Client Spotlight: Ryan — Pilates and Pregnancy Through Life’s Seasons

Comes in with a smile every time, despite the challenges of working full time and raising 2 kids, with a 3rd on the way!

Some clients walk into my studio and immediately feel like old friends. Ryan is one of them.

We first met at a neighborhood event I was sponsoring — a quick chat turned into an instant connection. Not long after, she spotted me working with another client in the community, and from there, our Pilates journey together began.

Farmer's Market Fun

Working on hip opening on the reformer.

Pilates and Thriving in Pregnancy

Ryan comes through my barn door ready to work, even if that means we start with a little “tenderizing” using the foam roller or trigger point ball. Over time, we’ve navigated many seasons together — from building strength to managing mobility — and now, most recently, using Pilates during pregnancy to support her changing body with intention and care.

Supporting Ryan during her pregnancy with modifications, yet still challenging her.

Ryan inspires me. She works full time, is raising two girls, and still prioritizes her health — which isn’t always easy to do! Her dedication to carving out time for herself, even during pregnancy, is a powerful reminder that investing in your own well-being benefits every other part of your life.

In the early months, we focused on arm and leg strength to keep her feeling powerful. As the months progressed, we shifted to mobility and low back release work, paying extra attention to breathwork and gently opening tight hip musculature. With hormones and ligaments becoming more lax during pregnancy, mobility work is done mindfully to ensure both safety and comfort.

Ryan is now in the home stretch (pun fully intended!), and Driffin and I can’t wait to welcome her back postpartum for a gentle, supported return to Pilates. She’s the perfect example of how Pilates can meet you exactly where you are — in every season of life.

Driffin is making sure Ryan is doing the "cat" correctly.

Ryan in Her Own Words

How often do you do Pilates?

At least once a week!

What do you love about Pilates?

Developing awareness of my body and gaining inner strength!

If you could only choose 1 piece of equipment, what would it be?

Reformer

What advice would you give to someone just starting Pilates?

Stick with it in all seasons! Pilates serves a different purpose in all of life’s seasons.

How has Pilates changed your life or made your life better?

Pilates has always served as a healthy coping mechanism to help me be present in other areas of life. It has helped me rehab, recover, develop strength, and mobility.

Why did you start Pilates?

I started 10 years ago to supplement my strength and recovery as a runner.

What do you feel is special about Anchor to Life?

Amanda’s studio caters to YOU! Amanda has created a safe place to meet you and your body in the present. We initially focused on building strength in a safe way as I recovered from nerve pain. She walked me through my third pregnancy with mobility and release work — and it’s been my first injury-free pregnancy. Not to mention, Amanda’s warmth and authenticity has done wonders on my mental health! Anchor to Life is a unique space to grow, heal, and empower your body from the inside out!

At our local neighborhood event.

Pilates can be woven in, no matter the phase of life.

“Pilates isn’t just for one chapter of your life — it’s the thread that can run through all of them, adapting, supporting, and strengthening you in every season.”

Be sure to check out my other clients featured in the blog!

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