Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Rost
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From Challenge to Change: My Pilates Journey at ARC Pilates
Life often teaches us through our toughest challenges, leading us down paths we least expect but most need. My own path to Pilates began at a point when everything around me seemed to be unravelling. As a mother of four, including twin toddlers, a vibrant five-year-old daughter, and a 16-year-old son diagnosed with Friedrich’s Ataxia—a heartbreaking, progressive neuromuscular disease—I was overwhelmed. Coupled with the demands of a 50-hour work week as an administrator in a spine clinic, I was at my breaking point.
A New Beginning on the Reformer
During my first Pilates session, I found something transformative—a relief I hadn’t felt in years. As I lay on the reformer, the springs gently supported my tension-filled body, allowing me to breathe and move freely. In those moments, I found a sanctuary, a moving meditation that brought peace and a renewed focus on my well-being.
This experience ignited a passion within me. Seeing the potential for others, like the non-surgical patients at the spine clinic, I began to ask myself, “Could I bring this relief to them through Pilates?” My curiosity didn’t stop at professional interest—it was also personal. Desperate to find something to ease my son’s condition, I delved deeper into what Pilates could offer.
A Leap of Faith
Driven by both necessity and hope, I took a leap of faith. I left my clinic job and embarked on a journey to become a Classical Pilates instructor, starting my training just two days after my resignation in 2016. This marked the birth of ARC Pilates. It was a decision fueled by exhaustion and the urgent need for change—not just for me but for my entire family.
Today: Sharing Pilates with All
Since opening ARC Pilates, my mission has been clear: to share the healing powers of Pilates with anyone who steps through our doors. Pilates is more than exercise; it’s a refuge for those in physical pain, an emotional sanctuary, and a foundation for anyone needing stability and strength in their body.
Through the years, Pilates has not only transformed my life but also allowed me to help countless others find their balance and health. At ARC Pilates, we believe that movement is medicine. We invite people of all ages and abilities to discover the transformative effects of Pilates and how it can bring harmony and health into their lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a business is a profound journey filled with ups and downs. For me, it has been intertwined with deeply personal challenges that have tested my resilience and taught me invaluable lessons.
1. Balancing Business with Caregiving
When I started my business, I was also caring for my child, who has a progressive neuromuscular disease. This dual responsibility quickly taught me that I couldn’t do everything to everyone. The reality of walking this challenging path with my child helped me realize the importance of setting boundaries. These boundaries became my best tool in managing my time and energy and ensuring that I took care of my own well-being. Business can be overwhelming, a never-ending cycle of demands. However, with clear boundaries, it is possible to create harmony between work and life, ensuring neither is neglected.
2. Adapting to Unprecedented Times
Then came COVID-19, a global crisis that posed the most significant challenge of my life, brimming with lessons I did not know I needed to learn. Pilates studios and gyms in Canada faced tremendous upheaval during 2020-2021. My studio was closed more than it was open. Moreover, I was on the brink of hosting the first Pilates conference in April 2020, which was abruptly halted just five weeks prior due to the shutdowns. The threat of losing my income, the financial strain from the pre-paid event, and the inability to visit my child in long-term care were devastating beyond words.
Through this, I learned several crucial lessons: Breathe—breath is your anchor during storms; focus on what needs to be done today, not tomorrow; understand that delays can be a form of divine timing, offering you a chance to regroup and reassess; and most importantly, lean on your community. The power of a supportive network is immeasurable and can provide strength in moments of weakness.
Finding Strength in Community
These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of community and the importance of resilience. No entrepreneur or individual should face their journey alone. Surrounding yourself with supportive, encouraging people can make all the difference, turning seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning.
As I continue on this journey, I am reminded every day of the strength that comes from facing challenges head-on with a community by your side and a clear understanding of your own needs and limits. At ARC Pilates, we strive to embody these values, supporting each other in every leap and bound.
Embracing Recovery: A Lesson in Resilience and Perseverance.
Recovery, especially from unexpected setbacks, has been a central theme in my journey. Despite the overwhelming challenges, giving up was never an option. I continued to push forward, adapting my goals as necessary while maintaining a deep commitment to my clients. By staying engaged and responsive to their needs during these trying times, I kept the spirit of our community alive.
Recovery has certainly taken longer than anticipated, but this extended period has proven invaluable. It allowed me to rebuild ARC Pilates on a much stronger foundation. Today, I am proud to say that our community and business have recovered and surpassed all my expectations. This journey has taught me that with determination and flexibility, every setback is an opportunity to build back even stronger.
In every class and every interaction, we embody the spirit of never giving up. Together, we continue to grow, adapt, and thrive, proving that true recovery is more than returning to a base—it’s just reaching new heights and achieving new dreams.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ARC Pilates?
Discover ARC Pilates: Innovating Pilates Practice and Education
Welcome to ARC Pilates, a distinguished boutique Pilates studio in the scenic town of Cochrane, Alberta. At ARC, we are dedicated to enhancing your physical and mental well-being through personalized attention in both private sessions and intimate group classes. Whether you prefer joining us in person or from the comfort of your home, our studio offers a blend of in-person and virtual classes to suit your lifestyle needs.
Expanding Our Reach: On-Demand Membership Coming in 2025
Looking ahead, ARC Pilates is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our online, on-demand membership platform in early 2025. This new offering will make our comprehensive Pilates programs more accessible, allowing you to enjoy our transformative classes wherever you are, whenever you choose.
A Hub of Pilates Education and Community
Amy Rost, the heart behind ARC Pilates, is a sought-after international speaker and educator and the founder of Pilates Fest North—Canada’s pioneering Pilates conference. This event uniquely bridges gaps within the Pilates community, fostering connections and camaraderie among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
In addition to hosting dynamic events, ARC Pilates is proud to be the home of the University of Pilates, an innovative teacher training program. Our goal is to cultivate exceptional instructors by making top-tier Pilates education accessible, regardless of geographical or financial barriers. We believe in empowering future leaders in Pilates to spread health and wellness through informed, passionate teaching.
Life Coaching with Amy
Beyond Pilates, Amy Rost extends her expertise as a Jay Shetty-certified life Coach. Through her diverse coaching programs, Amy assists individuals and businesses in navigating their pathways to success. Whether you’re looking to transform your personal life or elevate your business, Amy’s coaching provides the tools to create a sustainable, thriving environment that resonates with your authentic self.
At ARC Pilates, our mission goes beyond exercise; it’s about building a supportive community, fostering professional growth, and enhancing lives through holistic wellness practices. Join us on this discovery, movement, and transformation journey at ARC Pilates.
What matters most to you?
Why Pilates Matters More Than Ever
In the aftermath of a global pandemic, we’ve realized how little we control, yet one thing remains within our grasp: our health. Pilates, with its profound benefits, has surged in popularity. As Joseph Pilates famously put it, it offers not just a workout but a pathway back to life.
A Response to Modern Challenges
Today, we are encountering a different kind of epidemic—a sedentary lifestyle that has become the norm for so many. This sedentary behaviour is exceedingly complex on our bodies. We were designed to move, and lack of movement leads to many physical ailments. Fortunately, Pilates has emerged as a powerful tool to combat these issues. It is excellent for improving posture, aligning the body correctly, and alleviating aches and pains from too much sitting and insufficient physical activity.
At ARC Pilates, we recognize the importance of movement and are here to guide you every step of the way. It’s all about meeting you where you are—whether you’re young, old, or anywhere in between. I am proud to say that our clients range from ages 7 to 90, each benefiting from our tailored approach to Pilates.
Making Pilates Accessible
Acknowledging that Pilates can be costly, I am on a mission to make it accessible to everyone. Joseph Pilates believed his method was essential for all, and I am privileged to share this transformative practice. At ARC Pilates, we strive to ensure that economic barriers do not prevent anyone from accessing the benefits of Pilates. It’s about bringing this life-changing practice to as many people as possible, helping them change their bodies, minds, and spirits.
A Community of Connection and Support
What truly sets Pilates apart is its capacity to foster connections. In our studio, located on a picturesque hill overlooking the Canadian Rockies, we do more than practice Pilates; we build a community. People come to ARC Pilates not just to exercise but to find a place where they belong. This sense of belonging, being part of something greater, fills a void many have missed, especially recently.
ARC Pilates is a boutique studio with a big heart and a broad reach. Recognized internationally, we are a hub for those seeking to enhance their physical health, educate themselves, and connect with others in the Pilates community. We are innovators dedicated to building a supportive network for our clients and fellow Pilates instructors.
Our Collective Strength
We believe in the power of togetherness. Our strength lies in our community; our growth stems from our unity. At ARC Pilates, we stand together, support one another, and thrive collectively. We were never meant to journey through life or Pilates alone—we are stronger together, and that is our superpower.
Every day, I am grateful to share this powerful practice with others, helping each person discover their potential for a better life through Pilates. .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arcpilates.ca
- Instagram: https://instargram.com/arc.pilates
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ARCPilates.ca
Image Credits
Black and White Photo Adam Thibert Photography
Other photos: Naturally Illustrated by Sam