Today we’d like to introduce you to Calie Lewis.
Calie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I discovered Pilates in 2005 from an infomercial that featured actress/model Daisy Fuentes and Pilates guru Mari Winsor, they promised a stronger leaner body and toned abs. Little did I know those DVDs would someday change my life.
I had struggled with my weight since I was a small child. I had lost and gained back the same 80-90 pounds from the time I was 15 into my 30’s. After the birth of my child, I just could not lose weight. I made the life-changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery. I committed myself to a new healthy lifestyle including regular exercise. I lost 127 pounds and exercise was a big part of how I planned to keep it going.
In 2017 I injured my back and could not work out. Determined to get back to my training schedule I went to doctor Google, and what I found looked like Pilates.
I found those DVDs from 2005, and within 2 weeks my low back pain was greatly reduced, and I was moving better than I had been in years. Something else happened, I was hooked, and I wanted to do Pilates all the time.
I was also evaluating what I wanted to do when I grow up, my career was unfulfilling, and I wanted more. One day when I walked into the Pilates studio, where I took a group class there it was on the chalkboard, Teacher Training. That was it, that is what I want to do! I signed up and at 50 started this journey.
Pilates is a full-body workout that keeps me looking and feeling younger. I am a testament to what this work can do.
It helps me maintain my weight loss, stay back pain-free, and keep me looking and feeling younger than when I was in my 20s, 30s & 40s. I like to say my Pilates glow is better than Botox. Pilates gives you energy, health, and strength all in one amazing workout.
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?
I don’t look at this journey with struggles, but more that they are growing pains. My studio is new to this area and it is a fairly small town. It is getting the word out that I am here and I can help people. So at the moment, the biggest growing pain is getting known in this area.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I love and what I specialize in is teaching Pilates. I love sharing this method with everyone I can, but the person I really resonate with is the 45+ woman.
She is everyone’s go-to fixer. She takes care of her career, kids, house, partner, and aging parents. You name it she handles it.
I am her, 1 hour 2-3 times a week that she gets to worry about herself She gets to check all of that at the door, and focus on herself so she can juggle her life and the people she loves. I also understand that she wants to look good. She wants to look like she still feels in her mind.
I understand her because I am her. I get it. Once you take care of yourself you have so much more to give everyone you love and that loves you.
What I am most proud of, I decided at 48 to take a chance and change careers to teach this amazing work. I hope I inspire just one person to have faith in themselves and don’t listen to that really annoying little voice that wants to hold them back. There is no such thing as being too old, to do something.
What sets me apart is all the things that brought me on this amazing journey. I understand what it feels like to be someone with extra weight, I understand what it is like to be in pain and the need to find relief from it. I understand the desire to look and feel good.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
This is a great question. First I was not really upset when we got locked down. Of course, I was concerned, however, we were ending a very, very stressful time in our life. So when we were told we had to stay at home/work from home I welcomed it. It sort of sounds crazy but the lockdown was just what I needed.
With that said the actual virus proved that diet and exercise are where true health comes from. It is not just about how you look on the outside. A lifestyle that includes regular movement and a healthy diet is key to overcoming the most disease.
I hope that people got that same message.
Contact Info:
- Website: calielewispilates.com
- Instagram: @calielewispilates
- Facebook: calielewispilates
- Yelp: calielewispilates
