Pilates Expert Kim Gammino on How She Found & Fell in Love with Teaching Pilates
If you're reading this blog, you may have taken a Pilates class or thought about becoming a Pilates instructor. If the latter, we understand how difficult it might be to find the right program for you. It's so important to ask the right questions before committing to a program. We asked one of our expert teachers, Kim Gammino, (formally trained by Romana Kryzanowska) how she found and fell in love with teaching classical Pilates. Here's what she had to say!
When did you get certified as a Pilates teacher?
October 1999
What made you want to teach Pilates?
I was a competitive gymnast my whole childhood and studied dance throughout high school and college and earned a BFA in Dance Performance. I always enjoyed studying movement and was completely intrigued by kinesiology. I began working with a NY certified Pilates instructor during college and that's where my love for Pilates began! She helped me work through injuries and gain strength in a very different way. I was hooked. When I graduated I went right to NYC with Alycea Ungaro and studied under her and then went through Romana's Pilates Certification Program of 600 hours. I have been teaching it ever since.
"... do your research.The true concept of Pilates is only offered in the classically trained atmosphere."
What do you like most about teaching Pilates?
I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction working with clients who really want to connect their mind and body. I have been teaching some of my clients for the last 17 years and it's been amazing to see how far they have come and maintained their workout regimen. Others are brand new to Pilates and making a commitment to stick to it! Some come in and out like waves and I always love having them back. To me Pilates is a livelihood and there is nothing better than being around like minded people all day long.
What would you be if you were not a Pilates instructor?
I have no idea. I thank my lucky stars on a regular basis for the fact that I love what I do.
What advice would you give anyone looking to get certified in Pilates?
I would say do your research. The world of Pilates is not what it used to be. There are so many programs these days that do not offer adequate training. The true concept of Pilates is only offered in the classically trained atmosphere. Any thing else is just a form of fitness.