Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Keiser.

Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Before Pilates, I was an elementary school teacher in New York City and the surrounding suburbs. I taught for several years before I transitioned into instructional coaching for teachers in grades K-12. I found teaching to be extremely rewarding but I always felt that there was something else for me. I knew deep down I’d be a business owner someday, I just didn’t know how that vision would take shape later on. Then, one day at the gym as I waited patiently outside of the group fitness room I noticed a trio of women doing Pilates in the room across from me. I was immediately taken by their grace, strength, and flexibility. The women were working on their Arabesque on the reformer, an exercise I didn’t think I’d be able to do. However, there was a little voice that told me I had to go for it and instead of attending my group fitness class, I walked straight to reception and asked them about their Pilates classes. I bought a package of private sessions and I started Pilates the very next day. From the first session, I was hooked! I felt muscles and parts of my body engage in ways I’d never felt before. I continued Pilates as a client for five years, and during that time my instructor encouraged me to switch careers and earn my Pilates certification. I took it as a compliment but I was too afraid to leave my career. I doubted myself and couldn’t see the possibilities in front of me. Eventually, I left the education field and began a full-time apprenticeship in a Classical Pilates program. After three years of training, I became fully certified in mat, the classical comprehensive system and I’m now a Nationally Certified Pilates teacher.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly wasn’t an easy road to getting certified. I didn’t know enough about the Pilates industry when I started and unfortunately I had to learn many tough lessons along the way. I learned that each training school sets its own expectations and parameters for success. Many of those rules aren’t established at the onset and are subject to change at any time. I understood quickly that in order to be truly seen by my trainers, I’d have to blindly obey them and offer my unwavering loyalty to them, even if it meant losing myself in the process. As a former educator, I couldn’t understand how some training schools operated without a curriculum, differentiation of instruction, and equitable treatment of all trainees. “This is how we learned it, and you will do it the same way” or “This is just the way it is” are what you can expect to hear in many Pilates training schools. I found those statements to be poor excuses for the trainers’ inability to properly instruct and develop Pilates teachers. I learned the hard way that many of these training programs are established to help studios stay financially afloat and not because there’s a genuine interest in properly educating the next generation of teachers.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Embolden Pilates serves all people, however, I specialize in working with athletes, industrial athletes, military, first responders and those seeking a long-term practice. I primarily teach private lessons to clients in their homes and in studio locations that are only known to them for their safety and consideration. Embolden Pilates is the ideal choice for any client seeking a truly private and discreet experience. With most studios filling their spaces with large classes, neon lights, loud music and other distractions, I wanted to give my clients the opportunity to learn Pilates in a serene environment as it was originally intended. My introverted clients and those in the public eye appreciate my commitment to their privacy and my complete attention to their personal workout in the hour that we’re together. Aside from private lessons in-home and in-studio, I also teach virtual classes. All first responders and military clients receive a lifetime discount on all services.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is the same for those starting out in business and in the Pilates industry. Know who you are, what you stand for, and let the world know what you’re not willing to compromise on. Your boundaries and self-respect are paramount and you cannot allow yourself to be swayed by image, idols or popularity. Don’t go out of your way to impress others or be the next “flash in the pan” trendy public figure. After all, being cool is effortless.

Contact Info:

• Website: embolden-pilates.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/emboldenpilates

Image Credits
Sergio Villatoro – www.sergiov.net