27 Things You Never Knew About Me with Amy Havens

1. Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I'm originally from Colorado and I currently live in Santa Barbara.

2. When did you first start practicing Pilates?

I first started practicing Pilates while I was in college at Colorado State University in 1991. My first teacher was Gary Calderone of the Pilates Center of Ft. Collins.

3. What’s the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned through your practice?

The most valuable life lesson I've learned through my practice is the importance of being patient - good things come to those who wait. What's the rush? Enjoy the ride.

4. What’s the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned through your teaching?

The most valuable life lesson I've learned through my teaching is to honor the truth that everyone is in their own unique place with their bodies, their minds, their souls, their spirits, and their level of understanding themselves. I've learned compassion and I've learned to accept everyone where they are, at that moment - and then again and again at each new moment. We're always changing, nothing stays constant, and we have unlimited potential.

5. If you could be doing anything else besides Pilates, what would you be doing?

If I could be doing anything else besides Pilates, I'd be a backup singer in a band.

6. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

If I could be anywhere right now I'd be sitting on the top of a rock on a high mountain top, gazing at the amazing scope, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the warm sun on my face, and smiling at the wonder of the world around me.

7. What’s the most distant/exotic place Pilates has ever taken you?

The most exotic/distant place Pilates has taken me would be Seoul or Glasgow.

Amy teaching in Glasgow.

8. What would you say to your younger self in 10 words or less?

It's all going to be okay, go have more fun!!!

9. If you could do one Pilates move for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

If I could do one Pilates move for the rest of my life it would have to be Short Spine. I love the feeling of the full spinal stretch, the ability to roll and lift myself up to unload tension from my back, and that oh so delicious stretch on the way down.

10. Who is your favorite person to practice with?

My favorite person to practice with is anyone who wants to be spontaneous and play.

11. What’s your favorite Pilates quote?

"Rome wasn't build in a day."

12. Who would you dedicate your first book to and what would you say?

I would dedicate my first book to my mother because of her tenacity - a characteristic I believe I embody. She has always been there for me, believed in me, and is so incredibly strong willed. I'm truly her daughter.

13. Pilates with Music or No Music?

Pilates with music when I workout on my own, no music when I teach, unless it's Mozart very quietly playing in the background.

14. What’s on your Spotify or Pilates workout playlist?

On my workout playlist is: Madonna, Thievery Corporation, Groove Armada, Bonobo, Little Dragon, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Prince, David Bowie, Michael and Janet, Fleetwood Mac, Gotan Project, Queen, Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dog, Earth Wind and Fire, and Drake... to name a few.

15. If you could meet Joseph Pilates in person, what would you say?

If I could meet Joseph Pilates in person I would say "Thank You," ... and, "can I change a few things?"

16. When was the last time you attended a Pilates class or had a session?

The last time I attended a class or a session was today.

17. What advice do you have for a first time Pilates teacher?

Advice I'd give a first time teacher is to be patient and don't expect your students/clients to be able to do a Roll Up their first time. Enjoy the simplicity and don't teach too much too soon. Spend more time in the fundamentals and details and find ways to stay excited about them.

18. How do you define success?

I define success by my ability to confidently and honestly say I'm fulfilled by the endeavors that I'm involved in, without a doubt.

19. What do you fear most?

I fear dying alone.

20. If there were a movie about your life, what would it be entitled and who would play you?

If there were a move about my life it would be titled "Keep on Keeping On" and Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Aniston would play me.

21. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

One thing most people don't know about me is that I'm actually quite introverted and enjoy spending a lot of time alone.

22. If life gives you lemons, what do you do with them?

If life gives me lemons, I ask "WHY?"

23. Where or how do you like to spend most of your time?

I like to spend most of my time teaching and supporting others.

24. What’s your favorite journey?

My favorite journey is that of self-discovery and introspection. From there, all things are exciting. Oh, and a trip to a chocolatier!

25. Favorite book?

My favorite book, right now is, "How to Change Your Mind" by Michael Pollan.

26. Favorite movie?

My favorite movie is, "The Sound of Music."

27. What’s your hidden talent? Will you show us?

My hidden talent is doing detailed painting of ceramic Christmas ornaments.

Want more Amy? Take a class with her!