Ciaran grew up as a competitive dancer in the Orange County area. She continued dancing in college at California State University, Fullerton with CSUF’s dance team that won multiple national championship titles for three straight years. Ciaran received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton, and a master’s degree in School Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. She started working at Core Arts Pilates as an office coordinator and is now a full-time Pilates instructor. Ciaran received her Pilates and BodyStrategies certifications from Core Arts Center and is a proud 3rd generation Classical Pilates teacher.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Ciaran, and I have been working at Core Arts Pilates since 2010 as an office coordinator/manager. I graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services then continued my education at Azusa Pacific University in 2013, graduating with a master’s degree in School Counseling. I am currently teaching Pilates full time at Core
Arts Pilates.
When did you first encounter Pilates?
I first got into Pilates while in college through Sharmila, who I’ve have known since I was a kid. She was my first dance teacher; I took technique classes from her all the way up to high school! I also trained with her while I was on my college dance team at CSUF, where she taught the team jazz technique. I got the unique opportunity to work with her again in the Pilates Instructor Certification program as an independent student and now I get to teach Pilates at her studio.
“What surprised me the most about being a Pilates apprentice is how much I really enjoy teaching. I always knew I wanted to help people, but the teaching aspect is something that’s become the most rewarding to me since I began the program.”
What inspired you to become a Pilates instructor?
Pilates has made a significant impact on my life, to say the least. In 2015, I used to be 50+ pounds overweight. I decided to work on my health and began taking Pilates classes consistently, on my own time after work, sometimes even filling in when there was an open slot for group classes. I was able to see immediate results in my body. And since I started the instructor certification program in late 2017, I have lost over fifteen pounds. I am now less than five pounds away from reaching my goal weight. I’ve witnessed the transformative effects of Pilates, and I hope to help others as I helped myself. It also helped that Sharmila encouraged me to become an instructor!
What has surprised you about being a Pilates apprentice?
What surprised me the most about being a Pilates apprentice is how much I really enjoy teaching. I always knew I wanted to help people, but the teaching aspect is something that’s become the most rewarding to me since I began the program.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
My favorite Pilates exercise is the teaser. I love the challenge that this exercise gives me.
What do you plan on doing once you become a certified instructor?
I plan to teach Pilates full-time after I become a certified instructor at Core Arts. Having been an office coordinator, a manager at the studio, and soon a teacher, I can’t wait to work with all of our clients.
Why did you choose to get certified with Core Arts Pilates?
I chose Core Arts Pilates because I have been a part of the studio for more than eight years. I have seen the studio grow and expand in many ways. Plus, Core Arts is the only studio around this area that teaches classical Pilates. Graduating from this program will make me a third generation classical pilates instructor, something that means a lot to me. I take pride in knowing that I am preserving an extraordinary legacy of education that not everyone gets to be a part of.
This article was originally published on Core Arts’ Facebook Page.