November 13, 2017

Meet Erika Sargent-Grasso of Healthy Changes Pilates in Reading

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Sargent-Grasso.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Erika. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a young child with dyslexia and learning disabilities my elementary school teacher told my parents I would never be college material, ironic that I ultimately became a teacher! I was also over weight which means dieting started early for me in life. I developed a strong interest in nutrition and exercise and I did proceed to go to UNH and get a BS in Nutrition, a second degree in psychology as well as my first personal training certification. At that time, I still would never have placed myself as a Pilates studio owner/ teacher, I didn’t think I fit the stereotype.

I took a few different career paths for many years, I thought I would be more financially stable in the corporate world but I always taught some group exercise classes on the side (spinning, etc). For one of my continuing education credits I took mat Pilates. That was a turning point. It was so complex and I knew it was just the tip of the iceberg, I was drawn to it and wanted to learn everything about it. I left my corporate job that I knew would never make me feel fulfilled and I started my first comprehensive Pilates training with Balanced Body in 2008. I started teaching small mat classes and private sessions to some friends and family in my condo basement. I loved how I felt and I wanted to share it with everyone I knew! It grew within a few months and the condo association spoke to me about running a business, it was not allowed at the complex. It forced me to take the scary steps of opening an actual studio location. I don’t know if I would have done it without the push they gave me. Everything happens for a reason.

Things continued to fall into place from there, I taught small group classes with 4 Reformer/ Towers and was able to learn the ins and outs of running a business while continuing to pursue my passion of learning more about Pilates. I was also able to build a fabulous team of teachers which enabled me to experience the other joys of life, marriage and children!

In 2013 I traveled out to CA to work with Master Pilates teacher, Rael Isacowitz founder of BASI Pilates. I was drawn to this program and seeking answers within the Pilates Method that thankfully I did find in this amazing teacher training program. They invited me to become a host studio for their BASI teacher training program which has been an amazing opportunity to work with some of the best Pilates and movement teachers in the world! It was also around this time I upgraded to the studio we are at now in the newly renovated MF Charles Building in downtown Reading. We are now a fully equipped Pilates studio with 6 Reformer/Towers, Chairs, Barrels, and the Cadillac. I’m lucky and blessed to be able to share Pilates with anyone who wants to learn!

Has it been a smooth road?
Like many businesses there are challenges of supply and demand, a turnover with some instructors, finding qualified teachers and seasonal influences on business. It seems to be cyclical but ultimately things do change and hopefully the changes lead to a positive outcome. Accepting that things don’t stay the same makes all of this a lot less stressful. I like to see what the universe has in store for me because I do truly believe I’m on the right path.

I have found an obstacle with the general public understanding what Pilates truly is, there is a lot of confusion. It’s always been quality over quantity. The gym mentality, large classes, cookie cutter franchises, fusion type Pilates classes all take away from the essence of what Pilates is. It’s individualized, everyone’s body is different, it’s easy to go through the motions without the mind body connection but that’s what makes all the difference and that’s what personalized instruction will help you find.

Something that many people don’t realize is that Pilates goes well beyond exercise, it’s a philosophy, it’s a way of life, it’s preventive medicine for all your aches and pains, it will empower you and it will energize you. Building better posture, core strength and flexibility are all side effects of this method. No one can understand the depth of it in a single session, not even elite athletes. It’s working out smarter, moving better and not unnecessarily fatiguing your body, Joseph Pilates actually considered that poison. You will work every single muscle in your body in an advanced session but the truth is you need to start with the fundamentals. People cheat themselves all the time by trying to skip ahead. There are no shortcuts, it’s the work you put in that will make the difference.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I can honestly say the private sessions and classes I offer now are 10 times better than when I first started 10 years ago. You can only learn Pilates through time and experience and over the years I have transitioned from being an instructor to becoming a teacher. This was a very fulfilling and rewarding shift for me and I’m extremely proud of the quality of Pilates we offer at the studio.

Our semi private classes are only up to 6 people, this enables us to give meaningful cuing and hands on adjustments that make all the difference in learning Pilates. I do not believe you can learn Pilates in a large group class, online or from a dvd. It takes an experienced, qualified teacher working directly with you to help you learn. Body awareness is fascinating and yet most of the time when people are “working out” in other forms of exercise they like to zone out. We teach our students how to use mind body awareness and precision in movements, the results are life changing. I’ve had the pleasure of working with de-conditioned motivated students all the way up to professional athletes. We also get many referrals from local Physical Therapists as they understand the value of the Pilates method.

I’m also proud to bring educational opportunities to the north shore region. We are hosting the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training starting in January thru June and world renowned Karen Clippenger will be presenting anatomy based workshops in March. This is an amazing opportunity to learn form the best in the industry.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
There are Pilates Studios everywhere and the city is a great place for one. I would always recommend that students go to boutique style studios with very experienced qualified teachers, make sure the classes are small so there is individualized attention. Private sessions are the best way to learn but can be costly so semi privates or small group classes are a great option.

Everyone needs Pilates from athletes to couch potatoes, women and men, young and old, you can rehab an injury or misalignment or build strength and tone. It’s suitable for the full spectrum of the population so the sooner you start the better off you’ll be!

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