Why I Love the Pilates Community

We each have our own myriad of communities, and I’m frequently surprised by how linked we really are. I belong to the communities of running, fitness, Scottish dance, basketball, the local school, my neighbourhood, and of course – Pilates. The other day, I was reminded why I love the Pilates community; so much so that it brought a tear to my eye. (And yes, it was just one! I’m not much of a crier.)

The Spiderweb Effect of Community

It makes sense that the many communities and groups I’m part of criss-cross and intertwine. But the Pilates community that I’m a part of and have created really touched me this week. It all began many years ago when I first taught Pilates…

In that first Pilates studio, I met a client (let’s call her Kim), who was recovering from a recent heart surgery. Somehow, I ended up helping her train for the Vancouver Sun Run. Prior to her surgery she’d run a 5km event, and her post-surgery goal was to do it again within a year. Then do a 10km the year after, followed by a half marathon and then a full marathon! So, we ran. 

Meanwhile, Kim joined the gym I went to and became a Pilates teacher herself. Soon, we were travelling to Pilates classes, workshops, and conferences together. It was at one of these workshops that we met Anula Maiberg, who we “knew” from social media. We stayed in touch with Anula, and I invited her to teach at my studio when she did a “World Tour.” Kim attended and helped host the event. 

Over the years, I met and bonded with many others in the Pilates world at conferences like Momentum Fest and the PMA. Sometimes Kim was there, sometimes not, but our friendship has stayed alive through social media, the odd workshop, and our love for leggings!

At a local Pilates event, I met a Vancouver-based teacher (let’s call her Sophia), over a joke about the blue balls I was holding while shopping at the conference. It turned out her mother lived in Maple Ridge, and we Sophia and I kept in touch. 

Again, Anula enters the picture, and she came to my studio to teach another workshop. Both Kim and Sophia attended, met one time, and we all enjoyed the lovely event. 

So here is the happy moment that very nearly made me cry. Kim is currently in a Vancouver hospital awaiting another surgery. She feels fine, but is bored and hating the hospital food. Well, wouldn’t you know? Sophia, who she only met one time (Oh wait – twice. We ran into her at a leggings sale!), has brought her a few meals. How lovely! 

I think it’s so interesting to see how connected we are. You can call it a spiderweb of connections, the butterfly effect, or simply life, but it’s beautiful. I am thankful for the Pilates community that surrounds us, and brings people like me, Kim, and Sophia together.