We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Annie, is there something you believe many others might not?
There’s two common sayings that honestly don’t jive with me. One is “never go to bed angry.” While this advice is geared more towards relationships, I think it’s the same with anything. Whether it’s an argument with a partner, a stressy work email, or a distressingly long to-do list, it’s pretty much always better to sleep on it and come back fresh in the morning with a cool head. That way you don’t say or do things you’ll regret or just have to do over again anyway. The other is “time flies” or “it goes by so fast” when talking about having babies & young children. Yes, they’re always changing, and it’s good to keep perspective that the hard times won’t last forever, but the more present you are in the moment, the better. When you are present and paying attention, things don’t pass you by in the same way because you appreciate them as they are happening. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always loved to move, and dance has been my focus for most of my life. I always felt I was learning more from my body, rather than teaching my body with my mind – sort of a bottom-up approach instead of top-down – and I think it’s this curiosity that keeps my teaching fresh and compelling. I’m continually learning and growing, so I’m constantly infusing the Pilates, barre and dance sessions I teach with new information which keeps things interesting. Exploring movement and fitness modalities with others, discovering their movement potential, unlocking their goals, seeing them literally feel better before my eyes, is endlessly exciting to me. I teach Pilates and barre, but what we’re really doing in the studio is so much more than exercise. It’s working towards continual growth, self-knowledge, and deep health. The work of centering the body is centering for the mind as well, and I’m constantly inspired by my community of creative, kind and curious movers who empower each other because we feel empowered through movement. Movement heals!

 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best espresso in the city can be found at Zibetto, which goes well with a long walk through Central Park (hardly a deep cut, but my favorite place in the city anyway). Head back downtown to Lil’ Frankie’s for the spaghetti limone and too much wine. I love to walk over the Williamsburg Bridge or take the ferry into the city and wander around the shops, always stopping into Generation Records in the West Village. Also so fun to rent bikes and cruise up the bike trail along the West Side Highway – you can ride all the way to Harlem. Then it’s time for margaritas and queso at the Cowgirl and watching the sunset over the Hudson.

 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to all my dance teachers and mentors, specifically Danica Kalemdaroglu of Pilates804, who continues to show me the way forward, as well as Chelsea Dornan and Michael Losardo of Chalk Gyms, my favorite studio in the city. Shoutout also to Kimmy Smith of East River Pilates, my incredible Pilates teacher Yuka Tomita, my cousins/design team Sarah & Emily, and of course my handsome husband Damian Rodriguez, who supports my dreams in every way – and moves all my Pilates equipment!

 

Website: www.annierodriguez.com

Instagram: @annierodriguezpilatesandbarre

Image Credits
Theresa Dillon, Kyla Elisabeth, Meg Stacker King

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