As a former collegiate runner, I was no stranger to physical challenges and the importance of maintaining my body for peak performance. After an accident while skiing, I faced a series of debilitating injuries that left me with torn ligaments, broken bones, and nerve damage. My recovery process was long and difficult, but Pilates became the one modality that truly matched my personality and helped me heal.
In 2004, I won a certificate for a private Pilates session and thought it would be “too fancy” for me. But after taking the free session, I was hooked. Pilates taught me to breathe properly, which had an immediate effect on my stress and anxiety. Despite the many injuries I’d suffered over the years, Pilates became the first method that helped me regain strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.
It wasn’t long before I wanted to take my passion for Pilates further. I had already earned my personal training certificate, but Pilates was calling me. In 2006, I returned to school to become certified by Balanced Body, and I began teaching Pilates in Colorado. Inspired by my own journey and the healing I experienced, I dreamed of becoming a master instructor and helping others discover the transformative power of Pilates.
When I moved to McCall, Idaho, my dream began to take shape. I didn’t have a studio at first, but my love for the outdoors and my desire to share Pilates with others who enjoy outdoor activities drove me forward. McCall Pilates was born with a clear vision: to help people not only look good but feel good, especially those who are passionate about skiing, backpacking, stand-up paddling, and other outdoor pursuits.
Pilates for Paddlers, Skiers, and Backpackers
The goal at McCall Pilates is to help outdoor enthusiasts stay strong, flexible, and injury-free. Many of our clients are retired individuals who want to continue being active, as well as skiers and backpackers who rely on their bodies to explore the great outdoors. Stand-up paddling has also become a major focus for us, as it’s an activity that requires strength, balance, and flexibility—qualities that Pilates nurtures.
In our classes, we focus on building a strong foundation of core strength, flexibility, and mobility that can directly enhance performance and prevent injuries. For outdoor enthusiasts, injury prevention is key—whether it’s to avoid a skiing accident, prevent lower back pain while hiking, or improve your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.
Pilates also offers something that many outdoor activities do not: a holistic approach to health. While many people focus on their sport-specific training, Pilates targets the smaller muscles that support larger movements, giving the body stability and preventing overuse injuries. It’s the perfect complement to outdoor sports like skiing, hiking, and paddling, and it’s designed to promote longevity, flexibility, and joint health.
The Future of Pilates in McCall
Our mission at McCall Pilates is to expand this outdoor-focused approach to fitness. We want to show people that Pilates is not just for athletes or those looking to recover from injury—it’s for anyone who wants to live an active life without limitations.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome more people who love the outdoors and want to incorporate Pilates into their routine to stay active for years to come. Whether you’re preparing for a backpacking trip, recovering from an injury, or just want to build strength to support your outdoor adventures, Pilates has something to offer.
Conclusion
For outdoor enthusiasts, Pilates isn’t just about building muscle or improving flexibility. It’s about taking care of your body in a way that supports longevity and prevents injury so you can continue doing what you love—whether it’s skiing down a mountain, paddling on a lake, or hiking a challenging trail.
If you’re looking to enhance your performance and prevent future injuries, Pilates is the perfect addition to your routine. Join us at McCall Pilates to start your journey toward a stronger, healthier you and experience the outdoor lifestyle with a whole new level of strength and balance.
Lisa Marie is the owner of McCall Pilates in McCall, Idaho, where she combines her deep passion for movement with her dedication to helping clients find their inner strength and flexibility. Since moving to McCall in 2014, Lisa Marie has made it her mission to help others uncover imbalances and compensations through Pilates, guiding them toward more efficient and sustainable movement patterns.
Lisa Marie began her Pilates journey in 2004 in Colorado, where she became certified through Physical Mind Institute and later achieved full Balanced Body Certification in 2006. In 2017, she earned her Master Pilates Certification from Nora St. Johns. She continues to expand her movement education, including training as a Neurological Conditions Pilates Practitioner and taking advanced workshops.
Lisa Marie is also a Balanced Body Educator for aspiring Pilates instructors, sharing her knowledge and expertise to inspire the next generation of movement professionals.
When she’s not teaching or learning, Lisa Marie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, friends, and dogs, embracing the beauty of Idaho’s landscapes.
For more information visit https://mccallpilates.com/home/ and follow us on Instagram @McCallPilates and @Lisamarieteachespilates.
