BIG Goals: My Journey to Becoming a Certified Pilates Instructor
January has been a whirlwind, and I can’t believe I’ve already checked off one of my biggest goals for the year. I’m officially a certified Pilates instructor!
Let me take you through this amazing, intense, and incredibly fulfilling journey. It all started on January 10th, when I headed to Miami for six full days of intensive education and training with the phenomenal teams at BreakFree Movement and Jungle Johanna's training program. Over the course of two weekends, I pushed my body and mind beyond what I thought was possible, traveling back and forth from Tampa to Miami, and meeting so many amazing women who were on the same path.
For six days spread across two weekends, I pushed my body to its limits, tackling hours of physical training, new movements, and techniques that I was determined to master.
What made this journey even more challenging was the fact that I’ve been dealing with wrist injuries for quite some time. Carpal tunnel is no joke, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep up with the rigorous demands of the course. From the moment I arrived in Miami, I knew this wouldn’t be just any ordinary training. It was an opportunity for growth, perseverance, and a whole lot of sweat!
Week One: Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
From the start, the energy was magnetic. The studio buzzed with enthusiasm as women from all walks of life gathered for this shared purpose. Meeting these amazing women—each with their own stories and motivations—was a powerful reminder of the supportive community that fitness can create. We were all in it together, facing the same challenges and celebrating every little victory.
Physically, however, things weren’t easy. My wrists screamed at me more often than not, and there were moments I thought I’d have to tap out. Pilates requires strength, control, and precision—qualities that feel twice as hard to maintain when your wrists are acting up. But every time doubt crept in, I remembered why I started. I wanted to prove to myself that I could push through adversity and come out stronger on the other side.
One of my favorite moments from this week was captured in this Instagram reel. You can see the intense concentration on my face as I worked through exercises that pushed my body in new directions. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and determination—even when things get tough.
Week Two: The Final Push
Test out day
After a brief break to catch my breath and let my body recover, I headed back to Miami for the second weekend of training. This was it—the final stretch. I was mentally prepared to give it my all, but there were still a few nagging doubts. Would my wrists hold up? Would I be able to complete the exercises with the same energy as everyone else?
Each trainee had to pass a written and physical exam. The first, for a nerd like me, was really easy. I had been studying flashcards on anatomy, movements, and the history of Pilates for three weeks and passed the written portion with flying colors. But as I started trying to plan my test-out routine, I became anxious for a number of reasons. Mostly because I knew my wrists wouldn’t let me perform at 100% and I didn’t want to fail. I worked and reworked my 20-minute test out routine from 6 AM - 6 PM that last day of the training until I was able to create an entire routine that kept me from putting weight on my risk during the test. About an hour before my test-out where I had to teach fellow classmates my 20-minute routine with proper form, cues and vibes, one of the girls in my class named Kalle really helped me to feel even more prepared by running through my routine with me to make sure I was test ready.
I was no longer thinking about my wrist pain—I was focused on every stretch, every breath, and every inch of progress I made on the mat. After what felt like an eternity, it was my turn to test out.
I had a dope playlist, a classic and fun routine, and support from 20 women who have all became new friends. The energy in the studio was contagious, and it helped me keep going, even when my body was screaming at me to stop.
After my test out, we got immediate feedback about our routine from our instructor Jungle Johanna. And a few hours later, I was informed that I PASSED my Pilates training and earned my certification.
My Pilates instructor certification
Graduating on January 21 felt so significant. It was more than just earning a certificate; it was proof that I could overcome the obstacles life throws my way. This journey was as much about mental resilience as it was about physical strength. I proved to myself that I am stronger than my challenges—stronger than the carpal tunnel, stronger than the doubts.
The entire experience has left me feeling fulfilled, proud, and deeply excited about the road ahead. There's something incredibly empowering about smashing a goal you’ve set for yourself—especially this early in the year. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset, even the hardest tasks are achievable.
Reflection: A Goal Accomplished, and What’s Next
Starting 2025 with this accomplishment under my belt feels amazing. It’s proof that you don’t have to wait for the "perfect" time to tackle your goals. Sometimes, the path might be rocky, and you might question whether you’re capable—but the journey is worth every step.
I’ve been back home for a couple of weeks now, and I can already feel the impact this training has had on me—not just physically, but mentally. It’s the kind of empowerment that comes from setting a goal, sticking to it, and smashing through every obstacle in your way.
My Pilates certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a symbol of resilience, growth, and community. It’s a testament to the power of pushing past limitations and showing up for yourself, no matter what challenges arise.
For anyone out there contemplating a new journey or a big goal—just take the leap. You’re stronger than you think, and the reward of accomplishing something meaningful is absolutely worth the effort.
As a wellness advocate and social justice journalist, I’ve spent my career fighting for spaces where Black and Brown communities can thrive. Becoming a Pilates instructor is an extension of that work—because movement is resistance, healing is radical, and representation in wellness is essential. I’m grateful I stayed patient and found a training that aligns with that exactly.
Earning my certification wasn’t just about fitness; it’s about reclaiming my innate RIGHT to rest, to move, to be whole, to dream, and to curate joy.
I’m here to create that space for us—on the mat, in nature, and in life.
Let’s keep moving forward and crushing our goals, one at a time!
