. I love to experience different cultures and explore the world. And when I'm actually home, you'll find me with my fiancé and our two cats. If you ever need a cute cat picture or video to cheer you up, I got you!
Q: What are three words that best describe your personality?
Creative, charismatic, funny
Marisa
Marisa was born in S. California and raised in Portland,OR. At the young age of 19 Marisa's adventurous spirit took her from the wet and rainy Northwest to travel and live in Germany! She moved back to the states when she was 23 and lived in the Bay Area for a couple years before landing here in Reno. She has been in the Reno area for over 20 years. Marisa has a dance and Yoga teaching background and has been a Pilates practitioner for over 15 years. She is also an IAHC certified IN health coach and is knowledgeable in multiple dietary theories and practical lifestyle coaching methods. She works with women who are suffering with symptoms associated with digestive issues and hormone imbalance as well as those in need of stress management support. Marisa joined the Purely Pilates teaching team in March of this year and we couldn't be more excited!
Q: How did you decide to become a Pilates Instructor? What inspired you?
I have been teaching yoga for 5 years now, and teaching yoga actually inspired me to teach Pilates. I find the two practices very complimentary to each other. I truly love and enjoy practicing yoga, however, Pilates is my favorite physical workout due to its close roots to dance.
Q: What is your teaching style? What can a student expect when they come to take your class?
I love to challenge my students, providing them with strong cues and options for taking exercises to the next level. I always try to incorporate a lot of core work, as I believe a strong core is key to a body's proper functioning.
Q: How do you feel your background with Yoga will contribute to your students' Pilates class experience?
As a yoga instructor, I speak a lot about energy in the body and in the poses. I try to help students connect to the energy in their bodies and remind them that in certain positions energy is either being released or invited into their bodies, helping them create a solid mind body connection.
Q: What are three words that best describe your personality?
Adventurous, Spontaneous, Generous
"Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames."- Rumi