Ashleigh Whittington
I COMBINE MOVEMENT, KINESTHETIC AWARENESS, HUMOR, AND THE SUBTLE POETRY OF THE BREATH TO ENCOURAGE AN EXPERIENCE THAT IS EMPOWERING, INTROSPECTIVE, ENERGETIC, TRANSFORMATIVE AND FUN!
My clients range in age from 30-92 and many come to see me in order to manage pain or recover from a specific injury. I have had clients with scoliosis, neuropathy, arthritis, herniated discs, bursitis, and other chronic pain and issues that are interfering with their optimal quality of life. I also have clients who are looking to build strength, train for athletic performance, lose weight, or to just move and feel good, and I love working with all of them!
MY “WHY”
things i like to do
I will always consider myself a dancer, first and foremost, so exploring that through barre classes, pole fitness, and just dancing socially with friends are some of my favorite activities. I didn’t grow up or spend much time in nature before moving here, but now that I am surrounded by such amazing outdoor opportunities, I have enjoyed hiking, stand up paddle boarding, and am currently learning how to rock climb. I also enjoy wandering through farmers markets, baking, doing crossword puzzles, reading, listening to podcasts, and playing with all of my friends’ dogs (one day I’d love one of my own!).
EXPERIENCE
Originally from Longwood, FL, I grew up dancing, performing, and indulging myself in anything creative. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from George Mason University and earned the Excellence in Performance Award upon graduation. I then moved to New York City to pursue a professional dance career and while there had the pleasure of working with a number of remarkable artists for almost 7 years. My mat and apparatus certification was completed with Bent Pilates, Inc., studying the method of the Kane School of Core Integration, in 2010 and immediately began teaching throughout New York City.
I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2012 and am a practicing AADP Certified Holistic Health Coach. After experiencing and seeing the vast potential for the ways Pilates and yoga can enhance one other, I obtained my 500-hour Yoga certification from ISHTA Yoga in 2014 and became certified in pre/post-natal mat Pilates in 2014. In addition to teaching hatha yoga, I lead a Trauma-Sensitive yoga practice for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Transylvania County. I am currently obtaining my Masters of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition through the Maryland University of Integrative Health. In 2018 I became an ACE-certified personal trainer.
“Ashleigh has been training me in Pilates for about a year now, pre and post knee replacement. What can I say… she is awesome! She has a skilled eye and is able to pick up on my strengths and weaknesses and guides me with new and challenging exercises each week. Thank you Ashleigh for listening to me and helping me this past year. I love learning something new each week with my training. Try a class with Ashleigh…you will not be sorry!
“Ashleigh is an excellent innovative palates trainer. She is always mindful of my body’s issues but gives me a good work out. I really enjoy my sessions with her.”
“Pilates is the perfect complement to my functional strength and cardio workouts at Training Partners, and Ashleigh brings a fresh vision and energy to our sessions which has boosted my motivation. She continually challenges me with new and innovative techniques, and her keen observational skills ensure that I am performing the exercises in the safest and most effective manner. Ashleigh’s clever wit and kind demeanor make our sessions fun and lively, and I always leave feeling taller, stronger in my core, and more aligned. Pilates with Ashleigh is an integral part of my fitness plan!”