Recognized for her unique ability to incorporate traditional Pilates with fitness, demonstrate and instruct in an unintimidating manner, and motivate others, June Kahn, Westminster LifeStudio Coordinator at Life Time Fitness, is an inspiration to both her students and peers.
Throughout her career, June has developed a variety of programs including “The New Fluid Workout”, one of the first classes to incorporate yoga with Pilates in a standing movement format and “Elegant Strength,” which melds Pilates and yoga with traditional strength training. In addition, June created the St. Louis Workout for Hope, a program that produced more than $125,000 in fundraising dollars over eight years for the City of Hope™ hospital.
Recently awarded the 2009 Instructor of the Year award from IDEA World Fitness, I had a chance to ask June a few questions and learn more about her. Read on for our Q&A session…
Q: How long have you been at Life Time Fitness? In which roles have you been in and for how long?
A: Opening Westminster back in November of ’08 was my first introduction to working for Lifetime as an employee. Heading up the LifeStudio was exciting for me as it gave me the opportunity to create and direct Pilates and Yoga programming in a beautiful atmosphere that is very often missing in traditional health clubs. However, that was not my first introduction to Lifetime. Back in the 90’s, as the company was growing, I [was] invited to teach Group Ex workshops to the staff and community in Minnesota…Who knew that down the road Life Time would grow to the capacity that it is now and that I would become a full-time employee? I was impressed with the company and its vision then and still am.
Q: When/how did you first learn about Pilates?
A: In my teenage years. My background was dance. I was born and raised in New York and my dance training included participation in Pilates Classes. At the time, I don’t know if I realized the importance of it [due] to my youth, but was reintroduced to it in the mid-1990’s while working for Reebok International as a Global Master Trainer. The team was introduced to a great program called “Reebok Flexible Strength”. I felt as if I was “coming home’. Hence, I made the decision to get “reacquainted” with Pilates and went forward to pursue my formal training to get certified.
Q: How long have you been practicing Pilates? How long have you been an instructor?
A: Practiced during my dance years, so for a very long time. I got certified in the mid [to] latter 1990’s and have been teaching ever since. In addition to teaching Pilates in all aspects of the discipline, I have also spent time learning Rehab Training with Physical Therapists and ongoing training organizations.
Q: How has Pilates changed your life? And how about the lives of others you know?
A: It has absolutely changed my life. Pilates movements are about enhancing self-awareness and allowing one to become more self-assured, poised, functionally strong and flexible. Most important is the mind/body connection that allows one to really learn to like oneself. The 8 principles of Pilates: Breath, Concentration, Control, Purpose, Alignment, Centering, Precision, and Flow are principles that one can take to their daily life. The “fluidity of movement” rehearsed in the exercise experience results and transforms into Fluidity in Life. My life has been greatly enhanced by watching and inspiring others [to] learn more about themselves, [and] guiding, watching, and sharing their success.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of your Pilates practice and instructing?
A: I have a passion for the outdoors and mountains, hence, why I live in Colorado. I love to ski, run, hike and cook healthy food.
Q: Do you have a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
A: Growing up I wanted to be a “dancing nurse”….. and in college I actually failed my Freshman communications course as I was petrified to stand up in front of a group of people and lecture.
Interesting how my career has developed and that now I can stand up and lecture and facilitate information to sometimes hundreds of people at a time….I love inspiring and empowering people whether it is through speaking or through movement. It empowers me at the same time. How lucky I am to have this opportunity!
Q: Do you have any personal mottos or quotes that you use in your work or in life in general? If so, what’s the reason behind it?
A: I live by: “Thoughts become things...make them good ones” as I truly believe that everyone has the power within them to be and do what they want to do. They have to think it, believe it, speak it, and it will happen. My reason? Because it has helped me get through the tough challenges in my life and made me realize that everything happens for a reason and instead of letting things get to me, I look at the challenges as the positive lessons in life that I can learn from. When you THINK and speak positive thoughts that you truly believe in, then you have the power to make them truly happen.
CONGRATULATIONS, JUNE, ON YOUR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT!
