April 30, 2018

Life and Work with Kara Duval

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Duval.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have 15 years as a classical ballet dancer to thank for starting my career. I was first exposed to Pilates while dancing with the Boston Ballet School in the South End. The movements agreed with my body, I saw the benefits and I was eager to learn more. Fast forward to college where I was completing my BFA in classical ballet from Texas Christian University and that’s where the love affair truly began. I was fascinated with the equipment and the knowledge it required to teach it…qualified Pilates instructors are incredible educators and I was quite drawn to that. I started working a sales position in Dallas that required me to sit in my car for hours on end; enter back pain, weight gain, fatigue and overall sadness. Corporate America was not for me, Pilates was. In 2014, I completed my lengthy Stott Pilates training in Toronto and the rest is history. A career that has already included teaching at 7 Boston studios, countless classes and clients later, I couldn’t be happier bringing “Pilates to the People”.

Has it been a smooth road?
In general, it has been a smooth road from a professional stand point. Of course there’s been some downfalls but for the most part, I was always surrounded by incredible support, mentors and friends. Personally, is where I struggled. From the start I was go,go,go. 430 am wake up calls, 8 classes a day, finding time to workout on my own…it was a never ending, exhausting process. I was working out WAY too much because I thought that I “should”. I thought that would make me more popular…by looking a certain way. I realized later on that I didn’t have to be the strongest or leanest to be successful. On the contrary, it was when I started working smarter professionally and personally, that I really saw my hard work shine. I quite literally did less. My advice to women coming up in this field is easy. Focus on creating a brand or persona that is you, not you trying to emulate someone else. It is so important to learn from others and absorb knowledge from those around you but there is room for EVERYONE and a demand for people’s unique styles. We don’t need cookie cutter, we need authentic and fresh.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kara Duval Pilates LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a fully certified STOTT Pilates and Barre instructor certified in all apparatus. On a day to day basis I run around from teaching Pilates group classes, Pilates private clients and my group Barre classes. My Barre class is something I’m incredibly proud of because I have come up with the format through years of adaptation and observation. I refer to it as a “high intensity Pilates class standing with an emphasis on dynamic and postural aligning movements” – quite the elevator pitch, huh? It’s not for the faint of heart but I apply STOTT Pilates principles to a class that is so uniquely me. When it comes to my private clients, I have found myself going down a Rehabiliative specialty track. I work with anyone recovering from surgery or injury, to athletes, pre/post natal or people who just love Pilates. I’m a “problem solver” which I think is what sets me apart and has brought me down the Rehab track. I love looking at inefficient movement patterns and trying to make them more efficient for my clients. In terms of my brand, I’m proud that I have always stayed very “Kara”. My clients have become my friends, brand new people to class are my “friends”, I have made my classes a community that I am so proud of. My tag line is “Pilates for the People” so that should tell you right there. It’s all about being inclusive of everyone, learning about the body, listening to good (house) music and moving to a healthier and more mindful lifestyle.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
This may come as a shock for our internet based world, but no. I love “Pilates Anytime” for some fresh ideas but for the most part I do my best learning while observing the people I see, encounter and touch every day.

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