Christey Carwile, PhD, TBMM-CES

“For me, Pilates is a way to rediscover what our bodies were originally designed to do.”

I strive to help clients discover and develop deep body awareness, balance, strength, alignment, and overall well-being through movement. I am a Pilates teacher, Corrective Exercise Specialist, anthropologist, dancer, and teacher of over twenty years. My approach is to work collaboratively with clients to become strong and self-sufficient in their bodies so they can move through life easily and confidently. 

When I discovered Pilates in the ’90s, I was immediately intrigued by the method. It was challenging, unique, and fun but most importantly- I developed a deep strength I had never experienced before. I certified in the classical mat work in 1997 but stopped teaching and practicing after I had my first child. After developing debilitating hip and low- back pain, I rediscovered Pilates as a movement therapy rather than just a form of exercise. This inspired me to complete a two-year comprehensive teacher training program in 2020. I use a blend of Pilates, corrective exercise, and myofascial release techniques to support clients in gaining strength and managing pain. I have created specialized programs for athletes, equestrians, post-partum moms, clients with osteoporosis, back pain, postural imbalances, and those that are post-surgery and PT.

I received my Ph.D. in Anthropology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2007 and became a Professor of Anthropology at Warren Wilson College shortly after. During my doctoral fieldwork in rural West Africa, I worked with and was later initiated into a women’s indigenous healing society where I learned the profound healing power of dance and movement and the negative effects of our fast-paced, sedentary lifestyle. Elders in rural West Africa stay active and fit for most of their lives and therefore do not experience the back pain that many Americans will experience. Joseph Pilates created the Pilates method as a way to help Americans counter the devastating effects of poor posture and the lack of healthy movement. I am passionate about sharing these benefits with my clients who are committed to feeling better through movement.

While working with clients from my home in Black Mountain, I became acutely aware of the different energies that my clients need in order to gain the full benefits of the Pilates Method. Depending on the varying stresses that life brings to our bodies, we may need to move in different ways. Thus, Elemental Pilates was born—  a studio that offers Pilates according to the different elements of water, air, Earth, and fire, each with its own unique energy. I am honored to be sharing the healing powers of movement with my local community here in beautiful Black Mountain . . .