ELLY GRIMM

   • Leader & Times

Those looking for a great workout now have a new option with ReformHer Pilates in the Alpha Fitness building at 1010 S. Kansas Ave.

Owner Vanessa Keating said her journey to having her own studio was a bit winding.

“I'm originally from Washington, and I met my husband and moved to Liberal. I got my degrees from Washington State University in chemistry and integrated plate sciences,” Keating said. “When I moved to Liberal, I went into pharmacy and did that for a while. I later became a stay-at-home mom after I had my daughter, and I began my pilates journey about four months postpartum – I'd had an emergency C-section and it was a rough time getting my body back and getting back to the point where I could exercise and do everything normally again. I absolutely fell in love with pilates after I started, and I've always had a passion for helping others, which my background in healthcare is indicative of. I was a stay-at-home mom and occasionally going back to Washington to visit my parents and family, and they suggested 'You're really good at this, why not become an instructor?' and I started giving the idea some thought. I started getting mentored and started learning more about pilates, and then Yesenia [Fonseca] opened the Alpha Fitness gym and suggested 'Why don't you open up a pilates studio here?' Eventually, I decided to go for it because if not then, I never would.”

And the space ended up being perfect for her needs, Keating added.

“It was mid-January when I came and saw the space and I knew I could work with it. I knew I could get the equipment in and get the work done, start somewhat small and work my way up. Right now, I'm working on getting a specialized certification in pre- and postnatal pilates. I really want prenatal people because this is something I wish had been available when I was pregnant because it would have helped me a lot,” Keating said. “I'm excited to help everyone who comes in. If I could, I would give out free classes to anyone and everyone possible because I've always considered myself a giver, but I know that's not possible. I have done a few free sessions to show people what pilates is like and how the equipment works and all of that, and there have been some of those people who have discovered pilates is something they really enjoy. I personally don't like feeling like I'm working out, I prefer exercise to be something fun and more organic and natural, and pilates does that for me, and that's a feeling I want to pass on to others.”

Being in the same space as Alpha Fitness is also a major benefit, Keating said.

“I love being in the Alpha Fitness building and I love being able to rent this space, it's amazing,” Keating said. “I love how we're in the gym because it will allow my clients to do their pilates workout and then, if there's other exercise they're wanting to do, they can go just right downstairs and do it, which is great. I would say it's almost a one-stop shop when it comes to exercise.”

Keating added her classes are open to anyone and everyone.

“We will be offering one-on-one sessions, which are 30 to 60 minutes and completely tailored to the client's needs and what they want to work on, and I do also keep in mind any limitations and/or medical conditions so those sessions are as productive as possible and everyone remains safe,” Keating said. “There will also be group classes, and all classes will incorporate the whole body in some form. ReformHer does have pages on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok, and my phone number is also included on those pages if people want to give me a call and talk about the studio. My Web site is www.reformher.fit/, and people can look at schedules and everything else on there. I'm expecting to be done with my pre- and postnatal certification later this month, so I'll be able to offer those classes soon as well. I've actually already had multiple people ask me about pilates and I've showed them a few moves on the equipment so they can get an idea, and everyone who's come in for that has loved it, so they're signing up. My door's always open, so if anyone wants to come in and at least try it, they're more than welcome to do so. ReformHer Pilates is for everyone, and I would love to have people in all of my classes. It's such a great way to exercise and bond with everyone else, so come on in and see how you feel!”