Shannon Faith
Shannon Faith
Certified Pilates Reformer and Mat Instructor
Shannon is Certified Pilates Instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience. She has taught at several local studios including Pendleton Pilates and Prehab.
She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dramatic Performance at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. During that time, she studied movement with greats Shawn Womack and Cheryl Wallace at CCM. This became her first introduction to the significant role of movement in life.
Shannon began taking Pilates classes herself to build endurance for being on stage. After 7 years of being a Pilates student, she became intimately aware of the impact it had on her own body. During that time, she also developed great appreciation of the form and discipline Pilates provided.
Wanting to help others heal and strengthen their bodies, Shannon pursued her Pilates certification. She was fortunate to be exposed to a variety of local Pilates leaders including Heather Somer and Stacy Simms.
“There’s always something I can be striving for: feeling a deeper stretch, getting a better range of motion, trying a more advanced version of an exercise.”
Shannon also continues to perform and can be found on stage, television, and film.
Want to know more about Shannon? See her interview below.
BACKGROUND
How did you get into your field?
I was the Studio Manager for the Pendleton Pilates studios for 5 years. I was also a student of Pilates for 6 years before I took the leap and got certified to teach in 2009.
What is your training background?
I’m certified in Pilates Mat and Reformer classes. I completed my training through Pendleton Pilates.
How long have you been practicing/teaching?
I began taking Pilates classes in 2003. I earned my teaching certification in 2009.
What makes you love your field?
I love looking at someone’s body and figuring out how to help them correct an imbalance or further heal from an injury. It’s rewarding to watch a client finally “get it” and understand how to engage certain muscle groups or execute an exercise they couldn’t before.
INTERESTS/SPECIALITIES
What sets you apart?
I focus primarily on alignment and range of motion when I work with clients. I like to make sure we’re only doing reps as long as we can maintain the integrity of the exercise. I often tactile cue or make manual adjustments with my hands to help find the correct posture or to highlight the muscles we’ll be engaging.
What’s your mission?
I’d like to help people understand that Pilates is for everyone. You don’t have to be fit, thin, flexible, or a woman to start. Pilates can meet you wherever your level is today. You can always learn how to engage and strengthen your core muscles to support your back. The Reformer is adjustable to offer support when you first begin and can later be adjusted to add to the challenge of an exercise as you progress through your practice.
HOBBIES
What brings you joy?
Connecting with people and seeing them succeed. Getting a change to perform on stage or on screen. My crazy little cat, Raven. A really good meal. I love to cook and love to eat.
What do you do with your spare time?
I have a BFA in acting. I love performing anytime I get the chance. I’m an avid knitter and part of a local fiber arts collective. I’m also a foodie and like trying new restaurants and recipes.