Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Heffner.
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I graduated college in 2001, from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Business Management. After a year in the corporate world, I figured out pretty quickly that it wasn’t for me. So a year later I moved to California, seeking a new way of life. During that time, I spent a lot of my days in the pilates studio, taking reformer classes, mat classes, and one-on-one sessions. This was truly my happy place! But life began to shift after my friend Kara who was a dancer got injured. She reached out to me for help. She knew I had been doing pilates and was pretty passionate about it. Long story short, she was the catalyst that sparked my future pilates career. After helping her she mentioned to me how I should really consider becoming a teacher. Which took me by surprise honestly, because the thought never crossed my mind, even though I loved pilates and loved helping others it just never clicked until that moment. So in 2004 I took that leap of faith and enrolled, successfully graduating and received my pilates certification. My whole world changed after that and kickstarted the Kelly’s Pilates brand. For the first time in my life, I had finally found my purpose and I couldn’t wait to share this passion and help others feel their BEST. After 19 years Kelly’s Pilates is still here, healing the mind, body and soul.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I gotta say, I’ve been very fortunate to have a successful small business since 2004. I’ve always had a great referral system which has lead me to meet the most amazing clients who I now consider very good friends. My Pilates career began 19 years ago, and I still train some of the same people from day one. So the loyalty and trust I’ve built over the years has been incredible!
The biggest obstacle my business endured happened in 2011. The summer of 2010 my husband, Harvey and I found out that we were expecting. A bit surprised but nonetheless so very happy! Tho my pregnancy took a turn for the worst and was nothing like I had envisioned and became a fight to keep us both alive. Our beautiful boy, named Broxton was born on 2/2/2011, 3 months early, weighing 1lb 9oz (micro-preemie) with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice, two knots at his throat. A true miracle and a natural-born fighter. The next 99 days were the hardest days of my life and the strength I had to maintain for all of us nearly broke me. Life in the NICU was like being on a rollercoaster. The highs were high and the lows were low, and the feelings of helplessness, exhaustion, sadness and fear were overwhelming. An emotional ride for sure, but no matter what we were facing we never gave up hope. Together with the help of our amazing NICU team, we won that battle and after a very long stressful 32 days, our baby was finally being taken off of life support and breathing on his own. We were finally able to hold him for the first time. A day we will never forget. The journey came with lots of obstacles and challenges but through all the ups and downs, I still had the most amazing support from my clients. My business was shut down for a long period of time, but once I was back in action, they were all still waiting, supporting, and loving us. To say the least, my heart will be forever grateful to my pilates community.
Fast forward to 2020, the pandemic forced many fitness centers to temporarily shut their doors, including my private studio. And while some small businesses closed for good, I am immensely grateful that my clients were ready and willing to return to their practice as soon as the restrictions were lifted. I have always seen the work I do as an act of service, so to be a recipient of my client’s loyalty and to watch their own passion and dedication to Pilates grow is such a joy. This place is my happy place and I’m so blessed I get to share it with the best clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kelly’s Pilates?
Kelly’s Pilates was honored to be named “My Burbank’s Best Pilates Studio” in 2022, it is a place for EVERYONE, a professional, friendly and safe environment that welcomes all ages, fitness levels, and pre/postnatal women. I am a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) offering one-on-one sessions in my private studio, featuring Balanced Body equipment, including the Cadillac, Reformer, Wunda chair, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector. I customize all of my workouts to meet the client’s needs and goals, ensuring they get the best possible results for their well-being and physical health. People lead such busy lives and it’s easy for them to forget about their own needs so it’s important to me to make each minute count. Prioritizing self-care is vital, and keeping your mind and body healthy and safe are fundamental to staying alive and rejuvenated so you can keep on giving your best. I love that Kelly’s Pilates provides them with a positive space to focus on themselves so they can breathe, sculpt, stretch, strengthen, and balance their bodies, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.” ~Joseph Pilates
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Some people might be surprised to know I have been a member of WW (weight watchers) for many years. I think a lot of people assume that fitness professionals eat perfectly and work out all the time, which is not the case for me. Nutrition and exercise are important but I’m a true believer in moderation and enjoying food. WW has been a huge factor in my weight loss journey and daily maintenance, it’s what keeps me accountable and continuously supports my healthy lifestyle, sweets and all!! I love WW!!!
Pricing:
- Introductory Session $85
- 5 Sessions $400
- 10 Sessions $750
- 20 Sessions $1400
Contact Info:
- Website: kellyspilates.com
- Instagram: @kellyspilates
- Facebook: @kellyspilates
- Linkedin: @kellyspilates
