Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Howton.
Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always enjoyed movement. As a young child I insisted on ballet lessons. My mom says I was still toilet training at the time and that ballerinas didn’t wear diapers; apparently that’s what it took to get me out of diapers and into ballet class. I was hooked from that point and danced throughout my teen years and into college.
As part of my university dance program I was introduced to Stott Pilates and met a fellow student who was training to become a Pilates instructor. She gave me private lessons as part of her teacher training. I thrived in that environment. We became close, sharing our favorite musicians and TV shows as we learned Pilates together in the tiny equipment room the school had at the time. I was still heavily involved with dance, but I always had the thought of becoming an instructor myself someday.
Fast forward to 2020, when I was doing my own Pilates teacher training. I wanted to keep studying during lockdown, so I got my own equipment and started practice teaching friends and family individually when it became safe. That evolved into instructing more consistently as my experience grew and the pandemic lessened. Now I enjoy creating that personal touch for others that I had when I first learned Pilates.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say this journey has been at all a smooth one, and it’s ongoing. It’s been a road full of fits and starts, many side quests, and sometimes full stops all together. Stott Pilates instructor training is intensive, college-level learning that requires hundreds of hours of study, energy and memorization; instructors also do extra training every year to keep up on the latest exercise science in the field. It’s a ton of information, which can be overwhelming.
I’m still evolving as a teacher and there are more milestones to reach. As an introvert and highly sensitive person, I’ve had to learn to manage my social battery and understand my energy limitations. Injuries and chronic pain also affect my body and mindset, but I use that to empathize with clients who may have the same challenges. I try to give myself grace and pass that on to those I instruct.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Glissade Pilates?
I specialize in private Pilates Mat and Reformer training in a boutique setting that’s cozy and calm. Glissade is a body-neutral space in which to overcome unhelpful movement patterns and work toward stress-free posture. It’s important to understand the ‘why’ behind each exercise, and a private setting enables my clients to ask questions and receive personal attention they might not get in a group class.
Athletes such as dancers, gymnasts and skaters will benefit from my movement fluency, as well as anyone who wants personalized training in a judgment-free zone. The wonderful thing about Pilates is that it’s inclusive and adaptable to so many skill levels. I encourage questions and am happy to accommodate different learning preferences whenever possible. I’m here to help you move your body and become more resilient, whatever that looks like for you.
One thing I’m excited about is offering a virtual meet and greet for anyone who’s curious but hesitant to dive in. It can be intimidating to try something new, so this way we get to chat informally to see if we’re a good fit. I also provide a new client package at a special rate to start our practice together in the most effective way. More info is on my website, glissadepilates.com.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
As a chronic over-thinker I’d probably say just get out of your head and into your body, no matter what kind of journey you’re on. And don’t give up on the goals that really resonate with you, even if the road doesn’t go how you planned. It’s ok to mess up; it’s ok to start before you think you’re ready, and it’s ok to alter your approach according to your current needs. It’s ok to ask for help. Try to give yourself grace and love and rest, and then just keep doing Pilates.
Pricing:
- Complimentary Virtual Meet & Greet – book online
Contact Info:
- Website: https://glissadepilates.com
- Other: https://amyhowton.com
