Allison Zang
Absolute Pilates
Check out Allison's:
I started teaching very young, I grew up in family educators and I vowed at a young age I would never do that. Never say never.
I love what I do, and I am so thankful for my clients and instructors. I have taught everyone over the last 15 plus years the young the old, rock star athlete, prima ballerina, injured, chronically ill, the beginner and expert. I took a step back and realized it is all fun for me but what draws me in are those who feel they can’t. (the secret is out you can!)
I not only teach clients in my studio in Mechanicsburg, but I also help the instructors in all four studios with any clients that need some special TLC. Additionally I run our pilates teacher training program. I am the co-owner of the The Studio by AP and co-teach the barre teacher training program. These programs are producing quality instructors in good old central PA.
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months?
An ember mug that keeps my coffee a perfect 135 degrees. Never need to reheat or drink cold coffee. It makes my business owner and mom heart smile
How do you want your chosen field of exercise to change in the future?
I want them to support each other and stop dividing over things.
How do you want your chosen field of exercise to change in the future?
I want them to support each other and stop dividing over things.
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
That everything is figuroutable! Thank you Marie Forelo.
What’s more important: the teacher or the mindset?
The midset! You need to be in your body and ready to go. The teacher needs to meet your mindset
What is your proudest moment/accomplishment in pilates or yoga?
Opening four studios and having them run smoothly with a great team of teachers. People come for the studio experience not to see me. That makes so happy that we have a brand and team people are looking for.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favourite failure” of yours?
That I allowed toxic people to work for me it was easier to keep them figure out how to replace them. They did not belive in my business or brand (for that matter what I stood for). They ended up leaving to start other studios and taking teachers and clients. I should have know and let them go sooner. I learned to hire slowly and fire fast.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Hiring a business coach and changing as my business needs changed and grew! Something for every season of life!
Do you think there is any trait that all exercise practitioners share?
Altruistic the selfless concern for the well-being of others.
What is the most significant thing that someone much younger than yourself has taught you?
My baby daughter taught me to slow down and breath.
Do you like classical or contemporary pilates/yoga more? Why?
Both please!Classical pilates for the order! Contemporary for the chance to challenge what my body can give me. It takes me back to my gymnist days.
What advice would you give to people wanting to start pilates or yoga?
Never to late to start. Find a teacher that speaks to what you need at the moment in time.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Small Business Accountant. I love numbers and what they tell you and how you see growth and change black and white.
Tell us about someone you admire and why you admire them?
Sheryl Sandberg she has values and sticks to them she supports other mom that work and sets an example for that. She does it all without shaming others.
What is a 'hack' you have for success that most people don't know about?
You have sometimes say yes to lots of things that make you uncomfortable. You need not push forward and be on the edge of comfort.
What is the most surprising thing you've seen in your industry?
Pilates Police and people knocking each other down for no reason. They are just out there telling people they are wrong without finding out what is behind any thing.
How would you describe pilates/yoga in 1 word?
Moving
What's your favourite colour?
Purple
What are you NOT Very Good at?
Relaxing....I just can not stop. I wanted to finish all my work and get ahead. I am a Type A over achiever to a T. I want to be the best!
What's your star sign?
Scorpio
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
What my daughter and husband call breakfast gruel. Greek yogurt, Rolled Oats, Pinneapple and Blueberries.
Most satisfying experience practicing yoga/pilates?
Having the chance to see clients gain confidence, feel healthy, move better when they thought it was never possible. This is my favorite thing that happens in the studio. These clients are the ones that I try to find and work with so this happens often in my studio!
Most embarrassing experience practicing yoga/pilates?
Getting caught not paying attention to what clients are saying becuase you are lost in your own thoughts.
What are your biggest pet peeves about the culture/community of your chosen practice?
That people act like the Pilates.
What is your favourite thing about the culture and community of your chosen practice?
That you can find the teachers and community that will lift you up. Just leave behind those that knock you down and will not support you.
Do you tend to use a lot of different equipment when you practice? Why/Why not?
Minimal props I like to just move on the reformer and see what my body is bringing that day.
Comments