Dorothy is a late bloomer in group fitness. In her 30s, she started taking Pilates classes, which she fell in love with, but then her career in diplomacy got in the way. Fast forward a few years later after too many long days and nights at work with too much stress and without the best eating and exercise patterns… well, suffice it to say that one day in her 40’s she woke up and realized she needed to change her life and prioritize fitness. So, she went back to what she knew she loved: Pilates. She lost over 40 pounds and has kept it off for over 10 years. During a foreign posting in Jerusalem the Inspire Pilates and Yoga studio where she was a regular offered teacher training and she jumped at the chance. Having gotten certified as a mat Pilates instructor, she started teaching classes on her lunch hour twice a week for her co-workers. She found her next fitness love at yet another foreign posting – this time in Cairo, where she discovered at the B-urn studio the Megaformer and the Lagree method. She’s is now Level 1 certified Lagree instructor, as well. Now in her 50’s and living in Beirut on yet another diplomatic posting, her colleagues asked her to teach online Pilates classes during the pandemic. She has done this once a week on Zoom for the duration of her three-year assignment, attracting students not only from Beirut’s diplomatic community but also from Cairo and the United States. Once the pandemic situation allowed, she added in-person classes, as well. The facility where she teaches Pilates has a ballet barre, which is what led her to become interested in getting certified with BarreIntensity. Now fully certified, her students have gotten hooked on the intensity, barre work, and cardio bursts that characterize the BarreIntensity method.
Dorothy believes strongly in making group fitness accessible to people of all ages, shapes, and fitness levels. Pilates was there for her when she needed to change course. So, she pays it forward bringing enthusiasm and encouragement to all who join her classes, and modifications for those who need them.