Phoenix Rising Pilates
Nearly five years ago I experienced numerous tragic events that sent my life and spirit into a tailspin. Through the years of rebuilding my mind, body and soul came the realization of wanting to help others to begin again. That's the place from which I have lived everyday since and from which the studio was named. I believe we are all a beautiful, strong, courageous; yet vulnerable phoenix rising from the ashes to begin anew!
Meet Karyn Steenstra
My love for movement began at the age of three when my parents enrolled me in ballet. I loved ballet immediately and danced for 23 years. It was in ballet class that I was first introduced to Pilates.
I received a BA in Planned Studies from Ithaca College in 1995. There I grew to understand my passion was the study of the body and it’s movements; why we move the way we do and how to effectively correct faulty movement patterns so that we may heal a majority of our own ailments ideally before they get worse. My studies were focused in the physical therapy and dance departments where I developed a strong and dynamic working knowledge of the body and its movements through anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology.
A number of years after college and after an interesting exploration of a life in Los Angeles, I moved back to my roots in Maine. In 2000 I taught Plates for three years at Soma Pilates in Rockland, Maine.
I moved to Fort Collins in 2007 with my two young boys in search of a new beginning, mainly an new climate! Maine has VERY long winters! In 2008 I began my work toward a certification in Pilates at Peak Pilates in Boulder under the discerning, perceptive and precise teaching of Colleen Glenn-Wilson, one of the founders of the esteemed Pilates Method Alliance and Robin Beck, owner of 360 Pilates in Carbondale, CO. While training and after the successful completion of my certification, I developed a Pilates program for the largest, privately owned fitness club in Fort Collins where I taught for nine years.
Desiring continued growth, both personally and professionally, I felt it was time to be a business owner myself – thus Phoenix Rising Pilates!
My clients have ranged in age from ten to 85 years old and their physicalities have varied with osteoporosis/osteopenia; bulging or herniated discs; scoliosis; kyphosis; back surgery; hip replacements; shoulder injuries and pre and post natal to name a few. I have worked with many simple aches and complaints to severe conditions requiring very specific needs through variations and/or modifications. I have helped to rehabilitate people after surgery as well as preparing their bodies before surgery so that they may experience a better, faster recovery. And I have helped to increase the stability of strength for athletes wanting to find “more”.
I am an avid researcher of the body; always wanting to be updated and proactive and I love challenges! I know what it is to feel broken and unfixable, I’ve been there numerous times; yet through Pilates and other resources I have learned to awaken parts of my mind and body that had been dormant for years! I believe anyone at any age with any situation can find new strength, flexibility and balance at any time!
Meet Karyn Steenstra
My love for movement began at the age of three when my parents enrolled me in ballet. I loved ballet immediately and danced for 23 years. It was in ballet class that I was first introduced to Pilates.
I received a BA in Planned Studies from Ithaca College in 1995. There I grew to understand my passion was the study of the body and it’s movements; why we move the way we do and how to effectively correct faulty movement patterns so that we may heal a majority of our own ailments ideally before they get worse. My studies were focused in the physical therapy and dance departments where I developed a strong and dynamic working knowledge of the body and its movements through anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology.
A number of years after college and after an interesting exploration of a life in Los Angeles, I moved back to my roots in Maine. In 2000 I taught Plates for three years at Soma Pilates in Rockland, Maine.
I moved to Fort Collins in 2007 with my two young boys in search of a new beginning, mainly an new climate! Maine has VERY long winters! In 2008 I began my work toward a certification in Pilates at Peak Pilates in Boulder under the discerning, perceptive and precise teaching of Colleen Glenn-Wilson, one of the founders of the esteemed Pilates Method Alliance and Robin Beck, owner of 360 Pilates in Carbondale, CO. While training and after the successful completion of my certification, I developed a Pilates program for the largest, privately owned fitness club in Fort Collins where I taught for nine years.
Desiring continued growth, both personally and professionally, I felt it was time to be a business owner myself – thus Phoenix Rising Pilates!
My clients have ranged in age from ten to 85 years old and their physicalities have varied with osteoporosis/osteopenia; bulging or herniated discs; scoliosis; kyphosis; back surgery; hip replacements; shoulder injuries and pre and post natal to name a few. I have worked with many simple aches and complaints to severe conditions requiring very specific needs through variations and/or modifications. I have helped to rehabilitate people after surgery as well as preparing their bodies before surgery so that they may experience a better, faster recovery. And I have helped to increase the stability of strength for athletes wanting to find “more”.
I am an avid researcher of the body; always wanting to be updated and proactive and I love challenges! I know what it is to feel broken and unfixable, I’ve been there numerous times; yet through Pilates and other resources I have learned to awaken parts of my mind and body that had been dormant for years! I believe anyone at any age with any situation can find new strength, flexibility and balance at any time!