We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Baldasserini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“Twenty years ago, I made a bold decision to invest in myself and launch my own small business. I put $5,000 on a credit card to cover my initial training—a significant personal risk at the time—but I truly believe that meaningful rewards often require meaningful commitment. That investment lit a fire under me. Knowing I had to repay that debt and support my family gave me an incredible level of motivation and focus.
Since then, it’s been a 20-year journey filled with ups and downs, learning curves, and plenty of moments of uncertainty. But rather than hold me back, those challenges pushed me to stay forward-thinking, adaptable, and relentlessly determined. I had to figure things out as I went, work hard every day, and keep my eyes on the bigger goal: building a sustainable business that could provide for my family and create something I’m truly proud of.
Looking back, that initial risk wasn’t reckless—it was the catalyst that forced me to show up fully committed. I’m convinced that when you have real skin in the game, you find the creativity, discipline, and perseverance needed to make it work. Twenty years later, I’m still here, still growing, and that experience has shaped me into someone who thrives on solving problems and turning vision into reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Unlike most Pilates instructors who train through a single program, I’ve pursued comprehensive certifications from multiple renowned schools—including PhysicalMind Institute, Power Pilates, and Polestar Pilates—and hold the prestigious Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) credential through the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP), with a specialized focus on fascial movement and integration.
To deliver even deeper, therapeutic results, I’m also certified as a Level 3 Fascial Stretch Specialist, Level 3 NeuroKinetic Therapy Practitioner, Level 4 Neuromuscular Reprogramming Therapist, and have completed all three levels of Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) therapy. I also own and teach the SmartSpine system.
This diverse, advanced training allows me to address not just movement, but the underlying neurological, fascial, and muscular patterns—creating safer, more transformative sessions tailored to each client’s unique body.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Watters Creek is an amazing fun and beautiful area to shop and eat or listen to music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While that initial risk gave me the drive to get started, what truly allowed me to survive—and even grow—over the past 20 years, especially through challenging periods like the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, has been the incredible commitment of my clients and the deep relationships we’ve built together over time. Many of them have been with me for a decade or longer, and their trust and loyalty became my foundation when the economy was uncertain.
Equally important has been the unwavering support of my family. My mother, in particular, has always believed in me wholeheartedly—she’s been my go-to person for advice, encouragement, and perspective through every high and low. That kind of personal support kept me grounded and reminded me why I was doing this in the first place.
These experiences taught me that long-term success in business isn’t just about individual effort; it’s about cultivating genuine relationships—with clients who become true partners, and with family and friends who become your strongest advocates. Those connections have been my greatest asset, and they’re the reason I’m still here, stronger than ever, after two decades.”

Website: pilatesforlifeallen@gmail.com

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Other: https://SmartSpine.com

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