Classical Pilates for Pain and Performance in San Francisco | Resources for Anxiety Interview Series with Destinie Slavich
Four years on UCLA’s Division-I rowing team left Destinie with debilitating low-back and hip pain but ignited an unstoppable appetite to lead a pain-free life. Destinie is a nurturer and understands how it feels to have tried “anything and everything” to conquer chronic pain. Her story colors her teaching as she teaches from her own personal experiences backed by her Advanced Teacher Training through The Pilates Center and an MS in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida. She believes that if clients learn to understand and mentally connect with their own bodies that they begin to develop functional movement patterns and better postural alignment - key elements to feeling healthy. Destinie strives to guide her clients to such an understanding and connection with every session.
Why did you decide to become a pilates teacher in San Francisco?
I began experiencing low back pain in high school after joining the rowing team, and it persisted through my time rowing D1 at UCLA. After graduation, that pain became chronic, and I was desperate for a solution. I tried everything—physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, personal training, even hypnosis. While these provided temporary relief, nothing offered a lasting fix. Finally, I saw an orthopedist specializing in spinal pain management. Instead of the injection I was expecting, he suggested Pilates.
At the time, I was working at a gym that offered weekly Pilates mat classes, so I started attending after work. Within a few months of consistent practice, I noticed a significant improvement in my pain levels. Intrigued by this, I dove into research and eventually enrolled in a teacher training program. It felt like I had discovered a hidden secret that I needed to share with others battling chronic pain.
Chronic pain doesn’t just wear down the body; it takes a heavy toll on mental health too. In my worst moments, I couldn’t envision a future because the pain overshadowed everything. Pilates gave me back my life and my future, and I became a Pilates teacher in San Francisco to share its transformative power with others who might be struggling as I once did.
What kind of services do you provide at Pilates in Common?
We are a Classical Pilates studio offering one-on-one private sessions, double sessions (two people), and virtual small group mat classes. Our studio is fully equipped with classical Pilates apparatus, and we use Pilates as a tool to help people understand their unique bodies and movement patterns, empowering them to move better and, ultimately, feel better. We often describe of ourselves as a studio offering Pilates for Pain and Performance.
Do you think Pilates can help people struggling with anxiety? If so, how?
Definitely. Pilates is a mind-body practice that connects physical movement with mental well-being. Physical pain can often trigger or worsen anxiety, creating a cycle where the mind and body reinforce each other's distress. Pilates helps break this cycle by encouraging mindful movement and breath control. The practice’s emphasis on concentration and control introduces a meditative quality, which helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety. As you improve your physical strength and stability, you may find that your anxiety decreases, making it easier to manage both your body and mind.
What is the most effective way you help a client who's feeling anxious?
The most effective way I help a client who's feeling anxious is by acknowledging and validating their feelings. When someone comes in after dealing with pain for many years, there's often a deep sense of lost control over their body. I understand that being asked to reconnect with your body can be challenging, especially if you've been coping by disconnecting from it. Fear, anxiety, and sadness are common and completely normal emotions to experience during a first session. My goal is to create a supportive environment where those feelings are recognized and addressed, helping you gradually regain trust in your body.
What type of transformation do you see in your clients that tend to struggle with anxiety?
Learning Pilates requires someone to slow down. Anxiety often speeds you up, pulling you away from the present moment and clouding your perception of reality. The biggest transformation I see in clients who struggle with anxiety is their ability to stay present. Through Pilates, they learn to focus on their breath and movement, which helps ground them in the here and now.
Who are your favorite types of clients to work with?
My favorite clients are those who come in with a specific goal in mind, rather than just seeking a general workout. I especially enjoy working with people who are curious about their bodies and eager to apply what they learn in the studio to their everyday lives.
What happens during a first session with you?
During a first session with me, I start by learning about your physical and movement history. We then conduct a full-body scan together to assess your current alignment and posture. Based on the results, I personalize the session to address your body’s specific needs. Often, the first thing I’ll teach is how to breathe properly, as breath provides the stability necessary for controlled mobility. This foundational skill sets the stage for all the work we’ll do together.
What do you wish people knew about Pilates?
I wish people knew that "Pilates" isn’t a trademarked name, so anyone can call anything Pilates. New clients often say, "this is nothing like the Pilates I did before," which usually comes down to differing expectations. Classical Pilates is a specific method with a deep history, and understanding that can significantly impact your experience and results.
How can people learn more and contact you about starting Pilates at your studio in San Francisco?
They can check out our website at www.pilatesincommon.com and contact us @ hello@pilatesincommon.com. We also have a YouTube channel so that people can get a flavor for how we teach Pilates.
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If you’re curious to learn more about anxiety therapy in San Francisco, you can call Whitney Richards, LMFT at (415) 851-5125 or directly schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. My specialties include anxiety, self-esteem, and building secure and satisfying relationships.