Meet Kristin Schley | Comprehensively Certified Pilates Instructor and Teacher Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Schley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
We are committed to redefining the movement experience, focusing on the integration of strength, mobility, mindfulness, and community. Our vision extends beyond the studio, as we strive to cultivate a culture where every individual is inspired to move in a way that facilitates strength and mental wellness. Helping each client feel like a stronger and more confident version of themselves. Movement is not just an exercise—it’s a practice of self-care and connection. This translates into all aspects of their life and how they show up in the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The backbone of my work comes from the joy I find in helping others! I also have over 25 years of teaching experience and a strong movement background, complemented by a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology. I continue to work hard to educate myself, stay curious, and share my knowledge with others. Becoming a studio owner was not a part of my original career path. Teaching Pilates started out as a part-time job that allowed me the flexibility to stay at home to raise my 3 kids, but my passion for movement then evolved into a career that I love. It has been a challenging journey in many ways, but it has been worth it. Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who value, respect, and support you professionally and personally. My goal for Embody is to facilitate that with a space where clients feel safe, respected, challenged, and encouraged, no matter where they are in their movement journey. At Embody, we have the knowledge, experience, and commitment to nurture the well-being of every client that comes into our space.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE good quality food and being outside! I grew up in Colorado and some of my fondest memories are the small mountain towns and local restaurants. Having lived in Michigan for 20+ years now, I find the same calmness, belonging and energy in the small towns up North along the Great Lakes. A few of my favorite spots are Glen Arbor and Marquette. We would spend time visiting the local towns, climbing the dunes, hiking, spending time on the water and supporting the local restaurants and shops. The lakes in Michigan are a must see!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many incredible people in my life have influenced my professional journey. Over the years, I’ve had a lot of encouragement from clients and fellow instructors who have given me that push to open my own studio, and honestly, it had been in the back of my mind for a long time. As faculty for a global teacher training company, Rebel Pilates Collective, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel to various studios to meet and work with so many amazing teachers and students. That experience and the relationships it has created ignited the fire and passion in me to take the leap and open my own space. The past 10 years of learning, both professionally and personally, have shaped me into the teacher and now studio owner I am today! I also have so much love and gratitude for my family and close friend Jodi, who have been nothing but supportive and encouraging every step of the way!

Website: https://www.embodypilatesandfunction.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodypilatesandfunction/

Image Credits
Ebba Gurney Photography