Meet Pilates Instructor Sherri Reed

STUDIO BE: Sherri, would you tell our readers a little about yourself?

SHERRI: I was born and raised here in Northern Virginia. Graduating from WT Woodson High School, I continued my academics at Penn State University. After college, I pursued a career in the customer service industry, holding management positions in various fields. In my extra time, I was an avid weight trainer and bodybuilder. Shortly after I married my husband, we adopted two Siberian Husky puppies. Little did I know that raising two puppies was a full-time job! Once the puppies were grown, I was ready to go back to work. This is when I found Studio BE. When I am not teaching at the studio, I can be found with my husband and two dogs, finding adventure wherever we go

STUDIO BE: Who or what have been the biggest influences in your Pilates teaching style, and how has it evolved over time?

SHERRI: The biggest influence on my teaching style has been the journey I have been through trying to heal my own body. Although I loved the weight training I practiced during my teens, twenties and thirties, my body did not. Pilates provided a safe and low impact way to strengthen and challenge my body with the injuries I incurred weight training. I have had the privilege of being taught by many gifted instructors over the years.

STUDIO BE: Describe how you view the teacher/student relationship and the role each plays in Pilates.

SHERRI: I see each student as an individual. As such, each person has unique body needs and learning styles. Intuitively, most people know their bodies. I feel as an instructor, I’m really just guiding them along their path. My goal is to challenge each student to reach his or her highest potential with each and every workout. However, I also believe that the student and teacher need to trust each other on the journey.

STUDIO BE: Could you speak to the role Pilates might play in the lives of those struggling with physical and/or neurological challenges?

SHERI: Pilates as a system of exercise is designed as system to assist in neuromuscular training. As a course of “treatment” to address injuries resulting from an accident or limitations imposed by a disease, Pilates is an excellent addition to daily life once physical therapy sessions have ended and the student is cleared for exercise by his or her health care team.

STUDIO BE: What are your strengths as a Pilates instructor?

SHERRI: My strengths as a Pilates Instructor are my ability to see my client’s bodies and their needs. Based on what the body needs that day, I select exercises within the Pilates repertoire to meet these needs and challenge the body.

STUDIO BE: Generally speaking, how many classes a week should students take to see consistent progress?

SHERRI: To see consistent progress, I believe two to three days of Pilates practice a week in necessary. This should include both mat and reformer practice.

STUDIO BE: What else would you like our readers to know about you or Pilates?

SHERRI: I would love for everyone to know that I feel truly blessed by finding and adding Pilates in my life. Pilates has given me a body that is resilient, regardless of my previous injuries and physical challenges. Teaching Pilates is the most rewarding career I could have ever imagined.