Welcome Ashley Maher!

Pilates Platinum is excited to welcome Ashely Maher, our newest instructor, to the team! Ashley joins us straight from New York City's competitive ballet and pilates scene. Known for her killer oblique and tush-toning workouts, her classes are sure to bring on a new burn!

Enjoy the interview below to get to know Ashley a little better, and catch her classes starting this week!

Welcome to the team, Ashley!

PP- How were you introduced to Pilates on the Megaformer?

AM- I was first introduced to pilates through being a ballet dancer.  We did pilates as rehabilitation and to keep up our strength during off seasons.  I had been teaching floor pilates for years but was craving a workout that was a bit more intense and upbeat.  A client of mine owned a megaformer studio and asked me to teach.  I fell in love straight away.

PP- What brings you to Pilates Platinum?

AM- I have just moved to Los Angeles and had heard great things about Pilates Platinum.  I took one class at the Venice location and knew right away it would be a good fit.

PP- What are some of your go-to Pilates moves? And what’s your all-time favorite Lagree Fitness exercise?

AM- I am a bit oblique and butt obsessed.  I think you get easy results working those areas.  So, I love teasers and french twists for obliques and scrambled egg variations for the glutes!

PP- Favorite type of apparel to wear while working out?

AM- Seeing that I usually teach a lot of classes I live in workout clothes.  Therefore, anything too tight for too long is out.  Comfort is preferred.  I love really short shorts.

PP- What are you most likely up to if you're not in the studios? (other activities, hobbies, groups, classes, jobs…etc.)

AM- I spent 20 years of my life being a ballet dancer.  I am studying some natural healing methods and love anything to do with being in our bodies. This phase in my life now is all about quality of life and enjoyment.  I am a total foodie and pretty laid back.  I love spending time with friends and my lovely boyfriend.  Growing vegetables, exercising, listening to live music and traveling.  Oh and I am a hopeful biplane pilot.  Haven't fulfilled this dream yet, but I will soon!

PP- Who is your favorite singer, band, or musician?

AM- Well not to be biased but my favorite thing in the world is watching my boyfriend perform.  He has a band with his brother called "The Kin."  They are truly amazing and I am really proud of all of their success.  Cheesy but true.

PP- What’s the most exciting trip you’ve been on? Or, where would you love to travel to next and why?

AM- I have been fortunate to travel to some amazing places but if pressed to pick I would say Iceland.  We just had a blast.  Such out of this world landscapes that were so remote that you were the only ones there.  Hiking up the sides of waterfalls and roaming to random hot springs in the middle of nowhere.  Truly magical.

PP- Who or what inspires you?

AM- I have an amazing healer that I have seen for years.  His name is Jei Atacama.  He has completely transformed my understanding of life and is always inspiring me to live my truest life.  He is a blessing and a dear friend.

PP- What’s the best song title to explain your teaching style?

AM- Hmmmm....lets go with Ellie Goulding's, "Burn".  Megaformer is definitely all about feeling the burn.

PP- If you had to describe Pilates in 3 words, what would they be?

AM- Full Body Workout.

Trainer Tuesday! A Day in the Life of Kiana Greir

This Tuesday, Pilates Platinum would like to welcome a new trainer for Sundays at our Venice Beach Studio, Kiana! Kiana has always been passionate about health, wellness, fitness and nutrition, as a dancer, surfer, and competitive volleyball player. We’re excited to have her on the PP team! Read below to learn more about Kiana, and hop into one of her classes starting Sunday’s in Venice Beach.

A Day in the Life of Kiana Grier

Pilates Instructor (Venice Beach Studio)

What are your favorite Pilates moves? 

I love the deep stretch in Long Jump Lunge and I love the immediate effects of French Twist!

What is one of your favorite non-Pilates workouts? 

I love anything that might be different or challenges my body in a completely different way, like a kickboxing or dance class or pilates! Yoga, running, and hiking are my favorite go-tos on days I'm not taking a pilates class! I'm so lucky to live in California where there are so many beaches and hiking trails to explore :)

What’s your exercise routine like for a typical week?

Monday: yoga and run

Tuesday: hiking

Wednesday: dance/kickboxing

Thursday: spin/surfing :)

Friday: pilates and a beach run

Saturday: anything outdoors! or a new class with a friend :)

Sunday: Pilates  

What are some of your favorite healthy foods?

I love learning about new possibilities for salads and I love exploring farmers markets throughout the week. Eating and preparing seasonal fruits and veggies has really changed how my body feels and especially how my body stays strong and fit working out and staying active:)

What does your workout and eating schedule for a typical day like?

When do you wake up?

Besides early classes I usually wake up at 7am. I am also in graduate school so a consistent wake up time really helps keep a good exercise and study routine to keep my energy up!

What do you eat for breakfast?

I love a good cup of coffee and eggs with veggies and avocado. Most days during the week I'm on the run, so I it's usually a coffee plus a protein shake- Vega protein, almond milk, flax, dates and piece of fruit.  

What do you do in the first half of a typical day?

The first half of a typical day I am either teaching classes in the morning then I am doing research and reading for graduate school! I love learning and apply that to everything I do- in the studio, in the classroom, in life!

What do you eat for lunch?

I usually eat as colorful of a salad as I can! -with a protein like tuna, chicken, or turkey and good fat source like avocado. If I'm being a little naughty I love a good   old fashioned turkey sandwich with cheese on gluten free bread :) 

What do you do during a typical afternoon?

Because of my school schedule I'm usually on my way to school during the week! Any time I'm not driving to class, I love to spend my time reading or doing something active or outside with my friends and family.

What do you eat for dinner?

Dinner is usually a lean meat and veggies, salad or a quinoa salad. 

What do you do for a workout on a typical day?

During the week my workouts need to be efficient and effective. I love a good run at the Santa Monica stairs or on Ocean Ave, surfing, a dance class, a yoga class to get my heart rate up and sweat, AND of course Pilates! I'm a busy girl, and I love inspiring people who think that they don't have time- you have to take time for you… workouts are fun and important to make time for!

What do you do on a typical night? 

My friends and I are really good about trying new places for a cocktail and live music. But I'll admit most nights I'm catching up on some of my Netflix shows and studying for school! 

What time do you go to sleep?

I need to be in bed no later than 11pm! Even though I'm a student I told myself for grad school I vow to never pull an all nighter again! I believe that sleep is just as important as the workouts you do and the food you put in your body. 

What’s your favorite part of your day?

My favorite part of my day is helping people push past a barrier or edge in Pilates classes. There is nothing like the smiles after a good workout, and there is nothing like the thank yous. I'm a client too so I know what a good boost of endorphins can do to your day :) I love seeing that in my clients when they leave class.  

What’s your biggest source of inspiration…what keeps you going everyday?

I'm inspired by people and their ability to change, work through something challenging, to endure. The studio and pilates workout is microcosmic to the work that you do in your life, at your jobs. I believe that mental strength is something that we learn and can continue to learn. I try to take this into everything that I do and bring that inspiration to my classes :) 

What are your trainer tips or words of advice for people interested in Pilates and a healthy lifestyle?

"Good habits are as addictive as bad habits, but much more rewarding." YOU have the power to choose what you bring into your life, make it healthy, make it fun, make it sweaty, make it rewarding!