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

Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my Pilates journey as a client first. I fell in love with the practice from the very first day. I was a consistent and determined client for many years. My first instructor who was also Classically trained gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue certification. She believed in my physical abilities as well as my experience with pedagogy. I was flattered but I wasn’t prepared to take a huge risk and leave my career in teaching. I was already well established in education, I taught in the classroom in New York City and the outer suburbs. Eventually, I transitioned into instructional coaching of teachers in K through 12 and it was around this time that the Pilates certification bug began to “bite” again. I was nervous about leaving the safety and security of my career, but I knew deep down that it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I always knew teaching was my calling but that it didn’t have to be in the classroom or in front of dozens of adults at a workshop. I realized that I could bring my pedagogical skillset to Classical Pilates. I believe that having degrees and experience in education, psychology, and marketing have contributed greatly to where I am now as a business owner and Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor.

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?
Smooth roads never make good drivers. Is that how that saying goes? Ha! It certainly hasn’t been easy but every bump in the road has been a learning experience that I wouldn’t take back. My initial struggles had much to do with my training experiences. If you’re not in the Pilates community, you’d find it difficult to understand what happens behind closed doors at many certification studios. If I had to do it all over again, I would’ve done more research and given myself time to really listen to my intuition. If you’re someone interested in pursuing Pilates certification, give yourself as much time as you need to make the right decision. Behind closed doors, you’ll find trainers with archaic and pseudoscientific beliefs, unethical labor practices, and boot camp level discipline that in my own experience went as far as verbal abuse, hair pulling, and pushing apprentices beyond physical limits, sometimes resulting in injury. The experiences I had were difficult and as an educator I know that teaching is an art and we never have to resort to extreme methods to make students understand the method. I hope to bring my pedagogical knowledge to training centers in the future as a way of aiding the trainers with their delivery of instruction, implementation, and differentiation.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Embolden Pilates?
Embolden Pilates provides a truly private experience for the professional athlete, industrial athlete, high-profile client, introvert, first responders, military, and those who are serious about their fitness goals. As a Classically Certified and Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, I pride myself on giving my clients the best experience possible every single time they work through the method. All private sessions are by appointment only and studio addresses are available upon booking for the protection and consideration of all clients. The studios are based out of Westchester County and the Upper East Side in New York. I also provide virtual and in-home appointments for all of my clients.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m so glad you asked this question because there are some very special people in the Pilates industry that I am forever grateful for! These women have been a saving grace. I’m not kidding, I wouldn’t be where I am without their incredible generosity and unwavering support. Jennifer Ruggiero at The Pilates Movement NYC & Tarrytown, Sonia Orevillo at Pilates Symmetry in Stamford CT, Tracy Fiore at Fiore Pilates in Mamaroneck, and Laurette Ryan of Balancepoint Pilates in Halifax, MA are my Pilates angels! I’m blessed to know all of them and learn from such powerhouses of the Pilates field. I thank God everyday for placing these amazing women in my life.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Photo with Nationally Certified Badge – Credits to Sergio Villatoro Photography