Meet Gregory Louis!

Get to know one of our instructors, Gregory Louis! 

A native of Buffalo, NY, Gregory is a classically-trained Pilates instructor who first came to the practice after years of organized sports left him with multiple injuries and the need for a major shift in his relationship to physical activity. Pilates taught him to take control of his body and thereby heal himself through a new understanding of movement. Recognizing such a discovery was too powerful to keep to himself, he decided to share what he had found with others and became certified to teach. After more than twelve years in Los Angeles, he recently moved back to the East Coast and currently lives in Sag Harbor, NY. Beyond his work in movement, Gregory dedicates his time to writing.

Watch some of Gregory's videos on our YouTube channel.

In this post he talks about his philosophy on health, Pilates, and reveals some fun tidbits about his personal style. 

Q: What is your favorite Pilates move (mat or machine)? 

The Control Balance from Joe's original matwork is definitely one of my favorites--and there's a great variation of it that can be done with the Pilates Wheel.

Q: Why is health/fitness important to You?

As Joe Pilates said it himself, "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness."  If I don't feel well physically, chances are I'm not going feel well mentally or emotionally either.  It's all connected, and it starts with feeling good about the body I live in.

Q: What is your health/fitness philosophy?

No matter how much I learn about the human body, the only thing I can say for certain about it is that's it's designed to move.  Movement is at the foundation of living.  To move well is to be more fully alive.  And to be alive...well, isn't that what it's all about?

Q: What is your favorite meal?

Could a jar of peanut butter be considered a meal?

(btw--just peanuts and salt.  None of that sugary nonsense)

Q: Describe your perfect day?

First, I wake up with the rising sun--no alarm clock prodding me.  I spend the early morning rolling around on the floor--mobilizing, stretching, connecting with my body.  The rest of the morning is spent in solitude with a notebook and pen, chatting with the creative gods, seeing what comes up.  By noontime I'm ready for other humans.  I take lunch with a good friend or two, at an airy cafe on a lively street corner.  We take our time--enjoying the flavors, swapping stories, taking in the passersby.  All good lunches call for an equally delicious nap afterwards, and I take mine back home, on a chaise out in the backyard.  Not too long.  I'm back up again and ready for a brisk afternoon swim.  Refreshed and focused, I head to my desk, open the laptop and push ahead with the latest writing project.  When it's time, I clean up, dress up and head out to meet a special someone for a night at the theatre.  I'm especially excited for this one--a revival of one of my favorite plays.  Afterward we go out dancing--to move, to feel, to celebrate being alive.  When I've had my fill I say my goodbyes and head home.  Teeth brushed, spirit filled, I climb under the covers with my latest book.  Maybe I get a chapter in, then the book goes down and so do I.  Lights out,  I take a moment in the stillness to acknowledge myself, my loved ones and all the things for which I am grateful.  Knowing I've done my best, I breathe deeply as I drift off into my dreams.

Q: Name two songs are in your workout rotation right now?

"Adventure" by Izzumuzzic and Beverley Knight's "Middle of Love"

Q: Name one book you think everyone should have to read?

On the Shortness of Life by Seneca the Younger

Q: Name three people you would like to do a workout with, living or dead?

Joe Pilates (obviously), Richard Simmons (because it couldn't not be fun) & Michelle Obama (because she's Michelle Obama)

Q: If this wasn’t your occupation what would it be?

I think I'd want to be a jazz pianist.

Q: What is your scariest moment?

That time the rocks gave out beneath me and I went sliding down the face of a mountain in Hawaii!

Q: What is your happiest moment?

When my sister had her first child and I got to hold my baby niece for the first time. There really is magic in a moment like that.

Q: What is the best thing about what you do?

This practice helped me turn my life around, and I love that I get to share that power with others.

Q: If you could give $100,000 to one single charitable organization right now, what would it be and why?

This is the most difficult question to answer! Since I have to choose, I'm giving my 100K to the Southern Poverty Law Center.  We must work to overcome the forces of hate and fear in our country, and that is what SPLC does.  I've personally donated to this organization in the past, and they need our our support now more than ever.

If you'd like to join Gregory's classes and experience a path to wellness through Pilates, consider the Pilates Wheel as your tool of choice. 

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