We had the opportunity to speak with the lovely Kathryn Ross Nash who is known throughout the Pilates industry for her purity and devotion to the work. Kathryn’s client list spans the athletic and entertainment industry. 

Kathryn has a been practicing and teaching Pilates longer than most of us and her resume is impressive. She was honored to be the first Pilates instructor to train the dancers of the Vaganova School in St. Petersburg Russia and has taught in Moscow, Chile, Australia, Spain, Russia, Germany, England, Portugal, and Scotland and throughout the United States. 

In 2016 Kathryn was bestowed the honor of being the first instructor to teach Joe Pilates' (the founder of Pilates) work on the Isle of Man at the site of Camp 4, where Joe was interned. Joe Pilates was sent to this camp during the First World War and it was here he started to carefully study anatomy and began to develop what we today call Pilates. He studied and practiced on his friends at the camp and he meant the practice in Pilates helped a lot in the interns overall wellbeing and mental health.

Her work is like ice cream, poetry in motion.

Kathryn has also worked closely with the ever so famous Romana Kryzanowska, who played a big part in making Pilates a recognized method worldwide. Romana herself named Kathryn to be the Vice- President to her Presidency of the Authentic Pilates Union. Romana is quoted about Ms. Ross-Nash, saying “her work is like ice cream”, “poetry in motion” and “she is one of her best”- her “Star of Stars.”

Kathryn appeared with Romana in Pilates Style Magazine, and now sits on the Advisory Board. She was a featured instructor in the premiere issue of Pilates Style and has been featured in the magazine many times since and served a writer for its blog and magazine. In the November/ December Issue 2017, Kathryn was featured on the back cover and for her 55th birthday she was featured on the front cover. She is an often-quoted expert whose advice on the method is sought after worldwide.

You have an impressive resume, Kathryn. Can you take us through your Pilates story?

I began my Classical Pilates training in 1982 and has had the privilege to study with First Generation teachers Romana Kryzanowska, Kathy Grant, Sari Mejia Santo, Jay Grimes and Edwina Fontaine. I am a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and was a principle dancer for ten years with Ballet Hispanico of NY. I sit on the Board of Directors and has returned to re-stage ballets and support the company I so dearly love. I hold a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and an undefeated AUU sparring record. 

Pilates is a foundational part of who I am. I love Pilates because it is a full body workout that can be made to fit the individual and their needs but can change and evolve.

Pilates is a full body workout that can be made to fit the individual and their needs but can change and evolve.

Currently I write blogs for Pilates Style Magazine and various Pilates’ venues and travel the world training Pilates Teachers. Recently I opened a second studio in Bradenton Florida, The Red Thread Ranch and host the Pilates Professional Advanced Teacher Training program and continuing education for past graduates. This is a program where Teachers who have been certified and actively teaching for greater than 5 years gather to train in the application of the method. In 2020 Kathryn's Pilates program got PSAP approval.

You are truly devoted to what you do. What keeps you going?

If its not fun- why do it?

You have developed the Pilates practice further based on what we know about the body in motion today and have written several books on it. What is the latest book called? 

It is called the Red Thread of Pilates - The Integrated System and Variation of Pilates.

Many times it seems like the conversation about a beautiful body, stays at the appearance of the body. But what is actually a beautiful body according to you?

A beautiful body is a healthy body. A body that is true to itself in its highest form.

We founded Pebbles Pilates Sportswear because we wanted to scale down on design that takes focus from mindful workout. What would you say is the perfect Pilates outfit?

The perfect Pilates sportswear allows full movement and freedom while allowing the alignment of the body to be observed. No buckles, snaps, zippers or thick seams.

Do you have any Pilates moves that have become your favorites?

Whatever one I am doing at the moment - right now the down stretch with the push through bar off the side of the Cadillac.

Kathryn is truly amazing and her devotion to inspire you to keep moving through Pilates is impressive:

Kathryn founded the Authentic Pilates Union and was appointed Chair. She has owned and operated the American Body Tech Pilates Studio since 1992. She is the creator of many innovative workshops including: The Red Thread®, The Add On Mat®, Fix Your Feet™, Connection to The Jump™ and Variations on a Theme – Mat and Reformer™. Her DVD, Kathryn Ross-Nash New York Pilates and books, Fix Your Feet – Using the Pilates Method© and The Red Thread® of Pilates – The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates – The Mat©, The Red Thread® – The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates – The Baby/Arm Chair© and The Red Thread® – The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates – The High Chair© have been internationally acclaimed.

Check out The Red Thread Ranch on Instagram 

This article was updated 2021-01-31