Here’s to another exclusive interview series where we got acquainted with Annmarie Murray, a seasoned professional in the realms of Pilates and Yoga. Annmarie’s dedication to embodying what she teaches is evident in her diverse certifications, covering everything from mat and reformer to chair, barrel, arc, trap, tower, yoga, small equipment, and barre. Beyond the studio, she specializes in rehabilitation Pilates, collaborating with notable track and field athletes from the US, Jamaican, Dutch, and Irish Olympic teams, along with physiotherapists in India and Dubai.
Renowned for her extensive experience, Annmarie is celebrated as one of the industry’s most adept instructors. Her teaching style, characterized by a wealth of knowledge, a lively approach, and compelling movement imagery, has instilled a profound appreciation for the Pilates method among her clients, fostering a genuine love for movement literacy. At the core of Annmarie’s philosophy is the FUNdamental movement principle, emphasizing control in all directions to open up a myriad of exercise possibilities for her students.
As the founder of ‘AM Fitness on the Go,’ Annmarie seamlessly navigated into the online space, offering effective, safe, and enjoyable instruction and workouts.
Now, let’s delve into our conversation with Annmarie Murray, where she generously shares insights into her journey, expertise, and the guiding philosophy that has positioned her as a trailblazer in the dynamic world of Pilates.
- Can you take us through your journey to becoming a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor? What inspired you to delve into such a diverse range of disciplines within these practices?
I began interested in Pilates and yoga very early on in my career as a fitness instructor. I loved teaching all the high-impact classes like spin, step, and pump but I had a real interest in how the body moved, people’s limitations, injuries, awareness, and control. Through Pilates and yoga, you learn to lengthen and strengthen your muscles, and improve your posture, stability and mobility and they both can assist in recovery. Pilates and yoga have been shown to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and increase endorphins (happy hormones), leaving your body feeling great and boosting your mood naturally. The best thing anybody of any age can do is pilates or yoga.
- Your work extends beyond traditional Pilates instruction to rehabilitation and collaborations with elite athletes. How did these experiences shape your approach to teaching and working with diverse clientele?
I have worked in several gyms, rehab clinics, yoga and Pilates studios and with lots of different clients with various backgrounds. Pilates and yoga are modalities often used in treating back pain/injuries. Because it’s a low-impact form of exercise it’s great for working with clients with various types of injuries. When working with an athlete looking to win a race or compete their mentality, yes, is different but the exercises taught are the same. My motto is always to teach the basics and teach them well.
- Can you share some insights into how you develop this unique teaching approach and keep it engaging for your clients?
I always start with the basic exercises with my clients. I work on their form and build their body awareness. As well as the exercises and fun we have while we do them I have a personal relationship with each of my clients. This always keeps them coming back for more
- Tell us about your FUNdamental movement philosophy. How does focusing on control in all directions enhance the Pilates experience for your students, and what benefits have you observed?
Usually in a lot of forms of exercises, people learn to move comfortably in one plane of motion. In every pilates class, I make sure that my client’s body goes into flexion, extension, rotation and side flexion. Learning to move the body in all planes of motion helps with body awareness, injuries and flexibility
- As a highly experienced instructor, what advice do you have for individuals looking to incorporate Pilates into their daily lives, especially those who may be new to the practice?
For those considering incorporating Pilates into their daily lives, especially newcomers, my advice is to learn to engage the core correctly. Prioritize understanding how to activate essential muscles, maintain conscious posture throughout the day, and allocate time for stretching.
- Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Pilates and Yoga, particularly in the online space?
Looking ahead, the future of Pilates and Yoga, especially in the online space, appears promising. The shift to online classes has been a natural progression, with most studios embracing and encouraging this trend. The convenience of online classes, allowing individuals to participate from the comfort of their homes, has contributed to their popularity. With minimal space and just a mat required, Pilates and yoga can be practiced anywhere, making them accessible to a broader audience. The online format is likely to continue growing in popularity due to its time-saving advantages and convenience.
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