Meet Kahley Schiller

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kahley Schiller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kahley below.

Hi Kahley, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I discovered Pilates in 2000 while I was a dance major at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Pilates courses were required to complete my major. UNLV also offered certification for those who desired to become an instructor. After I completed my first semester course of Pilates, I knew that it was exactly what I had been searching for! My heart felt complete and I found my purpose. I pursued the Pilates certification program under the instruction of its founder, Dolly Kelepecz.

Dolly had trained under first generation Pilates teacher Eve Gentry. She graciously took me under her wings and gave me the opportunity and experience to grow as an instructor.

I became an instructor at UNLV, teaching dance majors the Pilates method. I also taught at Dolly’s studio and other fitness facilities. In 2004 I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan to oversee the operations of Dolly’s newest studio location.

Through this experience and exposure to the Pilates world, I gained the confidence to open my own studio in my hometown of Kansas City in 2005.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I envisioned a place that would inspire and fill individuals with a sense of self-worth and renewed confidence.

As a young adolescent, I struggled with the ongoing battle of wanting to be thin. I was a dancer, constantly having to look at myself in the mirror, unhappy with the reflection looking back at me. My negative self-image followed me into my late teens and then into my mid-20s. I realized that the battle was a mental challenge, one that could be conquered each day in the choices I make. I can either choose to give in or run from the temptation that seems to know me. In my experience, God always has provided me with a way out and it is up to me to take that path. To gain this strength. I had to fill myself up with faith, positive words and determination.

I had one big dream in mind and I knew, to achieve it, I was going to have to fight my battle. I decided to move all alone, not knowing one soul, to Las Vegas, Nevada. There, I would attend school and pursue my dream to dance. Unfortunately, my body disagreed with my plans. I suffered from chronic knee pain and was advised to have surgery on both knees. It was then that I discovered Pilates. I began rehabilitating my knees through this method and fell in love with the theory. The results that Pilates gave me were absolutely amazing; I had no more pain!

I began working under the direction of Dolly Kelepecz, who certified me through D.K. Body Balancing and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I became an instructor at UNLV, teaching dance majors the Pilates method. I also taught at Dolly’s studio and other fitness facilities. In 2004 I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan to oversee the operations of Dolly’s newest studio location. Through this experience and exposure to the Pilates world, I gained the confidence to open my own studio. In August 2005 Pilates by Kahley, a 1,400 square foot studio, opened in Kansas City. I was the only instructor teaching both mat and full equipment classes. At the age of 25, I was realizing my dream.

With a schedule of daily classes, Pilates by Kahley quickly grew to 10 instructors, 2,600 square feet and over 300 clients. At my studio, we share the goal of helping people discover or rediscover the beauty that lies within. It is so easy to focus on outward appearances, because the world praises us for that, but I can assure you that looking amazing on the outside doesn’t mean anything if you feel dead inside. My team teaches the tools to regain self control, discipline, balance, inner peace and true beauty.

We all have a place, a purpose on this earth, and it is up to us as individuals to fulfill that plan. I have learned that you will never feel complete until you have taken the risk to discover what you are truly capable of achieving. I can assure you that there is no greater peace than that of reaching the dream, goal, and vision you set out to achieve. Someone once told me that everything in life belongs to the conversation of your heart and when you choose to really listen, it can never steer you wrong. I have adopted this philosophy as a guide in life. Enthusiastically, I wake up each morning with the goal of helping my students gain physical, emotional and mental strength, and to listen to the conversation in their hearts.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Patience, Persistence and most importantly NEVER stop believing in yourself!

Throughout your journey you will face obstacles and how you choose to deal with those will determine your outcome. Our obstacles are supposed to push us to thrive, open our eyes to see our full potential and give us the courage to push beyond our insecurities. Baby steps soon become giant leaps, and a positive outlook soon becomes a light shining bright for all to see. No matter what……..keep going!

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
This coming October will be 4 years since my liver transplant surgery, and I feel stronger than ever despite the numbness that remains below my incision. I have learned how to take better care of myself and not to push myself beyond my body’s capability. Living a transplant life can be discouraging at times because there is no guarantee on how long the donor organ will sustain. I was given a second chance at life because of someone’s loss. I owe it to my donor to take as good care of myself as possible. I take anti-rejection medication and a steroid daily, so my body does not reject the organ and to keep the autoimmune hepatitis at bay. Good nutrition, exercise, sleep and living a healthy lifestyle are paramount to survival.

I can wholeheartedly say the Pilates method helped me survive the surgery and made my recovery much faster. It confirmed my belief that the key to life is to keep moving, no matter what. This entire journey has been a huge challenge and I am so grateful to Pilates. It prepared me, physically and mentally, along with my faith, to accept my diagnoses, do what I needed to get through it, and survive it!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jeffrey Nicholson

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