During a cycling class at Beatbike in Tarzana, I met an inspiring and positive woman that I knew had to be introduced to our readers. Nikita owns a Pilates studio where she creates space for feeling and looking good. This interview will shine more light on the benefits of Pilates, as well as share the energy of this enthusiastic business owner!
I found Pilates while in Nursing School, I was instantly drawn to how it challenged not only my body but my mind as well. I developed a consistent practice and felt results (strength and confidence which is key to looking good) even before anyone else could see it. I felt the urge to give that feeling to others.
Pilates, in a nutshell, focuses on strengthening the core, creating longer, leaner muscles and deepening the mind body connection. The Reformer is one of the innovative pieces of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself. Anyone can benefit from Pilates because it’s effective and safe. What I’ve done in my studio is taken the pros of Pilates and other fitness modalities and combined them together. I don’t believe in stagnation, I think we should be constantly evolving and the Practice of Pilates can be slow and repetitive, so I’ve fused it with other common fitness modalities and techniques to create variety and fun.
These days Pilates is valuable because as a society we spend a lot of time sedentary and kyphotic (hunched over), which causes weaknesses in postural muscles that lead to back injuries. So I incorporate the benefits of repetition (practice), awareness of proper form and alignment, importance of the breath and strengthening the core, but I also switch it up, I add in other small props (hand weights, Therabands, ankle weights, and the BOSU ball) and equipment (ballet barre and TRX) and create circuits or partnered drills to keep it fun and fast paced. I think the ideal workout should be safe, diverse, fun and effective, so I bring that to the table every time I teach for a vide array of clients in different fitness levels.
I don’t think they are obsessed with looking good, but I think looking good or feeling like you look good is the root of feeling good, confident and comfortable in your own skin. I think that everyone should be obsessed with feeling confident and comfortable in their own skin so if looking good will trigger that then I’m all for it.
I’m so passionate about reinventing the wheel and combining Pilates and fitness, about learning and growing as an instructor and business owner. I’m passionate about helping people feel strong and empowered. I’m passionate about creating a place where my clients can come and be a part of a community that promotes health and physical fitness. I am (involved with) every single one of my clients, I think that’s what makes me good at what I do, as an instructor and a business person.I want to thank Nikita, Owner and Master Trainer of Benefit Body in Woodland Hills, for taking the time to to participate in this interview! As for our readers, have you tried Pilates before? Or has this interview inspired you to sign up for your first class?
With almost two decades as a professional makeup artist working on film projects, tv shows, photo shoots and weddings, LA based Heather Coopersmith brings some serious skills and knowledge to the Glad Lash Blog with her guest posts. Heather sees her art (and her hair!) as a creative outlet, and says "My world is a visual experience and I want to make you a part of it!" We're super excited to have Heather brightening up our world. You can reach out to Heather on Instagram @makeupthebride
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