Greencastle native brings Pilates to the karate academy

Monday, August 5, 2013

Greencastle native Erin Gibbons has made it her mission to not only lead a healthy lifestyle for herself, but to inspire others to do the same as well.

Gibbons began her fitness journey after deciding she needed to make a change within herself.

"I was miserable with my weight and tired of having no energy," explained Gibbons. "I started with calorie counting, portion control and walking on a treadmill. I then began to jog as well."

It was shortly there after that Gibbons chose to enter a 5K race.

"I've been hooked on running ever since," said Gibbons. "I've since completed several 5K's and eventually a half marathon. I knew I needed to make a change for my happiness and in return for my family's happiness. I want to be around for my sons for a long time and influence healthy habits."

After building her confidence, she eventually signed up for boot camp classes at the All American Karate Academy with Niki St. Pierre. After partaking in the classes for nearly a year, it was then she approached co-owner St. Pierre to begin a class of her own.

"I noticed she had Pilates advertised as a class they offer," explained Gibbons. "I asked if they still do Pilates and Niki said they hadn't had an instructor in awhile, but maybe if I wanted to get certified we could talk about starting a class."

St. Pierre referred her to the right program for Gibbons to get her certification and things bloomed from there.

"I loved the idea. I have done Pilates on my own for years," Gibbons said. "I tested and became certified as both an instructor and a nutrition adviser."

From there, Gibbons and St. Pierre figured out the right schedule and within a few weeks she began her first session in May.

The class originally started with two days a week sessions for six weeks, but after just one session it's already expanded to three days a week.

Now, she's even looking into starting a Pilate's program through Skype.

"I've been getting messages from family members and friends that live out of town, out of state," explained Gibbons. "They really wish they could do my class. That just kind of gave me the idea."

It's the hope that offering Pilates through Skype that people who may not be able to workout due to work schedules, childcare or other factors would be able to have a chance to participate.

If participants need help with food or meal planning, Gibbons is now also offering a fitness and meal planning consultation for $40 per month.

"I enjoy helping people," Gibbons said. "Helping people reach their health goals, seeing how excited they get when they see progress and being able to inspire people to lead a healthy and happy lifestyle is what I love about my job."

Sign-ups for Gibbons Pilates classes at the Academy or via Skype are currently going on. She offers the option of attending two or three days a week sessions on Sunday at 3 p.m., Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Friday at 5:30 p.m.

The cost for two days a week is $79 for six weeks or three days a week for $99.

For more information or to sign up call Gibbons at 720-9768.

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