Hillary Swift has been a Guest at TerraLuna since March, 2023 and has just completed Reformer 2, the third section of Pilates Teacher Training! You will be seeing Hillary around the studio more as she completes her observation and student teaching hours so we caught up with her for a moment to share a bit about her.
What brought you to Pilates and how long you've been practicing?
I was first exposed to Pilates through my background as a yoga instructor. When I did my yoga teacher training in 2015, we discussed mat Pilates as a complimentary movement modality that could easily be incorporated into a yoga class and a great format for building core strength. I began taking Reformer classes for the first time at TerraLuna in March of 2023.
Do you have a goal you'd like to share that Pilates helped you/is helping you obtain?
Yes! Pilates is such a precise form of mindful movement that it has helped me to become more aware of my body's alignment. In particular, Pilates informed me on how to properly engage my core and that is something I continue to practice and has influenced all other movements.
What class(es) have you/do you take? Do you have a favorite class?
I mostly take the Saturday classes, both Beginner's Reformer and Reformer because that's what my schedule allows and because they are great classes. I got to try the Athletic Reformer class recently and that was a lot of fun and challenging in a different way.
What is an activity which was difficult for you in the beginning but is now easier?
Anything with the c-curve has been a challenge, but has gotten easier with time. Yay!
Tell us about props! Favorite and least favorite.
I have really enjoyed the challenge of most exercises with the box (long and short box). I think I was most challenged by the exercises where we put the dowel road through the foot straps...maybe c-curve was involved, too!
If you had a "Signature Activity" what would it be?
My most recent challenging, but still fun activity, has been learning to do the move we call, "Climb a Tree." I love how the whole body is involved and it requires both flexibility and strength.
How do you define "wellness"?
To me wellness is a holistic term for whole-person health, finding balance within a person's physical, mental and social health, balancing body, mind and spirit. I think wellness is best achieved if you can have fun while you do it!
Would you share a little-known fact about yourself?
I'm a Libra and I really enjoy learning about astrology. I'm a cat mom and have two beautiful cats, Stella and Lyra.
Finally, what is one food/drink you cannot live without?
Seltzer water! I really love all kinds of seltzer water. I currently have Spindrift's Raspberry Lime Sparkling Water cooling in the fridge.
Thank you Hillary, for sharing a bit about yourself and your Pilates journey!
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