Ryan began her Pilates work in 1997 due to a knee injury. A former dancer since age 3, she went on to graduate from Radford University with a BFA in Classical Ballet. Ryan continued to practice Pilates after graduating, and decided to pursue a certification in Pilates mat work and apparatus in September 2001. Her training was completed at the Orchid Pagoda Pilates studio in Fairfax, VA.

Ryan says her reward in teaching Pilates is she gets to offer a type of movement experience she truly believes is beneficial. She has seen amazing results in the way people have responded to the work, and truly enjoys opening the door to those who seek a safe and lifestyle-changing way to exercise.

The biggest benefit of Pilates: “ In my eyes, the greatest benefit is to achieve a complete awareness of how the body works, for that particular individual, in a conscious manner. There are so many types of exercise that do not focus on helping to truly balance and coordinate the body as a truly organized being. Pilates also does not discriminate on those who may participate from its benefits. Joseph Pilates meant for all of humanity to use the regime to strengthen themselves from the inside out and to think about how movement and life intertwine as one.”

Out of the Pilates studio, Ryan has a passion for writing and creating art. She helped create a Pilates golf program that is touring nationally, so she also aspires to improve her golf game.