Staff Spotlight
Kathy Kitchen
Nutrition Director & Instructor
- Staff Spotlight: Kathy Kitchen, Pilates Reformer Trainer and Instructor
How did you get into the fitness industry?
- I was 18 years old when a new gym came into my little town of Sumter, SC. The name of the facility was Spa Lady and I decided to check it out - I was heavy and wanted to make a change in my life for the better. I tried a class which was very different in 1981 - In fact, we all stood in a big square and did jumping jacks, kicks as high as we could and jogged in place - I just loved it and became addicted. After several months, I was approached to teach to the group of women and I couldn't refuse. For those of you that remember that era, I wore leg warmers with body suits and leotards that were skin colored (UGH) and we did not wear shoes until the "fashionable" Reeboks came out in those fabulous pastel colors!!! How about it, any takers? The rest is history I've been doing this for 20 plus years and still absolutely LOVE IT!!!!
- You have been involved in mind/body classes including Mat Pilates, Yoga and BodyFlow for several years. Why do you think they are gaining popularity?
- I believe in my heart that this is the balance that everyone is looking for in their exercise regime - These classes truly make you very aware of your body in how strong you become from the inside out - and the beauty of this is gaining strength and power without the use of weights - Very true as Carol Bruce quoted that and it has stayed with me, for it is a very powerful statement.
- How does "lying on the floor for an hour and barely sweating", as some people perceive yoga and Pilates, contribute to overall fitness?
- Bringing awareness to the inner body and helping us with our posture, concentration and balance - there's that word again. You really do get stronger and it helps you to stand straighter and perform better in whatever activity you participate. In fact, Gretchen Hanarhan (dedicated 5:30 a.m. member) quoted to me, "I can run straighter while on a hill since taking Pilates." This is very true and I can quote many more individuals that are quite shocked in how hard Pilates really is and how much better they do perform in other activities.
- As a Pilates Reformer Personal Trainer, how do you rate our reformer equipment and studio?
- I love it - it is very peaceful and truly is a connection to our body, mind and spirit and the equipment is just wonderful. The benefits that you receive from the reformer are absolutely incredible as you may have read in March's newsletter as our goal getter, Maronetta Miller, benefitted with her shoulder of which she had two rotator cuff surgeries on the same shoulder.
- You offer one-on-one personal training as well as "buddy training" on the reformers, what are the advantages of each?
- One-on-one training is much more hands on and with the individual you can do specific exercises based on her individual needs. Buddy training is a little more challenging because you are training two individuals at the same time. They do the same exercises and begin at the same level, meaning one is not more advanced than the other. The greatest part of both types of training is I get to see the results while they are performing their specific moves on the reformer. I am always amazed at the results. Both training types are equally beneficial to the individual(s) in what they are achieving. I won't ramble but I want to go back to Maronetta as she is one of my regular clients. When I first became her trainer, I was very nervous and therefore took baby steps with her. In doing so, I can tell you right now she is able to do a full plank on the reformer, full arm circles without discomfort and she can even do the seated monkey stretch (one of her favorites), so if you are intrigued by this, sign up for a demo. It truly is amazing what this fabulous piece of equipment can do for your entire body, mind and spirit.
Fav 5
- Leisure activity: spending time with my family and watching movies
- TV Show: AMERICAN IDOL: I'm a little addicted
- Comfort clothing item: sweats
- Magazine: Pilates style and of course any food magazine. I love to cook.
- Food: All of it - not hard to please - those of you that have eaten with me know this to be true - I truly enjoy food. I do not have a specific item that I absolutely love.