Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia McCreary.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began learning about Pilates in Belgrade, Serbia. How I ended up there? I was married at the time and that is where my family was sent through Foreign Services working with the United States Embassy.
A group of us women from the Embassy decided that we wanted to take a Pilates class and found a small studio around the corner from the Embassy. I immediately fell in love! I have a background in Body Building Competitions, Track and Field, and a former Champagne Dancer at S.C. State University, so this was right up my ally but better.
My body felt so much better afterwards. It was hard, but refreshing in a sense to where your body felt awake, even a little bit more agile and might I add feeling more in tune with my body as a woman. So, I asked the instructor if she could teach me how to become a Pilates instructor. Her name was Nadja Hadzistevic and she owned the Like Pilates studio in Belgrade, Serbia. It was an Authorized Training Center through Balanced Body, which is located in Sacramento, California. She was just as excited as I was and began my training.
Throughout my training, I began an IVF cycle to prepare to become pregnant. Within that time of studying Pilates and the IVF process, I noticed how my body changed, some days I was weak and other days I was stronger. Practicing Pilates during that time helped me to keep my body balanced as the IVF process weakens your joints and tendons.
I continued to practice Pilates through the cycles, receiving over 60 shots and even my pregnancy. I had an emergency C-Section with my youngest son and I must say, Pilates helped me recover faster. I gained strength in my lower abdomen that I didn’t even know I gained until after the C-Section. The way I was able to heal was remarkable!
I continued to practice Pilates after I healed and still practice Pilates currently.
I had an in-home studio that was blessed off by the American Ambassador to provide another safe space for Americans abroad to do Pilates as well. I also taught Pilates mat classes at the Embassy.
I returned back to the United States April 2024 after ending my marriage. Life happens and all is good. Life teaches you lessons that can only be learned through experience and here we are.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have had my challenges along the way. The way that I was taught Pilates was different. I used the same manuals from Balanced Body for learning with my Serbian Pilates Educator Nadja. It was more about character, the true meaning behind the Pilates system and a level of care experienced like no other. So, some of the things that are done here in the United States Pilates related, I don’t recognize.
Not having a supportive partner at the time was my biggest challenge. No matter what type of relationship or friendship you are in, if they don’t support your goals, things will be hard. You will have to learn how to navigate that and choose the best way to keep your heart and mind focused on your own personal goals, while maintaining your relationship. Is it hard? Yes.
Fitting in with the esthetics of Pilates was the hardest thing here being back home in Columbia, S.C. I applied to other studios, but things just didn’t feel right or even work out. I slowly began to realize that if I wanted to keep the integrity of how I was taught, I would eventually have to have my own space again.
I was a federal employee for 15 years and was a part of the layoffs that happened under the new administration. I was already certified to teach Pilates, so I just utilized my resources and created that safe space for myself first and then for others so I could teach Pilates the way I was taught combined with my personality, character and energy.
We’ve been impressed with The Pilates Traveler, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Clinical Pilates Instructor as well as a Certified Natural Health Professional. I specialize in Rehabilitation, Prenatal/Postnatal, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Pilates classes.
What sets me apart from others is that I combine Whole-Body-Wellness Plans along with the Pilates system. I am a one-stop-wellness shop. I create custom plans for each individual according to their fitness and lifestyle goals.
I have tea time after class, which are the free add-ons. I serve Chai Tea Lattes, Matcha Lattes, Honey Ginger tea and even Miso Soup. Also, if you have a specific tea that you would like that I don’t serve, you let me know what kind and I will provide it for you.
Here at the Pilates Traveler Studio, we heal without judgement. This is more than just Pilates, this is a safe space for you for move your body while healing mentally, emotionally and physically. You would just have to experience it to understand the feeling you have after you have completed a session. The Spine Corrector and tea time are my client’s favorite thing after their session has been completed.
I also offer free Pilates in the park at Sesquicentennial State Park once a month during the warmer months. I always announce it on instagram due to depending on the weather to be nice. You just never know sometimes.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is getting in trouble for climbing trees, jumping ramps with my bike, talking too much, being too animated and also being a little goofy at school. The very things that I used to get in trouble for are what makes my business what it is today. I carry my Tomboy ways, while remaining feminine all while being able to be myself, help heal others through encouraging them to keep being themselves, pay attention to what makes them happy and feel good in this life all while becoming more mobile and stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepilatestraveler.com
