Amy, the owner of ARC Pilates has been in business for over 6 years. Her studio is located just outside of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Her boutique studio focuses on movement for everyone regardless of ability, special consideration, age, race, or gender. She is enthusiastic about cultivating connections, collaborations, and community through movement. "I believe movement heals so my door is always open for anyone to experience the Pilates movement," Amy explains.

In 2021, Amy hosted the first Pilates conference of its kind in Canada, Pilates Fest North. "I saw the need for Pilates teachers in Canada, we needed a space where we could come together to connect, learn and share," she said. Her enthusiasm for Pilates education has led her to launch the University of Pilates, a teacher training program that has been curated to educate the teacher. This program also supports educators through movement and education.

Amy makes an impact on the people she works with by educating them, sharing a new way of movement, and inspiring them with hope. "I create a safe space to explore movement and we work together to find the best way for them to move. I have an 80-plus-year-old client who says she thinks of me every time she puts her pant on, she can engage her core and balance. This is where the magic is, to keep us moving well in our everyday life," she elaborates.

Amy's passion for Pilates came at a time when her body was worn down and broken. "I felt the power of the movement for me, and I wanted to be able to share that with others and changed their lives through movement," she said. The first time she took Pilates, her twins were two, she had a 5-year-old, and her oldest had just been diagnosed with a rare degenerative neuromuscular disease called Friedreich’s Ataxia. "As my session began, I laid down on the reformer and I felt my tension release, it was like the spring of the machine could hold the weight of my world and I was free to move. Pilates is my moving meditation to this day, and it is a powerful tool to heal the body, mind, and spirit," Amy exclaimed.

There have been many challenges and roadblocks along the way for Amy. COVID hit the Pilates industry hard. Amy was forced to close her business for over eight months out of the year. "I had to adjust and pivot to keep my business afloat. I just never gave up, even in those days were there so many tears shed, I dried my eyes and kept moving forward. I knew the world needed Pilates before COVID, but I know in my heart the world needs it now more than ever," she expressed.

Many hurdles come with being a mom and running a business. "I had to surrender the thought of balance and reframe it to striving towards harmony. My business is a family business, all the major decisions we make together, it is important for me that everyone has a voice and is onboard."

Throughout COVID, Amy's family was faced with another challenge. With the world going on lockdown, it made it difficult for her to visit her oldest child who was staying in a care facility, "We were not allowed into the facility for 88 days in the beginning and have had many times throughout the year of continued lockdowns. This has been heartbreaking and incredibly challenging to navigate," she explains.

She has been able to overcome each challenge with communication, love, and reminding herself that she needs to have some grace. "We lean on one another for support and encouragement. We also surround ourselves with resources and tools to keep us going through the tough times," Amy said.

By being resourceful, resilient, and always finding a way, Amy has been able to persevere and watch Pilates Fest North come to fruition. "This was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was originally supposed to happen in April 2020. There were many tears, and losses with pivoting this event but in the end, it was one of the most incredible experiences I have had in the Pilates industry and one I am immensely proud of."

Here at Jay's Intuitive Life Coaching and Inspired Healing, LLC we have a saying that we like to use. "Healing is a journey, not a destination." We asked Amy if she could give moms who aspire to start their businesses and continue their healing journey any advice, what would it be? She offered this, "Healing is a journey, and the advice I would give would be to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are there to support you and encourage you along the way. Also, reach out for help, we are not meant to do this alone, use your network to help you along the way.

Another tip is to stay curious and keep asking the questions you need to be able to get the answers you need. The business and Mom life will never be perfect but stay connected and you really can do anything you put your mind to. The world needs every woman’s magic, so be sure to shine your light. And remember to have FUN!"

You can inquire about Amy's Pilates classes at:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.arcpilates.ca

Instagram: https://instagram.com/arc.pilates

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARCPilates.ca

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rost-bb99a719a/