Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I am one of those people who loves to go to work everyday and truly enjoys what they do. I have been a physical therapist assistant for almost 9 years now working in a outpatient rehab clinic as well as a assisted living facility. I truly care about my patients and do everything I can to help them in recovery. In my own time I loved to take pilates classes but never had as much time as I would have liked to devote on pilates. This is when I decided to take a risk and not only sign up for Pilates but sign up to become a classical pilates instructor. With a busy schedule being a wife,mom and working full time I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to fit it all in but when you take a risk on your self and on something your are truly passionate about you will make it work and that’s what I did. I would work during the day. Spend evenings with my family and stay up late hrs taking quizzes, watching videos and practicing my routines. The day I took my live training and passed was when it all payed off. I did it!! Even when I thought my life was full and content I took a risk on myself and pursue something that I loved. Now as a pilates instructor not only do I get to practice my Pilates on a regular basis but I also get to share my love of pilates by teaching it to others.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Ashley Rodriguez I am a pilates instructor and physical therapist assistant in Palm Beach county. I have a passion for helping others by teaching them the movement and benefits of pilates.
I am a wife and mother of two little ones 5 and 3 years old. I know the challenge of finding the time for self care which is why I try to make flexible hrs and my private sessions family friendly with little ones who can tag along.
I fell in love with pilates 7 years ago and I want to continue to share my love for it to others. by using the Pilates equipment it helps create the foundation for proper form in a full body workout that targets strength, flexibility and stability.
Pilates equipment allows you to challenge your body with low impact that is easy on the joints. Which is great for post rehab and injury prevention.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Moms! moms empower one another and help to build each other up. Ever since becoming a mom I have joined many social media mom groups which is where I posted my very first pilates post. To my surprise I had a overwhelming supportive response that continues to take off building my clientele.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
No. If I had to go back and choose another profession I would do it the same all over again. I truly love my job. As a physical therapist assistant I have worked with many diagnosis, injuries, and ages which has allowed me to expand my knowledge on the anatomy, body mechanics and alignment to apply it I to my Pilates practice. Because of my background I am able to expand my clientele to anyone interested in pilates with many different fitness levels or diagnosis. Although sometimes it may be a challenge I truly love what I do by helping others and wouldn’t change it for anything else.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Allee Mackey Photography