Pilates instructor Margi Batal will be relocating to Colorado shortly. But before she heads west, we had a chance to sit down with Margi to talk Pilates, golf, and family. Here’s what she had to say.
Studio BE: Margi, would you share a little about yourself with our readers?
Margi: I am a Washington, DC native, but we moved to Virginia when I was just two. I still live in Virginia with my husband Bob and daughter Sammi and two standard poodles, Cleo and Crystal.
My Dad was in the Foreign Service, and we moved to Paris when I was in middle school. I fell in love with food and cooking while we lived there, and after high school I worked in hotels before attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. I worked in the hospitality field for 20 years and loved it, but after a back injury it was impossible to continue working in that field.
After years of trying to find relief for my back pain—chiropractor, acupuncture, steroids etc. — I took a Pilates for Golf workshop with a friend and found relief for the pain. I was hooked after that and became a client of Studio BE. After about five years of practicing Pilates, I became certified. I love and believe in the benefits of Pilates for everyone.
Studio BE: In addition to being a Pilates instructor, you’re an avid golfer. What part does golf play in your life?
Margi: Golf is such a big part of my life. From my first lesson I was hooked. Golfers tend to be obsessive about the sport, and I am no different. It is the hardest sport I have ever tried to master, and I will always try to be better. It is a wonderful sport for every one of all ages and abilities to go out and play together.
In fact, my first date with my husband was on the golf course. We love to play competitively and casually. I have played for the Country Club of Fairfax since 1999 on inner club leagues.
Golf has many of the same principles that we use in Pilates: focus, stability, balance, control and you perform to your own personal best; precision is more important than power. We all love to golf and ski. During the season, we try to play golf three times a week or more. We love to travel to play golf or ski.
Studio BE: You teach Pilates to a number of golfers. How does Pilates help golfers stay on top of their game?
Margi: Pilates is a great conditioning form of exercise for golfers. Pilates’ focus on the core (power house) is what all golfers need for the stability, mobility and balance that is required in a golf swing. Golf is a sport that puts tremendous torque on our back and knees. Pilates helps prevent many injuries if we follow the principles. Pilates increases one’s ability to play better and longer.
Studio BE: What differences have you noticed between the sexes with regards to Pilates?
Margi: I think women take to Pilates a little easier at first, because they can feel the stabilizing muscles sooner. Many women are very weak in their shoulders and their upper and low back, so they can feel the work. Almost everyone is weak in the lower abs, but men tend to be stronger in the upper body. However, men tend to have very tight muscles, so it is hard to get past large superficial muscle groups and get down to the supportive group and feel the work. It doesn’t always have to burn to be a good work out. We are working deep muscles groups so people might not feel the muscles and support right away.
Studio BE: What prompted your upcoming move to Colorado?
Margi: My husband and I love to ski. He was a certified instructor in Vermont when he was younger. We have said for years we want to move to Glenwood Springs (between Vail and Aspen), Colorado. The life style in Colorado is very active: hiking, biking, golfing, skiing, etc. It is advertised to average 300 days of sunshine a year. There is no humidity and the evenings in the summer are cool, so we plan on being outside more there.
We’ve decided to move now, while we are still fairly young, 50 being the new 30. I am going to miss all the friends I’ve made at Studio BE over the last nine years. Many of these people are still current clients. But everyone knows that the door is always open and unlocked, Just come on out. I am expecting many visitors both during the summer and winter. So I hope I am not saying goodbye to anyone, just see you later.
Studio BE: What else would you like to share with our readers?
Margi: I am so grateful that I found Pilates, and it is a part of my life now and forever, much the same as golf. They are both life long pursuits. You are always striving to improve. Neither is a stagnant sport, and you can always learn something new, even if you practice or play for 50 years. It will never be boring or old.
I have gained many friends who have enriched my life from both sports, and I can’t imagine where I would be without either one in my life. I am so grateful for all they give back to be.