Hidden Gems: Meet Sam Horsell of Sam Horsell Pilates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Horsell

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I like to say my Pilates journey started back in high school — that was my very first exposure to pilates in any sense. It was a good ol’ Denise Austin tape on a VHS player, and let’s just say, I was hooked. I loved Pilates I found small ways to work it into my busy schedule during college, and then when I moved to New York City.

By fluke I discovered reformer pilates (one of the now most popular methods) living in New York City. Let’s just say that took my love of mat pilates to the next level, and I was all in.

Despite being on a very fixed budget, I found ways to splurge and do reformer pilates once weekly. I continued that commitment as I went returned to Michigan to pursue my MBA at the University of Michigan.

Fast forward to the pandemic — by this point I knew I was one of the early lovers of all things pilates (pilates has since exploded!), and felt I had a passion and drive to know more about this exercise method. I didn’t realize at this time I wanted to teach yet, I simply knew I loved Pilates, and I want to know all I could to educate myself.

I went through a comprehensive teacher training program, and as part of that process realized I had an skill in sharing my pilates passion with others. I got certified with the National Pilates Certification Program (NCPT) and eventually started my own business — Sam Horsell Pilates. I’ve since sought out pre- and post-natal specialty certifications, and am always learning more in my business and practice. I’ve had amazing supporters and mentors throughout the years, and am so grateful to be part of this community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh there were struggles. Firstly it’s very hard to balance a demanding full-time career, while completing a rigorous comprehensive pilates training program. Yet, in the end it came down to making tradeoffs while balancing my commitments and priorities.

The harder of the challenges is really standing up for yourself as an instructor. In other words, deciding what type of instructor you want to be, and what you won’t tolerate, as well as who your ideal client is, and who you’re probably not the best fit for. I’ve had to make hard calls in pursuit of the formation of my business that really made me hone my voice and priorities early on in my career. With love and support from my mentors, including Stacey Block and Erica Bell, I have ultimately enjoyed the fruits of this inspiring and energizing world. I literally love my pilates business; it’s what gives me meaning and purpose, and my clients are my reason for being.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor. That means I’ve been through a rigorous 500-hour training that allows me to teach across a multitude of apparatuses (Tower/Cadillac, Mat, Reformer, Arc/Barrel, Chair). I have passed the NCPT (National Pilates Certification Program Exam) and have undergone continuing education. I also have completed a specialty education in pre- and post-natal pilates movement.

I like to say I’m known for workouts you’ll actually want to do.

My special abilities resides in catering to where my clients are at individually. So, if you want to move your body, and want a kick-butt type of athletic session — I got you, and we will sweat and tone. If you’re recovering from any change or lapse in your fitness, or just looking to integrate and cross-train, I’ve got the perfect complimentary workout. However, if a traditional workout isn’t always your idea of a good time — I totally get it! I like to craft my sessions to be rewarding, beneficial, and motivating so pilates is a workout that you can really be excited about.

I’m most proud of how I’m able to help clients achieve their goals in whichever form those may be. We have fun, we build community and connection, and we always keep it spicy (no two workouts are the same!). Pilates is one of those amazing exercise programs where you never plateau, you simply keep leveling up in challenging, and inspiring ways. Pilates is all about the long-game, we’re here to keep your body healthy so you can workout at age 27, and be still moving and living in incredible ways at age 87. We help you build a body that supports you in all life-stages, and it’s never too late to start!

I offer individual, duo, trio, and private group sessions. I also offer pre- and post-natal sessions if we have moms and moms-to-be interested in a great low-impact, but high-result type of session. I ALWAYS tailor to your needs, so you really feel like your investment in your health is money well spent.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
At the expense of sounding cliche — just start. Pilates is one of those exercise programs where I feel like you complete one workout and you’re hooked. You find an appreciation for your body and movement (and all those tiny and big muscles!) in such a rewarding and satisfying way.

And listen, I understand for many it’s an investment. I try to keep my rates competitive because I believe so strongly in the power of this movement practice. Even if we see each other every-other week, I’m so happy to move your body in beneficial ways.

Lastly, I always like to say, try one session with an instructor to see if you vibe together. It’s okay if you don’t vibe at first — you’ll find your perfect match. We’re here to guide and coach you through safe and effective workouts, and if we’re not the right person, that’s okay; we want you to be happy and successful.

Pricing:

• Individual Sessions – $70 per person
• Duet Sessions – $50 per person
• Trio Sessions – $35 per person
• Private Group Sessions (4+ people) – $35 per person
• First Session is $20 off with coupon code FIRSTSESSION

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samhorsellpilates.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samlovespilates/

Image Credits
Melissa Douglas Co and Visuals by Vivian