Pilates Instructor Spotlight: Sarah Roberts
In part one of our Instructor Spotlight Series, we interviewed Whole Pilates Owner, Physical Therapist, and Pilates Instructor, Jennifer Lawrence. See her post here. In part two of our series, we interviewed Studio Director and Pilates Rehab Practitioner, Lorna Jarrett. Read her spotlight here.
Completing our Instructor Spotlight Series, we interviewed Pilates Instructor and Rehab Practitioner, Sarah Roberts. Read how her love of dance and profession as a Physical Therapist led her on a journey to become a Pilates Instructor.
Name: Sarah Roberts
Whole Pilates Title: Pilates Instructor and Rehab Practitioner
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Family: I have four children (three sons and a daughter) who are energetic, creative, and loud and a wonderful husband who keeps things in order. My husband and I both come from large families and have amazing and supportive parents. I’m so grateful for my family.
Go-To Weekend Activity: When I’m not working on the weekends, I love to relax at home and build puzzles, play games, and watch movies with my family. Gardening is becoming a new hobby as we’ve been at home more often recently.
Why Does Health Matter to You? I’ve always been interested in the body and particularly in movement. I love how tangible our physical bodies are, and yet they are only a home for our spirit. Learning and teaching about health is fascinating to me, but more than anything, I love to serve people by making an impact and improving their experience inside their bodies.
How did you first hear about Pilates? I grew up in classical ballet and modern dance classes; in that world, Pilates is very popular. My first experience taking Pilates was at a dance intensive in a room full of students. My sore, stiff body didn’t love Pilates at first, but as I grew to recognize how it would allow me to connect with my body more effectively, I fell in love.
What made you want to be a Pilates instructor? As a physical therapist whose desire was to treat dancers, I sought out a clinical rotation with a therapist who specialized in dance. She utilized Pilates equipment and principles with her patients. Once I understood the possibilities and implications Pilates had for rehab, I decided to pursue a certification in Pilates.
How has Pilates impacted your life? I have rediscovered my body using Pilates to rehabilitate after birthing four children in five years. In many ways, I feel stronger and more body aware than I did when dancing regularly as a teen and young adult. I’m so grateful for a philosophy of movement that so smoothly aligns with my passion for freedom and healing.
What is your favorite thing about your job? Watching a client transform in their ability, confidence, and health rocks my world. I love being a cheerleader and encourager along the way.
Share one story of how you’ve seen Pilates change someone’s health for good: There are many I could choose from, but I’d like to share about one of our dear pregnancy clients who began attending class during her third pregnancy. Her two sons had both been born via Cesarean section, and this momma’s goal was to have a vaginal birth with her third child, a daughter. Through her consistency in Pilates classes, her body began to become more aligned, and by the time her daughter was born, she was able to have a successful VBAC, just as she had hoped. This client is now an incredible advocate and encourager of mothers who are working hard to prepare their bodies for birth, and we love having her as part of our Whole Pilates community!
Thank you, Sarah, for serving your clients with love and by helping them connect with their bodies to gain more flexibility and mobility.
Book a class with Sarah or email wholepilates@spiritofhealthkc.com to schedule a private session with her.