Meet Kristi Evans | Certified Pilates Instructor and Master Trainer

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

Hi Kristi, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I think I could say that the principles of Pilates have helped me succeed running a Private Pilates studio. When running the studio, I feel my AWARENESS needs to be spread to every element of the business: scheduling, marketing, class design, workshops, events… In a private studio, every part has an ALiGNMENT and balance in relationship to each other. My CONCENTRATION and PRECISION are required to pay attention to detail as I stay aware of the whole. FLOW and FLEXIBILITY are needed to step into the fluidity of events and are key to embracing change when it comes. And then of course, there is surely the focus to CENTER , to moving the studio from the core of it’s practice: “to promote health through movement while inspiring people to reach their own potential”. Running the studio is as exciting, challenging and fun as a good Pilates workout.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2011, I “retired” from a highly stressful position at a nonprofit legal agency due to a shoulder injury. My physical therapist recommended Pilates to help me through the rehabilitation process. Fortuitously, I found my new “home away from home” and passion only a few blocks from my real home. Encouraged by my progress, I developed a deep appreciation for the health and strength benefits afforded by Pilates. I wanted to share Pilates with others, so I became a PMA certified Pilates instructor 10 years ago. And, because I enjoy “yelling”, I mean motivating others, I received my Spin, Barre, and TRX certifications. I have always been keen on health and fitness: tennis, gymnastics, the requisite Cheerleader from Texas… My advanced degrees are all in Public Health I even owned a Nautilus Fitness Center before moving to Mexico City as an AIDS (SIDA) specialist and later Puerto Vallarta where I was able to teach and motivate as an English professor. After sailing around the Pacific for 4 years (even returning with all 3 daughters who “loved” having their mother for a teacher), we landed in San Diego and have never left. Yes, I enjoy a healthy wanderlust for excitement which lends itself so well with my Pilates instruction. I find it exciting to help both women and men, new to exercise or just new to Pilates, discover the joy of learning to use, control, and appreciate their bodies and minds. During the “Time of Covid”, I was able to open my boutique studio for Private Pilates Sessions. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons ? I am bi-lingual, LGBTQ, Aging, Pre-Post Partum, Athlete, Physical Therapy…friendly. And, as my clients will attest, FUN! You’ll leave my studio feeling better than when you arrived.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Places to visit would include: Coronado – Taking bikes on the ferry is the best way to explore Coronado. Lunch on the patio or the beach at the Hotel Dell.
Driving along the coast to La Jolla Shores for some Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) followed by drinks at the Torrey Pines Lodge.
Liberty Station – SUP on the bay followed by lunch at the Liberty Market.
Balboa Park – museums, drinks at the Mingei Museum. Dinner and live music at Panama 66.
Embarcadero – walking or biking along the waterfront. Dinner (oysters and octopus) at Topsail Restaurant.
Dinners at: The Hive Sushi Lounge (ask for Ryan!)
Brunch at: Trust.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my Shoutout to my eldest daughter Kourtney! It was she who first encouraged me to become a Pilates Instructor along with herself. And, it was Kourtney, who later encouraged me to open my own Private Studio. She is now my marketing director and Planking partner for life.

Instagram: Kristi_Pilates_Studio

Facebook: Kristi_Pilates Studio

Image Credits
The Pulse SD