Meet Pilates Instructor Julia Hughes
Meet Pilates instructor Julia Hughes, a Midwest native who loves encouraging clients, watching them progress, and helping them achieve their goals. When she’s not teaching Pilates, you’ll find Julia sharing fun and laughter with her family.
STUDIO BE: Julia, would you introduce yourself to our readers?
JULIA: I’m a Midwest native, but Southern California still feels like home to me, as that is where my mom, brothers, and their families live. My husband and I moved to Northern Virginia in 1999, and while we spent four years in Boston, we’ve been here ever since.
I have my MBA and have held various jobs, including bond trader, securities industry regulator, and preschool aide in an autistic classroom. But becoming a Pilates instructor is the first job I’ve had that I leave feeling more refreshed than when I walked in the door.
I’m Level II trained through PEAK Pilates and hope to receive my comprehensive, Level III certification later this year. I’m grateful to Carla for having suggested this path, as I don’t think it is one I would have chosen on my own. Presently, I work as an apprentice in the studio, teaching both privates and group classes.
I spend my time away from Studio BE with my family. Regardless of what my children do in their free time, you can be sure I will be volunteering for each activity in some capacity! My husband, children, and our Bernese Mountain dog keep me on my toes and fill me with joy! A perfect day together would include a long walk on the Billy Goat Trail, a great meal, and plenty of laughter!
STUDIO BE: What drew you to Pilates?
JULIA: I’ve always enjoyed exercising. Group classes. Swimming. For quite a while, running was my exercise of choice. After running a marathon in 2004, I realized my running days were behind me. My knees just couldn’t take it any longer. That’s when I started exploring different options. A friend and I began taking Pilates classes at a community center. I liked the way I instantly felt taller and stronger. I was hooked.
STUDIO BE: How has Pilates personally helped you?
JULIA: Where to begin! Pilates is not only my exercise of choice, I’m now fortunate enough to teach others. Encouraging clients, watching them progress, seeing them achieve their goals…it is exciting to be on their journey with them. I think my family puts it best when they remind me that I always leave Studio BE happy, whether I’ve taken a class or taught a client. They are absolutely right!
STUDIO BE: What would you like first-time students to know about Pilates?
JULIA: Pilates takes practice. There are exercises I feel as though I’ve been working to improve since my first session nearly eight years ago. In fact, I know some exercises will take a lot more work to get to where I want to be. I often remind my clients and myself to work as if you are wearing blinders. What the person on the mat or reformer next to you might accomplish during a session will look different from what you accomplish…and that is perfectly okay! Listen to YOUR body during any given session so that you get the most out of it for YOU!
STUDIO BE: What would you say to the person who is considering Pilates but feels too out of shape to even step foot in a studio?
JULIA: I’ve actually had this conversation with people. I think whenever we attempt something new, we want all the parts to align perfectly before taking the leap. It’s hard to put ourselves out there and believe we won’t be judged for how we look or feel. Among the things I love about Pilates is that there are ways to make exercises work for every body at every stage. We as instructors have loads of building blocks in our toolbox. After all, we’re not looking for perfection; we’re looking for progress! We are here to guide and work with our clients not to judge or compare clients to others or ourselves. Don’t be afraid to take the leap!
STUDIO BE: How many classes a week do you recommend for the student who wants to grow as a Pilates student?
JULIA: That is a tough question, because every body is different in terms of what it can do, and every person has different thresholds financially. I think a few classes each week is ideal for the client who wants to grow as a Pilates student. I do think it is important to try and mix it up between equipment and mat, group and privates. Hearing the verbiage, increasing familiarity with the exercises, becoming more in tune with your body. The more you can immerse yourself in Pilates, the faster you’ll grow.
STUDIO BE: What else would you like our readers to know about you or Pilates?
JULIA: I am grateful for the opportunity to teach Pilates to some remarkable clients and work with some amazing instructors! Seeing how bodies and minds transform through Pilates is awe-inspiring!