Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Phillips.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’d like to think my journey began when I started taking dance lessons at 4 years old. Fast forward to college where I studied and graduated Wayne State University with a B.F.A. in dance. During my studies, I took Pilates mat and reformer classes to develop strength, increase flexibility, and focus on injury prevention. This was the first time I was introduced to Pilates and I loved it! Even though I was a dancer, my body was not as strong as it needed to be to support the demands of dancing. After starting Pilates, my body never felt stronger and I was able to perform without pain. From there, my passion for this healing and strengthening form of movement grew. I was even more fascinated with how my body was supported on my frame, what greater movement potential I learned through Pilates, and how I could help young dancers gain more strength, flexibility, and control. I knew this would help propel their careers forward. I decided to certify as an instructor in Pilates! I also pursued certifications in NASM Personal Training, NASM Nutrition Coaching, GYROTONIC®, and GYROKINESIS® Methods.
Today, I am continuing my knowledge and personal growth at Reforming Foundations Pilates & Wellness – working with people of all ages and all athletic abilities. I really enjoy assisting people to live fuller, healthier, and stronger lives. Together with RF, it is our purpose to share our passion for movement with our community!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’d say the one “challenge” as a movement professional is the amount of information that you learn in a short amount of time. There is so much to know about the body, the brain, and the connection between the two. Overall, the entire process of certifying and continuing education in movement is exciting and very rewarding.
At Reforming Foundations, one of our core values is growth and continued education. In fact, Brooke Alexandra, RF’s founder, recognized the challenges many have faced with “information overload” and at times, disorganized teaching environments, which led her and co-author Dr. Lindsay Brandt, to launch our RF School of Pilates and new teacher training program! This program allows those beginning a career in Pilates to have a fluid and exciting learning experience with ease and proper guidance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With my personal experiences and various certifications, I understand first-hand the challenges and time it can take to achieve one’s personal goals. I really resonated with Reforming Foundations core values; we truly believe that Pilates is for everybody. I know by continuing to learn and grow, I am able to provide the most exceptional movement experience for every client by customizing a program to match their individual needs, capabilities, and goals. There is no “one size fits all” and I continue to be proud of the progress and growth of my clients. With their commitment and trust in me, they are able to work towards continuing to do the things they love to do!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Throughout the 15 years of my professional journey, the most important lesson I have learned is when you think you’ve learned it all, there is always more to learn! Another way to look at an exercise, a new way to perform it to feel it differently or modify or even produce a further challenge. Along with that, I love discovering that our bodies have more potential than what we might realize. This doesn’t mean that we need to push our body to an unhealthy point, but rather to start with smaller movements and increase the range of motion and load as your body gets stronger, more balanced, and more mobile! I am excited for the future of exercise science and movement and I love being able to share this with you!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.reformingfoundations.com
- Instagram: Pilatesmeliss
- Facebook: Fitmeliss
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