I have been involved in the fitness industry since 1991. I began as a part-time, front desk receptionist at a full-service, 40,000 square foot health club which was one of the first of its kind in New Jersey. I began to exercise around my work schedule by taking classes and lifting weights. The classes were exciting and motivating and it wasn't long before my desire to teach kicked in.
While working with some of the instructors at the club I began to research how to find music, choreograph, coach, and teach classes. As I aspired to become a Fitness Professional I worked hard and became certified by many nationally recognized organizations including but not limited to IDEA, IEEE, ASMC, Reebok, Bally's, and NYSC. In the early 90’s, I was involved in bringing the Step Reebok Program to New Jersey. It was an exciting and innovative time in the industry, and I will always look back at my part in this breakthrough with pride.
Health clubs were beginning to pop up everywhere and with the growth in the industry there was the opportunity to be more involved. I worked for several fitness companies during the early part of my career. At Lifestyle Fitness Center, I became the company's first female employee to be promoted into management and run her own club. My time at Bally’s included a focus on managing the Group Exercise Department for the Northeast region, and lastly, I worked at New York Sports Clubs where I managed clubs in both New Jersey and New York. My love for training and fitness continued to be strong and I was able to maintain a teaching status with each company as I worked for them in management and other leadership roles.
Over the span of 30 years, I attained new heights in many areas from teaching, sales and management, and back to teaching and training once again. In October of 2003 a life-changing event caused me to seek a new direction in fitness and I made the decision to open a Private Training Studio.
The path I took to begin my Pilates practice was with an amazing Studio in New York, Movements Afoot Pilates Studio. Working closely with seasoned professional and studio director, Lesley Powell was an inspiring introduction to the work. The level of expertise and training at Movements Afoot was superior and it enriches my ability to work with others to this day. I continued to train at Movements Afoot by taking workshops and classes designed for instructors to develop their skills and enhance their abilities to teach effectively. It was an honor to work with Master Teacher, Lesley Powell.
The Pilates that I learned and the Pilates that I teach is authentic and based on Joe Pilates’ original theories. The method is not diluted in any way, shape, or form. I was taught, and I respect, the original intention of Pilates while continuing to embrace the original idea and focus of the practice.
One of my areas of expertise is my ability to understand how to combine different types of training to build a solid physical foundation for each client. It is important for me to give a client what they want while also giving them what they need.
I have always taken the approach that it is not the student in the front and center of the room who needs my attention but rather the student in the back corner. The students in the front may still require my help, but those in the back, who are not sure if they should be there at all, are the ones who NEED me.
It is with that in mind that I shaped the concept and business model for Balanced Bodies Studio. I believe that everyone is beautiful and should embrace their physicality and physical abilities with love and respect. When we feel positively about ourselves, the mind and body respond in kind. We are all amazing, unique, and special; everyone deserves to feel good and experience the highest level of well-being.
Each client meets with me for a consultation. It is an open forum for questions and concerns. There is discussion of goal setting, lifestyle, and a realistic approach to scheduling. Together we create a true opportunity to explore the possibilities that lie ahead.
Over the past thirty years, I have had the privilege of meeting and training women and men of all ages, shapes, sizes, and needs. It is with this in mind that I am looking forward to sharing more of what I have to offer with the world.
With much affection,
Hilary
Hilary is married with two stepchildren whom she loves as her own. Family is at the forefront of everything in her life. She is no stranger to illness, has survived breast cancer, and lives with another cancer in near-complete remission. As an active woman and successful professional in the ‘back nine’ of her life, Hilary continues to teach and train clients to live a full life filled with love, peace, and happiness
CREDENTIALS
The PhysicalMind Institute Comprehensive Certification / completed 2003 at Movements Afoot, NY
• Mat
• Reformer
• Comprehensive Equipment Training
Certified in The Anatomy of Pilates
Certified in The Method Pilates
Balanced Body Comprehensive Certification / completed 2016
Member of the Pilates Method Alliance since 2016
Balanced Body Barre Certification / completed 2018
Continuing Education Courses completed annually
Tri-athlete - 2012, 2013
Annual 5K Runs
