27 Things You Never Knew About Me with Cara Reeser

Pilates Anytime Teacher Cara Reeser answers our burning questions on life, Pilates, and two of her biggest fears to date.

Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I am from Northern Virginia, and I currently live in Denver, Colorado.

When did you first start practicing Pilates?

I was introduced to Pilates in 1990 when I began my studies as a dancer at NYU, Tisch School of the Arts.

What’s the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned through your practice?

That we are amazingly adaptable, and if we cultivate a strong relationship with our body/mind we can thrive regardless of the conditions that life presents. The body is home, and though it changes all of the time, we have the power to rest and play inside that sacred space with joy, as long as we are alive!

What’s the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned through your teaching?

I always say that our clients are our best teachers, and after over 20 years of teaching Pilates, I know this to be true. The most valuable life lesson I have taken from teaching is that given the time to explore we can all let go of the stories we have created to define ourselves. The possibilities are endless and knowing how to enjoy our bodies opens those doors!

Cara teaching a Tower class on Pilates Anytime.

If you could be doing anything else besides Pilates, what would you be doing?

I would be a field biologist working with animals.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Up high in the mountains hiking, perhaps in the Alps.

What’s the most distant/exotic place Pilates has ever taken you?

South Africa and Dubai so far, but I am grateful that many new places are on the horizon.

What would you say to your younger self in 10 words or less?

Embrace impermanence; try not to hold on too tight to any particular outcome.

If you could do one Pilates move for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Walkover on the high barrel. Because I love to be upside down.

Who is your favorite person to practice with?

My teacher Kathy Grant. Even though she is no longer with us, I still let her voice guide me in my practice.

What’s your favorite Pilates quote?

“This work is for the unexpected.” - Joseph Pilates
Kathy Grant shared this quote with me; she said that Joseph Pilates said this about his work.

Who would you dedicate your first book to and what would you say?

"Kathy Grant, thank you for teaching me to know my body and to trust myself."

Pilates with Music or No Music?

I like both. Kathy always had the radio on in the studio. There was something very comforting about that environment.

What’s on your Spotify or Pilates workout playlist?

I practice in silence. In the studio, I listen to all the teachers in my studio giving their all, and I always find that inspiring.

If you could meet Joseph Pilates in person, what would you say?

I would ask him what he hoped for the future of his work in the next 50 years.

When was the last time you attended a Pilates class or had a session?

Yesterday.

What advice do you have for a first time Pilates teacher?

Keep learning, find your passion, teach from what inspires you.

How do you define success?

Enjoying what I do, knowing my clients and students benefit from what I do, and making enough money to treat my friends for dinner.

What do you fear most?

The current political climate.

If there were a movie about your life, what would it be entitled and who would play you?

I have no idea...the idea of having to watch my life again might be my biggest fear now that you mentioned it?!!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I studied Marine Biology in College.

If life gives you lemons, what do you do with them?

I always like to remind myself of a quote by Joseph Campbell. He suggested we learn to “joyfully participate in the sorrows of life.” I just love that! So, I like to allow the lemon to be sour and just enjoy it as it is. It will make the sweet much sweeter later.

Where or how do you like to spend most of your time?

I spend a lot of time on the road or in my studio teaching, which l love. But on a weekend off, I like to play in the mountains.

What’s your favorite journey?

By far my favorite journey was my safari in South Africa this past year! OMG - changed my life FOREVER!!!!!!

Favorite book?

I change my taste in books so often it is hard to pick a favorite. I really love Haruki Murakami especially IQ84, part of what is so great about it is that it is endlessly long.

Favorite movie?

"Breakfast at Tiffany’s"

What’s your hidden talent? Will you show us?

Cooking might be one...but I don’t keep it very hidden because I love to cook for my friends!


Comments

I loved reading your answers and listening  to your wisdom especially this..... "That we are amazingly adaptable, and if we cultivate a strong relationship with our body/mind we can thrive regardless of the conditions that life presents. The body is home, and though it changes all of the time, we have the power to rest and play inside that sacred space with joy, as long as we are alive!"  Lovely wisdom.  Thank you for sharing x

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