We were lucky to catch up with Andrea Brody recently and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from recovery from chronic pain. When you’re in pain all the time, it’s hard to see the exit from that cycle. I’ve had to work on my mindset, practice mindfulness, meditation and Pilates to help me find relief from pain. This process helped me see the positive side of life. I’ve incorporated mindfulness and meditation into my daily life and help my clients with simple tips they can incorporate into their daily lives. Many people’s brains are wired to see negative outcomes, but with focus and consistent practice, you can rewire those patterns for positive outcomes and solutions. When you adopt this practice, you feel more calm, relaxed and free of stress and anxiety. A good way to reinforce mindfulness, is with a mind-body exercise practice like Pilates. Practicing Pilates gives you focused time to take care of your body and awareness for what it needs. When I see clients let go, smile, feel better in their bodies during their Pilates sessions, that also increases my optimistic attitude.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a Private Pilates Instructor. I help you get stronger and alleviate stress in your body and mind with Pilates so you can live a balanced life. I know how challenging it is to find balance because I used to work full time in corporate graphic design. I developed low back pain from stress and sitting at a desk all day. I found Pilates was the solution to my chronic pain. Not only did I have less pain but I gained strength and reduced tension. I fell in love with this form of stress relieving exercise and decided to make it my career. The transition wasn’t easy but I built up my Pilates business and did both for a while. Then I left my corporate job to move into full time Pilates.
My teaching is set apart because I take cues from what my clients tell me and their body tells me so I can better fill their needs. I don’t push people into something they aren’t ready for yet. Some Pilates exercises are really challenging and need a progression. I make changes to the exercises so they build the strength and flexibility they need to go deeper into the exercise. As they get stronger, my clients feel the exercise gets easier and I can give them genuine positive reinforcement as they progress into a more challenging version of the exercise. I combine my listening and observation skills with very detailed oriented instruction. My clients often tell me that I don’t miss a thing or let them cheat! I believe it’s important to keep clients moving safely and to progress them in a way that is right for their body.
I recently did a workshop for creative professionals like graphic designers and content creators. I taught them exercises they can do at their desk and on the floor at work to reduce pain and increase creativity. Running your own creative business is challenging because you’re balancing creative work and business tasks. I believe Pilates bridges the gap so you can do both and thrive.
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?
Pilates is beneficial for people of all fitness levels, not just people who are super strong and fit. As a result there’s lot of different types of Pilates classes and teachers. You may not like it the first time. I didn’t and it took a while before I was ready to try again. As a consumer you have to know that it might take some time to find the right experience for you. If you’re new to Pilates you might find more benefit in private sessions. One on one Pilates gives you the option of learning this powerful movement method from where you need to start, rather than what the rest of the class needs. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to move without aggravating an injury but instead supporting it. You’ll learn how to create challenge in the movement without overdoing it. Group classes are also a good way to learn Pilates, but if you can make it happen one on one Pilates is the best way to learn.
Working with an instructor who is trained and knowledgeable with your needs is also very important. Research the studio or teacher you’re interested in taking Pilates with. Call them and ask them questions about their training, how they work with injuries and special conditions if you have any. Everyone is welcome and you can start at any time in your life. I have a client that is 91 and she started Pilates for the first time in her 80s.
Pilates in and of itself is a journey. You simply have to start and see where it takes you.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe it’s important to stay consistent with what you do, especially with exercise. This is because you get better results. I love working with people that are committed to making lasting changes for their health. Consistent Pilates changes your body so it moves and feels better. I had to learn this for myself. I had to be consistent in my own Pilates practice to see the results and changes in my own body and feel better so I know it works. It’s easier to stay motivated when you can feel and see the change. Doing Pilates on a regular basis is the best way to do that. When my clients show up three times a week, they keep the work in their body and it’s easier to make progress. They keep the motivation going because they don’t forget how the movement makes them feel. I make it easy for them to keep up with their workouts because they can do their sessions in person with me or online so they don’t have to cancel if they can’t get away from the office. I am committed to my clients and helping them make change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brightlybalanced.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightly.balanced/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabrody12/
