Exploring Life & Business with Amanda Howard of Native Pilates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Howard.

Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins as a young dancer at The School of Nashville Ballet where we were required to take Pilates every Saturday and I absolutely hated it because it was HARD! Fast forward to college, where I received my BA in dance from Columbia College Chicago and then began dancing in NYC and then professionally for 10 years in Chicago with The Seldoms. Throughout this time I worked at the front desk and then trained to become a Pilates instructor at Frog Temple Pilates. in Chicago. I absolutely fell in love with Pilates and all that it helped me with as a professional dancer and all other aspects of my life at the time.

My husband and I decided to move back to Nashville after 12 years in Chicago and have a family. The journey has been more than we ever expected, Two pregnancies- One daughter and twin boys two years apart. I knew that I loved Pilates, but I truly did not understand how much this methodology would help me during and especially after pregnancy. Prior to having kids I received my pre/postnatal training from Caroylyne Anthony’s program from The Center For Women’s Fitness, but I loved it so much that I took it again after I had my babies and understood so much more. I truly believe that I recovered faster because of my knowledge and understanding of my body during and after pregnancy. This is what fueled my passion for helping other women.

Not long after my boys were born, I began renting rooms at a couple of spaces near my home while I bounced back and forth from watching my babies and trading places with my mom. I knew I could never stay home 100% of the time. I had to share my passion and knowledge to help people find connection to their bodies. Then the biggest change happened, my client and friend, Tobi Sorensen Bunting, asked me if I wanted to open a studio with her. This has been the biggest dream of mine and we are building it together! So, during a pandemic, we opened a beautiful studio in Donelson, Tn and haven’t looked back.

I have such a passion for working with women in all stages of her life, from pre-pregnancy to post-menopause. There is so much to learn about our bodies and we can work together to find connection and strength. Our studio is a place for people to learn and feel safe in. We created it just for that purpose.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part is figuring out how to be a mom and run a business. Tobi and I decided from the beginning that it is possible and we can do this together. Making it possible to do both is not easy, but we are able to run the business how we want to and. help each other out. A lot of our teachers are moms also. So we are all in this together, with grace and understanding.

As you know, we’re big fans of Native Pilates. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in Women’s Health: Pre/Postnatal classes, workshops, group Pilates equipment/Reformer classes and private lessons. We also have an in house Pelvic Floor Therapist, Aimee Bailey and we work together to help women heal and be their best selves.

What sets us apart is our high quality instruction and knowledge of the Pilates method. We teach to who is in front of us, not to a room full of a lot of people. Our group classes are small in design so that everyone gets individualized attention. All of our instructors are highly trained and hand picked.

We are most proud of our space being a place where women can come and be themselves. We welcome everyone in to explore more about who they are and how to take care of their bodies. This is a space to explore, learn, and be yourself.

At Native Pilate we offer private and semi lessons to really dive into what your body needs specifically. It is also a great place to get to know the Pilates equipment before jumping into a group class for the first time. We also offer group Equipment classes such as on the Reformer, Tower, and Chair. Our workshops range from women’s circles, women’s nutrition, Diastasis Recti/Perlvic Floor education, to Pilates teacher trainings.

What are your plans for the future?
We are looking forward to offering a teacher training program that includes training on the Pilates equipment but also how to teach the Pre and Postnatal body effectively. We will also be offering massage very soon!

Pricing:

• New Client Private Lessons- 3 for $200
• Group Equipment Classes $35
• Group Mat Classes $20

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.nativepilates.com
• Instagram: @nativepilates
• Facebook: @nativepilatesandyoga

Image Credits
Cali Huber (Nyk and Cali Photography)