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

Amy, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

In 2015, I worked as an Administrator of Disability Services in a Spine Clinic. I am the mom of four, and my oldest had been diagnosed with a rare degenerative neuromuscular disease called Friederich’s Ataxia. I was exhausted from working full time, trying to manage a household and facing a terminal diagnosis of a child. I knew I needed something to change. My body was tired, out of shape and feeling every bit of my age.

I knew I needed a change. My career of 15+ years was no longer fulfilling. My oldest needs were increasing as the disease progressed. I honestly felt like I had lost myself along the way.

One day, I found a Pilates studio and thought I was going to give it a try. I walked in, not really knowing what to expect. From the very first moment I was on the reformer, I felt something I had never felt before. I felt supported, it was like the spring was there to hold m tension and I could move. I fell in love with the movement at that moment.

I began taking regular classes and quickly started to ponder, could I do this for a living? I began researching Pilates education and quickly discovered one very close to me. I literally gave my notice, completely my job on a Wednesday and started school on a Friday. I never looked back. I found joy in the movement.

Upon completing my Advanced Training Program, I had always known I would have a boutique home studio. This career change was all about creating work-life harmony, and I was in control of my schedule.

This was the beginning of living with purpose and sharing my passion in this next career chapter.

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

This career chapter has been an evolution. It began with building a Pilates studio, grew into cultivating a community, and now extends to reaching far beyond the studio walls here in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. I got into this industry to make a difference in people’s lives and help them move well and feel great.

As a Pilates teacher first starting out, I spent a great deal of time perfecting my craft and teaching. Today, I have well over 10000 hours of education and practice teaching, but the learning never ends. I quickly discovered that although I teach fitness, it is more about a movement experience for my clients. A big ingredient in my mission is community and creating an inviting and inclusive environment for every body. I am proud that ARC Pilates has clients from ages 7- 90 with all levels of abilities and backgrounds.

The evolution has continued; today, ARC Pilates has many projects and continues to grow and reach outside our comfort zone. I still stay true to my roots with my home studio on the hill overlooking the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I see clients in private and group settings. I am the founder of the first Pilates conference of its kind in Canada, Pilates Fest North, I am certified Jay Shetty Life Coach. I am a sought-after speaker and international Pilates educator. I am the co-founder of the University of Pilates and Pilates Mentors.

The most important thing in my growth has been staying true to my core beliefs of connection, collaboration, and community. It has also been about creating opportunities for my industry, particularly in Canada. It has been leading with generosity and inviting deeper conversations in the name of growth for our industry.

I am a small-town girl who loves what she does and where she lives. I am also known as the girl who will showcase Pilates in nature and often wears a turquoise tutu. It is the reminder for me to stay humble, have fun and share my passion.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot (or, as I prefer to say, make a quarter turn) was in March of 2020. As a pandemic took hold of our entire planet, I had to pivot in two ways. The first pivot was with my family; my oldest child has a rare degenerative neuromuscular disease and lives in assisted living. As the world shut down here in Canada, so did my ability to be the caregiver for my child. We went over two months without being able to see each other. I never imagined a world where a mom would be considered not essential. The impact of isolation, particularly for the vulnerable, such as my child, is almost indescribable to this day. Not being able to hug your loved one who relies on you for caregiving and advocacy was very difficult to navigate and, to this day, leaves scars.

The second pivot that was happening simultaneously was that businesses were being shut down; I went from having my most successful month in March 2020 to being closed on and off for the next 18 months. I was also just days away from hosting the first Pilates conference of its kind in Canada, Pilates Fest North. All the tickets were sold, all the vendors were paid, and then it was all shut down. At this moment, I was not sure if my business would survive. I saw the best in my industry but also the worst. I was threatened with legal action.

After a few good cries, I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and found the way forward. What I learned was that I could do really hard things, and even when the way forward was so uncertain, I showed up with integrity and kept moving forward.

In the end, the recovery has been long for my studio, but today, I am happy to report I have had exponential growth; I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined. Pilates Fest North came to fruition on Nov 21, 2021, and it was better than I could have ever imagined. We are now preparing to take it on the road so that other studios and teachers can experience the Pilates Fest North event.

We will always face challenges, but in the end, we learn so much more from the challenges than we do from the things that come easily. We learn so much about ourselves, our capabilities, and our true strength. There will always be someone there to tell you it can’t be done or that you are not good enough, but the key is to surround yourself with those who believe in you and want you to succeed. Where there is a will there will always be a way!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

In Pilates, I believe the most helpful thing for succeeding is a strong Pilates education. I also believe one of the most powerful tools is collaboration. We were never meant to do life and business alone; we need others to lean on for advice and resources, and we forge our own path forward. I think we often underestimate the power of a network; it is what a strong business foundation is built on and what fuels it to grow. I also believe deeply in the importance of mentorship. Finding a mentor who is just a little further ahead on the path is a great tool! I think we also need to be mindful that we are learning from professionals whom we admire and skilled but who also align with our core values. I believe you never want to run a business like someone else; it just doesn’t work. You have to find your own path and cultivate your own relationships to build your successful path forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arcpilates.ca
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/arc.pilates
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARCPilates.ca/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rost-arcpilates/
• Other: email – [email protected]