One Pilates is a small boutique Pilates studio locally owned and operated by Chris Knight.
Tell us a little about your business. – I operate my own studio, where I teach no more than three reformer students at a time to ensure that each participant feels like they are getting a private class for a group price. I am also the only MELT Method instructor in the state of Nebraska. I have advanced training in this method which I incorporate into all of my Pilates classes. The MELT Method is not a weight loss program. It is working with the body’s fascial system to draw fluid back into that system and have it working in its best capacity to then help your body work more efficiently and with less pain. It helps you get more out of your workout.
How did you get started in the business? – I found Pilates around 1997, and it was an exercise program that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. I had been a stay-at-home mom and decided that when my kids didn’t need me as much I needed to find something that was going to make me happy and challenge me. I started my training with STOTT PILATES in 2009 and passed my certification exams, written, and practical exams that same year. I also started teaching at one of the local health clubs at that time. Not being able to teach and have the equipment I wanted to use, I decided to open a home studio. The rest as they say is history.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – By far the biggest challenge has been bringing the MELT Method to Omaha. People don’t understand the method and are reluctant to try it. It’s been a life changer for me; I no longer live in a body that is filled with pain. I’ve used it to help with SI joint issues and avoid steroid injections, eliminate hip pain, and most recently, the method helped me ease the pain from a plantar plate tear in my left foot.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Working so very hard to pass my STOTT PILATES exam. After having been out of the school mode for so many years, studying anatomy and learning the STOTT PILATES methodology was really out of my wheelhouse! Getting to work with the awesome clients I have and seeing them achieve their goals and go beyond them is so very gratifying to me as well.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a fantastic husband who has been by my side since we were 15 years old! We have two great sons who are currently attending college along with two dogs and three cats, so life is a bit crazy at our house!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Turning 40 was a big thing for me. It was a big time of reflection and I started to feel comfortable in my own skin, which brought on a passion in me to share that with others.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – We donate to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and March of Dimes.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached at onepilates@cox.net, www.onepilates.net, www.meltmethodomaha.com, or (402) 871-8772. I can also be found on the MELT Method’s website at meltmethod.com under “find MELT” and on the STOTT PILATES instructor finder.