Celebrating Family Health and Fitness Day with Clarissa Shepherd

Family Health and Fitness Day USA is on the last Saturday of September and it’s a day that promotes physical activity and health with your loved ones. I have the perfect guest who has a passion for health and fitness for the entire family.

Clarissa Shepherd is a dedicated and highly qualified Pilates instructor, expertly trained in both classical (Peak Pilates) and contemporary (Club Pilates) methods. As a Club Pilates Master Trainer and Barre Above Master Trainer, she specializes in Perinatal Pilates, children’s Pilates, and training professional athletes, including those in the NFL. In addition to her teaching, Clarissa is the author of the bestselling children’s book, “Sage Does Pilates,” available on Walmart, Amazon, and her personal page. This engaging book aims to introduce young readers to the joys and benefits of Pilates.

Clarissa: I became a Pilates instructor at a time when people my age and those who looked like me were few and far between in the industry. I’ll be honest; I was at the right place at the right time at a small studio in Dallas in 2016. My parents, family, and friends told me to get a real job when I first started, and I moved a lot as a prior army wife. For those reasons, there were many times I wanted to quit and get “a real job,” but I loved how Pilates made me feel, and I enjoyed helping others feel better. So, here we are, eight years later and still going strong.

How do you incorporate mindfulness and mental wellness into your Pilates classes?

Clarissa: Everything about Pilates is mindful. You have to be intentional and connected in every way possible when doing Pilates. It’s truly a mind-body connection, so you have to connect from within.

How do you adapt your teaching style to cater to different fitness levels?

Clarissa: Not only do I adapt my teaching style to different levels, but I also adjust it based on the weather and people’s moods as well. I’m very conscious of others, and I read the room exceptionally well. My ultimate goal is to make you feel better, stronger, and more body-aware than you did when you walked in.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to Pilates and feeling hesitant to join a class?

Clarissa: I would say bring a friend so that if you hate it, at least you have something to bond over. All jokes aside, when trying a class, check out the social media of the instructor or studio you want to go to and see if it matches your personality.

How do you stay motivated and continue your own fitness journey as an instructor?

Clarissa: I stay motivated by wanting to be the best. I’m a firm believer in practicing what I preach, and I am very disciplined. That’s my key to staying motivated as a teacher.

In what ways do you see Pilates benefiting children’s physical and mental health?

Clarissa: I see Pilates benefiting children both physically and mentally by increasing their mobility, stamina, and problem-solving skills. I mention problem-solving because if there is a move that kids can’t do, they can try to figure out why their bodies can’t do it yet. For younger children, it just increases their attention span and mobility.

How can readers connect with you online? 

Clarissa: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/pilatesmamii_?igsh=MTNxeWU2bWd0NmhsYw==

Website: Pilates Mamii | Home

 

Photo Credits: Photo Provided by Clarissa Shepherd