Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Etter.
Kelly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born very pigeon toed: so as a young child, I had to wear corrective leg braces to turn my legs out from the knee down. The pediatrician suggested that my parents enroll me in dance classes as a form of physical therapy: a great idea that initially proved challenging to implement. The first few studios we visited would not accept me. Finally, one said I could stay and watch…I STILL can’t just sit when there is good music for dancing!! Many years of HOURS and HOURS at the dance studio learning, training and finally assistant teaching became the foundation for pursuing a dance and musical theatre career. I graduated from The American Music & Dramatic Academy in New York City and spent more than a decade traveling and performing. In 1999-2000, I got to be a Rockette in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Mexico City…the first year the show went international.
Upon my return, it was time to prepare to start a family and make a career shift. Because of my love for movement and awareness of its benefits, becoming a certified Pilates trainer was a natural segue to a career in which I can help others by engaging, educating and empowering them to improve their posture, body mechanics, strength and flexibility…often facilitating relief from chronic pain and always improving their quality of life! I earned my Pilates certification after completing an internship of more than 500 hours with Carol Appel at the Mill Valley Health Club and Spa. Carol had apprenticed with Romana Kryzanowska, a master teacher personally trained by Joseph Pilates. Because of my dance and teaching background, I was qualified and given the opportunity to sub for the senior trainers early on; then quickly transitioned to my own classes and clients. I have many fond memories of working with Carol and the staff at Mill Valley Health Club and Spa!
Upon moving to Los Angeles, I began teaching classes at Women’s World Fitness Center in San Marino, working with private clients in my Pasadena home-based studio and teaching a ProBono class at Cancer Support Community Pasadena. Continuing education has always been very important to me: over the years, I took a cadaver anatomy class, attended Pilates Method Alliance Conferences, multiple day to week long intensives to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the Pilates Method and the body/mind connection as well as spine safety from Dr Stuart McGill, professor of Spine Biomechanics at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Great, 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?
It started off smooth: January after finishing the Rockette gig, I received a postcard from Mill Valley Health Club and Spa advertising a free week of membership…seeing Pilates on it, I imagined/hoped maybe they have a certification program and I can transition careers. After Michael, the owner, gave me the tour and sat me down for the sales pitch, I explained that I was on unemployment due to just finishing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular…that his facility was beautiful but I couldn’t afford it…that I just hoped to use the free week to help stave off getting out of shape…unless they had a certification program…they did! Based on my professional dance background and the proper technique I had when he was walking me through using the gym equipment, he offered me a job as a floor trainer in the gym with a schedule to accommodate the rigorous Pilates certification program. The challenges came later.
Maternity leave: juggling being a new Mom wanting to spend time at home with my beautiful baby boy with often feeling isolated and overwhelmed…really missing the atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie of the MVHC Pilates studio. Then after only a few months back at work, relocation to Pasadena for my husband’s career: again feelings of isolation…no community, a seven month old…again very much missing being part of the MVHC Pilates studio. After settling in a bit and finding a preschool for my son part-time, I began teaching at Women’s World Fitness Center in San Marino and taking on a few private clients in my home-based studio. The biggest challenge came when my husband ended our 17 year marriage. The stress of the betrayal, marriage counseling, separation, a move and divorce triggered “situationally induced depression and anxiety”. I spent a few years averaging a couple of hours of sleep a night and struggling with panic attacks.
Over time the combination of counseling, determination to be the best Mom and trainer I could be, my son, wonderful clients to work with, continuing education, planning a Pilates retreat to Catalina, community group, church and a return to dancing brought me out of the deep dark pit into which I’d fallen. I’m so grateful for all the support and encouragement I received along the way! Finally, my business was humming along, my son was doing well in school and I was enjoying a community of dance buddies…then COVID 19 lockdown. I went from about 30 client hours per week to 15 or less. Since I’ve often considered myself a bit tech challenged, I am thankful that several years ago a colleague and I explored virtual training: so I have been able to pivot my business, something typically very hands on, to Zoom. I have also equipped my studio with an air purifier, increased the level of cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing, added hand sanitizing stations, increased distancing and wearing a mask so that clients can work out safely in my physical studio.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
My sundrenched, peaceful studio is located in a residential area of Altadena where chimes gently intone when there is a breeze. I engage and encourage my clients to make exercise a consistent part of their life. I educate them on proper alignment and body mechanics, giving them practical daily life tools that empower them to improve their quality of life…which was Joe Pilates’ goal. I specialize in spine safety and in giving an abundance of personalized attention to the individual needs of each client. I am known for delivering a powerful workout with ease and with making exercise accessible and enjoyable. As a company, I am most proud of the feedback I get from my clients and the results they experience. I was so honored when approached for this interview!
Since I wanted to be very prepared and real, rather than use my own words, I asked a few clients: When you think about me and my business, what three words come to mind? The answers I received: “Personalized, Thoughtful and Attentive; Support, Breath, Sanctuary; thorough, helpful & energetic; Skilled, Empathetic and Rigorous; Professional, Knowledgeable, Focused, Serving your clients best interest” What do you tell others about me/my business? “I say: This is real Pilates. Not a club where you dress up to outperform each other. Kelly watches you move and adapts the exercise to meet you where you are. You aren’t going to get injured working with Kelly.” “I love your attention to detail — how you track my progress and customize/personalize your approach based on your careful observation. I love that you continue to study and have an abiding curiosity… and that you pass along what you learn! I love that you have a great sense of humor. I love that you are gentle and encouraging. I love that your approach is comprehensive – you employ many techniques, like yoga, for example.” “You are a great teacher, patient and kind. Your studio is clean, comfy and easy to park” “I tell people that your one-on-one training is pleasantly demanding but is careful to avoid strain or over-exertion, and is tackling some long-term joint and muscle issues.” “I could talk about the process being gentle to start, as a client you feel empowered. Knowing you can do it even as it gets more challenging.”
What benefits have you received as a result of our work together? “My benefits: I have consistently built up strength over the years. I feel that Pilates is the secret to holding it all in as we age. It keeps me balanced, strong and toned. I feel healthy with Pilates!” “Deeper awareness and mindfulness of how my body works. Improved posture and flexibility. Improved physical self-confidence.” “when I fell I did not break my hip!” “My sessions help me to correct bad posture habits, to improve flexibility, to relax, and to strengthen various parts of my body.” “I have confidence in the strength of my core. Going back to work as a camera operator, I now feel good about using my back, stomach and leg muscles while holding the camera day after day.” What sets me apart from others? That I have the skill, knowledge, training and ability to tailor my client’s session to whatever/however they present…whether it be rehab an injury, strengthen and tone, age gracefully…I work with my clients to design a program that meets their needs. Also, my planning skill and excitement about facilitating client goals: Ladies Night Out Pilates on Deck, Pilates Retreat to Catalina, On Deck Mini-Retreat with Pilates, Yoga and Healing Sound Bath are events I have coordinated.
What has been your proudest moment?
Wow, tough question…I’ve felt so blessed and fulfilled to be able to help people rehabilitate injuries, achieve relief from chronic pain and reach their fitness goals throughout my career; I am not sure that I have a proudest moment. Certainly, I was very moved and honored to receive SO MUCH positive feedback all at once when I received responses to the questions I sent a few clients to have their words instead of just mine when answering the interview questions about my business, what I am proud of and what sets me apart.
Pricing:
- Introductory private Pilates session $40
- Individual private Pilates session $75
- Series of 5 private Pilates sessions $350
- Series of 10 private Pilates sessions $650
- 30 minute Focused Private session: stretching or alignment protocols $40
- Individual Semi-private Pilates session $45 per person
- Series of 10 Semi-private Pilates sessions $400 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: 3271 Raymond Ave Altadena, CA 91001
- Website: www.kellyetter.com
- Phone: 626-390-0549
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Rebecca Little Photography
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