Certified Pilates Instructor
Erika, a Fort Wayne native, took her first Pilates session as a newly engaged, newly graduated communications major, as a way to explore a new method of fitness. She quickly realized that movement was her passion and wanted make it her career. Erika was a former competitive year round volleyball player, which gave her the ability to think quickly and move efficiently, that has benefited her in both her teaching skills and personal Pilates practice. “Pilates is the perfect combination of stretching and strengthening,” Erika says, “and everyone needs more of that in their life.” Her signature phrase is “peace and love,” and it radiates in her fun, vibrant classes, that leave you pleasantly sore and cheerful in their completion.
Erika loves working with all populations, but especially loves developing men’s Pilates programs for her Monday night Men’s Pilates series.
In her free time, Erika enjoys doing yoga, barre, taking walks with pup Sophie, and drinking craft beer with her husband, Joe.
About Erika
What do you think is the most unique quality of Pilates as a mindful movement?
The unique quality of Pilates as a mindful movement - Moving in a mindful way can be so therapeutic, both physically and mentally. Pilates requires you to be aware of which muscles are needed to do an exercise successfully, which I find to be so meditative. There is nothing like getting lost in the moment of an active stretch on the reformer to help you recenter yourself to take on whatever is thrown at you next.
Currently, what is your favorite Pilates exercise on any apparatus?
Favorite exercise: I will forever consider feet in straps one of the best movements on the reformer. It's the perfect way to round out a class and send you off on your day!
What excites you most about teaching Pilates?
What I love the most about teaching Pilates is that it is truly for everybody; there is a modification or variation to everything that can make it fit each body's needs.
