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Simone Stoltz

August 04 2017

Simone Stoltz

A firecracker from South Africa, Simone Stoltz has always been deeply interested in the human body and how it moves. Her passion for pilates sparked after she moved to Canada in 2012, falling in love with pilates and the STOTT Method. She always enjoys a new challenge and likes to bring the same motivation to her classes. Whether she’s at Junction 9 or Calgary Pilates Centre, you can expect a hard and challenging, yet rewarding workout that is totally worth the sweat.

As part of our instructor series, Simone sat down with us to tell us why she fell in love with pilates and what her goals are for this year.

Can you describe your first experience with Pilates? What was it like?

I was introduced to pilates by a friend and fellow ballet dancer. She had major success by integrating pilates with ballet and given my passion for dance, it made perfect sense for me to give it a try. I started with mat pilates for the core component and it really challenged my mind-body connection. It was really challenging but it opened the door to the exciting world of pilates!

What made you fall in love with Pilates?

The defining moment for me was when I could physically see what pilates could do for my own body and mind. I realized that pilates not only made my body stronger but it also made me feel more in control of my body and movement.

Who inspires you?

My instructor trainers at Calgary Pilates Centre have been such a big part of shaping me into my own unique teaching identity. This has allowed me to work with so many wonderful colleagues and clients. My biggest inspiration is not a single person but rather all the people I get to work with and teach on a daily basis.

Where/when did you take your teaching certification?

I did my STOTT PILATES® certification under the Merrithew™ brand at Calgary Pilates Centre in Calgary in 2014.

What was the biggest take-away from that?

Continuing education in all areas are extremely valuable. I feel that when it comes from a place of authenticity, you're on the right track.

What can students expect when they come to your classes?

A fun class...my students know I love me some bum ;) Pilates for me means the Mind-Body connection. Functional and correct movement patterns are encouraged and I'm hands on when needed.

What has been the most rewarding part of being an instructor of pilates?

I love teaching. Be it classes or privates. I feel so privileged that people come to me to feel better about their bodies… and minds for that matter.

Most challenging?

Realizing that I don't know everything... Growth is painful at times but that is what changes you to be great, not just good.

What is your best advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Don't be too hard on yourself. Personally, I love sweet stuff because it makes me happy. On the other hand, eating healthy and working out makes me just as happy. It's all about balance.

What are your goals this year? Personal, Work, Growth etc.

I feel that my work goals align very well with my personal goals and when I reach a work goal, it often spills over into my personal goals. I'm really interested in rehabilitation pilates and hopefully that will be my next endeavour. I would also really like to work on continued education within pilates.

Where & when can we check out your classes?

I teach at a couple of spots in the city. I'm at Calgary Pilates centre on Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays where I teach both Mat and Reformer classes. I teach at Junction 9 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays where I teach Reformer classes. Mindbody app would be the easiest way to locate me.