Instructor of the Month: Kimberly and Katherine Corp
Where do you teach?
We teach at our Manhattan Pilates studio, Pilates on Fifth
My teaching tips
We both believe you should challenge someone's strengths as you strengthen their weaknesses. Pilates instructors are often very detailed oriented, so focusing only on what needs strengthening can be an easy "trap" to fall into! Though some clients will enjoy this, others will become discouraged, so make sure you have your antennae out for this. Clients will improve more completely if their existing strengths are improved and challenged as well as their "problem areas!"
Favourite Exercise and reason why
This is probably the toughest question to answer! Both of us have yet to find ONE system of exercise that satisfies us on all levels -- biomechanically, energetically, physically, playfully, etc! We encourage our clients to diversify their exercise regime so that workouts stay fresh, rejuvenating and effective!
In a nutshell, tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience in the industry
We did everything "backwards!" We are nerds in disguise and graduated from Duke University in just three years, moved to Japan to work in multinational corporations (we are both fluent in Japanese), and after four years, returned to the US to attend graduate school at Columbia University. Then, in the midst of New York City's vibrant theatrical energy, the passion for dance that we had buried during our years of diligent study was reignited! On our first international tour of a Broadway show, we discovered Pilates and used it to maintain healthy, injury-free bodies during our rigorous performance schedule. We went on to dance with the Radio City Rockettes and continued our Pilates practice. Thus, with our Masters in International Affairs and our passion for dance and movement, we opened a Pilates studio! Now, our studio is the largest in Manhattan and offers Pilates, ActivCore, Cardiolates, the Xtend Barre Workout and Gyrotonic.
Do you have a motto or mission statement?
Our motto/mission statement is...YOU ARE PERFECT NOW! In other words, we encourage everyone to embrace the beautiful body they have and use Pilates or the fitness modality they find most interesting and fun to work on "things" here and there. Everyone has flaws, but everyone also has wonderful attributes, so be sure to look for both!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
We plan to continue embracing technology and using the new digital platforms constantly being created to spread Pilates to more and more people. We will keep ourwww.ultimatepilatesworkouts.com updated with new, fresh workouts and develop other smart phone apps in addition to our iPhone app.
