This month we chatted to the lovely Mary Kate O’Sullivan, a Pilates instructor with over 10 years industry experience and a background in dance.
We’re big fans of Mary Kate’s classes. She instructed the fun and sweaty Mat Class at our recent Website Relaunch event - and you bet we all felt the burn!
Now let's get in to the Q&A.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me starts at 4:30am. I get up, get ready and drive up the freeway for a 6am class start. I like to get to work early so I can plan my classes and drink a hot chai tea latte. After a nice couple of hours of teaching I head home to walk my dog around the cliffs in Ocean Beach, then we meet up to get lunch with my hubby. I’ll try to get in some spin at home and then settle in for a nice meal before bed.
What made you start pilates?
Pilates has been a part of my life since I was 10 years old. I was a ballet dancer for most of my life, and pilates has always been the steady companion for ballet. In college a few of my colleagues were getting injuries (labral tears) and it prompted me to finally start teaching pilates. I wanted to work in a field to help dancers more, and be part of the next generation of pilates and ballet to keep dancers injury free and healthy. Little did I know I would love it even more and expand my reach to more than just dancers, but for everyone who wants to move pain free!
Favorite Loops product and why?
The Squishy Ball. It’s the most versatile product and prop out there. You want support? You got it. You want some shaky muscles? You got it!
What inspires your classes?
I’m still extremely inspired by my dance background. I love to choreograph pilates in a way that is much like a dance piece. One movement leading to another, how dynamic it can be. There are so many ways to move that can bring so much joy, and not like a workout!
How do you recharge?
My favorite way to recharge is… NAPS! Take me to a place where I can relax and settle in to a nice afternoon snooze and I’m sold. Aside from that I enjoy going to baseball games, going to new restaurants, and karaoke on convoy!
What have you been reading, watching and loving recently?
Right now I’m in love with my Korean skincare routine. My skin has never been better since going down a rabbit hole of these amazing products. They are truly at the center of skincare and are far ahead in the future. If I have to recommend one product it's the SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Ampoule - it’s absolute magic!
