A Fond Farewell for our Pilates Instructor, Kristi Cleary
By Gabbie Pepin & Allie Brawley
It is with grace and gratitude that Northern Life Yoga wishes the best for Pilates instructor, Kristi Cleary, as she leaves to focus on her job at War Memorial Hospital as a receptionist in pediatrics and to spend more time with her granddaughter. All of her commitments, although highly rewarding, have been highly demanding as well, and something had to come off her plate. Kristi loved her time with Northern Life Yoga, but recognizes the need to reprioritize and conserve her energy to put it toward the channels that require it the most. September would have marked Kristi’s two-year anniversary teaching Pilates with Northern Life Yoga, and although she has been teaching group fitness classes for years in our community, Pilates has been her favorite class to teach, and the class she’s taught the longest!
“Kristi’s dynamic energy and enthusiasm for fitness will be greatly missed,” said NLY founder, Allie Brawley. “I certainly understand her priorities and welcome her to continue to be part of our community even if it’s in a different role as a student or workshop instructor.”
Allie credits Kristi for giving Northern Life Yoga its start in 2010 since she rented space from Kristi’s fitness studio on Portage Avenue. When Kristi closed her fitness studio in 2011, it was dedicated Pilates and yoga practitioner, Sharon Kennedy, who suggested the building on Court Street as a new location for Northern Life Yoga.
“Two years ago, when Kristi and I saw each other at a Women in Business lunch, I asked if she wanted to teach Pilates, and it was like everything came full circle,” Allie said. “We’ve worked together on fitness fundraisers over the years, so it was such a treat to see Kristi weekly.”
When asked what the best part of teaching with Northern Life has been, Kristi spoke of the members, instructors, and the studio as the three integral parts of her experience. She described the ambiance of the studio as a “warm, welcoming environment…a great place to teach Pilates.” Kristi also shared some parting words for both her students and fellow instructors:
“To my students: I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication over the past two years. I will truly miss each and every one of you. I feel so grateful for the opportunity to teach such a great group of people. Pilates is my passion, and I fully believe in all of its benefits. I hope you continue with the Pilates I have taught you. Remember the ABC'S: alignment, breath, core stability and strength. Thank you again!
To my fellow instructors: it has been a privilege to work with such a talented group of women. I have learned so much from each of you and love how you have your own styles and such passion for your specialties. The passion each of you has for your practice and how you engage with your students is so inspiring. You will see me in some of your classes. Thank you again: it was awesome to be a part of the NLY FAMILY!!!”
Kristi requested that a special thank you go out to Allie as well, to express her profound gratitude for this opportunity to share Pilates with the Northern Life community, and for all of the memories made over the years.
Kristi has been a wonderful part of our NLY team, spreading peace, love, joy, and wellness throughout our community and to our members. Although she will be greatly missed, Kristi will still be considered part of the NLY family, and we hope to see her in our classes. She hopes to return in the future to offer workshops in Pilates as time permits. Please join us in wishing Kristi all the best by leaving a comment below.
Namaste, Kristi!