Tell us anything you'd like us to know about yourself!
I’m Ryan Elizabeth. I work as Senior Coordinator for clinical trials. I currently live in North Carolina with my husband Scott, daughter, Georgia, and our 4-yea-old rescue dog, Rosie. When not working or doing Pilates, my hobbies include walks with my family and reading. We love going to the beach and watching college football (Go Tar Heels!)
What brought you to Club Pilates in the first place?
As someone who has never really considered themselves “athletic” I was always self-conscious about taking classes/joining gyms, but I wanted to start a consistent workout regime for myself.
In 2019, a Club Pilates happen to open up right in front of the apartment complex I was living in at the time and I thought I would give it a try.
I instantly fell in love with the classes, no-judgement atmosphere, and the strength I was gaining. Once we moved to NC, I immediately joined the local Club Pilates and have been a member ever since!
What benefits have you experienced from Club Pilates?
I have experienced so many great benefits from Club Pilates! It has become an essential part of my routine—and something I was able to keep up while I pregnant with my daughter this last year.
With clearance from my doctor, I did Pilates my entire pregnancy—including at 9 months pregnant (I took a Center and Balance class on a Monday and had my daughter on a Friday!). All the instructors I worked with (shout out to the WONDERFUL ladies at Club Pilates Chapel Hill, West Cary, and Durham!) were so accommodating and helped me continue to practice Pilates safely while pregnant.
My daughter was breech, so I was often uncomfortable while pregnant, and Pilates helped so much with easing those aches and pains.
It also helped me keep my pregnancy weight gain at a healthy level. I had to have a C-Section and thanks to the core strength I gained at Club Pilates, my recovery was much easier.
My doctor even commented at my 6-week postpartum check up how smooth my recovery had been and encouraged me to go back to Pilates!
I also love the class challenges and milestones. They are such a great motivator and I love the feeling of reaching the next level. I just hit over 300 classes this past month!
What is your most improved move, or your favorite class?
My favorite class is tie between Control and Suspend. I love the mix of the Reformer based moves and getting to use the other equipment like the TRX and Bosu ball.
What is something unexpected you experienced in your journey at Club Pilates?
For me, the unexpected thing I’ve experienced is how much I enjoy going to each class! As someone that had never really loved “working out” in the past, I look forward to every class I take and consider it a vital part of my routine.
I never thought I’d be the person looking forward to a 7 a.m. workout class, but now I crave it!
I also was surprised at how much confidence I’ve gained and how comfortable I feel in each class (I am a shy person by nature). I’m never self-conscious if I need to modify or adjust a move to a level that better works for me, and I am so grateful that I have found a place where I can comfortably, safely, and happily grow stronger!
What is one thing you would tell someone who is thinking about trying Pilates?
You can do it! One of the best things about Club Pilates is how you can really tailor the classes/moves to fit your own abilities. The instructors always offer modifications/progressions so you can always advance and adapt based on how your body is feeling that day. I’ve eased back into classes postpartum and am working towards getting back to my previous level!
Pictured is my family - my "why" for Pilates. I want to be healthy and strong and teach my daughter she can do anything she puts her mind to!
Written by Ryan Elizabeth E., member at Club Pilates in North Carolina.
