Howard Pilates

After earning a college degree in literature, I started my career as a professional dancer, traveling around the world performing. While I enjoyed performing and dedicated my life to it for 20 years, I became more and more interested in the biomechanics of movement. Like many dancers, I had been using Pilates to keep my body strong, healthy and injury-free, so shifting my energy to teaching Pilates was a natural progression for me.

I obtained my certification through both STOTT Pilates and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Then, I spent years teaching Pilates and other aspects of fitness (such as strength and flexibility training, cycling and cardio) at premier health clubs in New York City and to those in need. Now, I am dedicated to teaching Pilates and have a sunny studio on a lovely historic street in NYC in the West Village, and also teach classes at Chelsea Piers, one of the best health clubs in the country.

My philosophy is simple--to be precise and disciplined about exactly how to move from your core, but to accommodate the unique aspects of each person's body. I truly believe that Pilates can change the way you move and even how you feel. Besides the obvious benefits of a stronger and more flexible body, I've seen the impact of Pilates on people's lives. It has the power to change the way you relate to your body, which infiltrates the way you do everything else, even something as simple as walking. But this is only one aspect of Pilates, which is really a journey with endless benefits--which is why I am inspired to write this blog.

Check out my website to learn more: www.schissler-pilates.com


A funny dance story:

In "Damn Yankees" I played one of the baseball players. In the scene before, "You Got To Have Heart," a smoke bomb would go off--usually with no difficulty--and then my number would begin. Well one night, we went out to do our number and the smoke was lasting much longer than usual. In fact it was increasing in volume as our scene went along. Trying to be professional, to keep the show going, (you know "the show must go on!"), we forged ahead and ignored the smoke. We didn't know what else to do. Eventually, we got to my solo line, which was when I jumped up on a bench and screamed: "What do we got?" And someone in the audience yelled back "FIRE!" Everyone in the audience started screaming and running out of the theatre, we eventually had to stop the show and put out the fire.

Fun facts

> I love old movies, theater and going to art museums.

> I love home-decorating shows but inevitably when they're over, I always
think the place looked better before the renovation.

> I love dry cake; you can keep that gooey sweet icing.

> I believe you should try and make one mistake a day.