Today we’d like to introduce you to Alayna Brenchley.
Alayna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a young age, I did gymnastics and ballet and went onto pursue dance professionally. I first discovered pilates and the GYROTONIC® method in college when I was getting my BFA in dance. At the time, I had a bulging disc in my spine and the pain was so bad I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to continue dancing. Pilates was instrumental in helping me heal and understand my body better. It was with these mindful movement methods I first started to learn what it meant to work smarter, not harder. After that time, I knew I one day wanted to get certified and teach others these life-changing methods that had given me strength and relief from pain. I ended up having to stop dancing several years later because of a different injury and knew it was time to dive into pilates and GYROTONIC®. I moved to Austin in March 2017 and spent the next year getting both certifications. COVID-19 led me to start my online studio in 2021. It has been a privilege to support people in their movement journeys through such unforeseen times.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth. I hit rock bottom in 2016 when I had to quit my professional career as a ballet dancer because of an injury. Losing that childhood dream took me into a long season of depression. Getting certified in pilates and GYROTONIC® became a lifeline because they are movement systems that adapt to everybody and every season of life. During those tough years, I learned in a deeper way that movement was healing, not just physically but emotionally as well. And while those years were tough, they made me a more empathetic and adept teacher. I know what it is like to be frustrated about your body, and I know how to build strength and find freedom in movement even in the presence of limitations. The journey to starting my own business has been anything but linear. Covid-19 helped me realize I actually really love teaching online. I’m learning as I go about marketing, branding, and technology. It is terrifying and exciting at the same time!
We’ve been impressed with Alayna Marie Pilates, 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 fitness professional who helps people listen to their bodies and engage in mindful movement. I specialize in pilates and GYROTONIC® and teach virtual private sessions and small group classes. I believe wholeheartedly that learning to move mindfully in your fitness routine and in your everyday life makes a powerful difference. My goal with every client is to help them listen to their body so they can challenge themselves to the edge of their abilities without overdoing it. Our society tells us “No pain, no gain,” but I’m here to say that you can get an effective workout without being sore for three days. I help my clients tune into their bodies during their workouts, empowering them to take that awareness into their everyday lives.
Currently, I am accepting a limited number of virtual private clients and have a few spots in my group classes. Visit www.alaynamarie.me for more information.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 has taught me to accept that pivoting is a part of life. While the need to pivot can come unexpectedly, the change it brings isn’t always painful. I never expected to be at the beginning stages of running an online fitness business, but I am overjoyed at the chance to help people move freely and mindfully.
Contact Info:
- Email: alayna@alaynamarie.me
- Website: www.alaynamarie.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirited_alayna/
Image Credits:
Rebecca Blackshear (studio mat pictures), Rachel Neville (dance picture)
