Meet: Heather Andersen of New York Pilates

The greatest challenge of being a Pilates instructor is teaching complex biomechanics in a simple way that is fun, entertaining and varied…

We’re going LIVE today at 12:30 pm EST on Facebook!! Heather Andersen, founder and lead instructor of New York Pilates, will be taking us through a 15-minute power packed Pilates workout to shape and tone your abs. Join us every Monday this month to get your at-home Pilates workout! @fpmovement #movementmonday

New York Pilates… how did it come about?

I started New York Pilates because I needed a place to take Pilates. As a private Pilates instructor for over a decade, I always had to work out by myself or trade sessions with a friend. I noticed there wasn’t really a large Pilates community in NYC so I figured I’d start one. It’s funny to imagine, but three years ago there really wasn’t anywhere to take a group reformer Pilates class. What I wanted was an amazing, fun, music driven reformer Pilates class that was fast-paced and affordable (our Unlimited Pilates Membership is the most affordable way to get your Pilates on in NYC).

Your greatest reward/greatest challenge as a pilates instructor.

Being a teacher is such a unique experience.  Watching a student grow and develop a deeper mind/body connection is an awesome opportunity. Also, having someone run up to you and thank you for their new fab bottom isn’t so bad. ;) I’m most proud of the community we have built and being able to spread the art of Pilates to some many wonderful people. The greatest challenge of being a Pilates instructor is teaching complex biomechanics in a simple way that is fun, entertaining, varied and well-paced. Keeping it fresh means never not working and keeping it creative — creativity is key.

How does fitness lead to happiness?

It’s all about growth and chemistry. Physical fitness changes the chemistry of your brain. Your body releases endorphins when you exercise, which not only make you feel great but also encourage you to keep it up. It’s those endorphins that lead to that “happy post-workout feeling.”

Favorite workout?

Pilates, duh! In particular, I love glute exercises, side lying and full body planks. I round out my workouts with yoga, ballet and the occasional run.

Favorite pre- or post-workout fuel.

Breakfast salads, all day every day (think fresh baby arugula, micro-greens, shaved radish, homemade dill vinaigrette, topped off with a poached egg, cracked pink peppercorn on a baked cassava & coconut tortilla and a touch of sea salt). Nothing leaves my body feeling happier and healthier than eating fresh produce, prepared in a home kitchen.  Luckily for me, my husband Brion (co-owner and creative director of NYP) has recently gotten into cooking so this is now a daily occurrence. I do the dishes.

What does “free” mean to you?

Free means being able to follow my dreams. It’s both physical and psychological.

 +What are your thoughts on Pilates? Let us know in the comments below! 

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I’d love to get into pilates myself – what an inspiration she is.

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

Diana Free
7 years ago

That’s awesome that she is spreading Pilates throughout New York. She looks like an amazing teacher.

7 years ago

Aw Heather is so cute! I have never tried a Pilates class, but I have always wanted to! I love fitness but I am NOT the type of person who wakes up early morning to run (I can’t get myself into a routine if it’s something I don’t love), but I LOVE being healthy and active, and finding new fun ways to do so! Fitness and happiness are 100% directly related!
Thanks for sharing!
XX -Kaylee K
http://www.KayleeKarcher.com

7 years ago

Hey Heather,
It sounds amazing. I have never tried a pilates class, but it looks more and more attractive.
#inspiration #pilates #newyork

Love, Lil

7 years ago

Pilates has healed my body. After running a half marathon with stress fractures in my left foot I was stuck in a walking cast for 6 weeks. Walking with that cast caused my whole body to out of whack – heck, life can cause your body to be out of whack! Pilates help you focus in: your core, your spine and your mind and you heal.
If you haven’t tried pilates, do and keep going! You will see and feel results!

Alison
7 years ago

Heather seems so cool & as thought she would be such a great teacher. I have wanted to get back into pilates & I can’t wait to try her classes. Thank you so much for this great introduction Free People!

7 years ago

Great pilates and you looking as beauty as queen.