longevity fitness instructor spotlight: 11 questions with mara kaveney

You've seen her behind the front desk, and now you'll see her on the schedule! Get to know Pilates Apprentice Instructor, Mara Kaveney, and join her classes listed below. 

Mara joined Longevity Fitness in 2019 as an Exercise Science intern and now holds the role of Operations Assistant as she prepares to receive her Comprehensive Balanced Body Pilates Certification. She is also continuing her education by working toward her NASM Personal Training Certification. Training certifications. Originally from New Jersey, Mara fell in love with the warm, coastal and historic feel of Charleston. This led to her graduation from the College of Charleston, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. Prior to that, she was a dancer for over 10 years, as well as an assistant dance teacher. As she learned more about human anatomy and physiology through dance, she knew she ultimately wanted to pursue a path in the health and fitness industry. 

11 QUESTIONS WITH MARA
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Tell us about your Pilates journey
I started practicing Mat Pilates in high school, however I was introduced to the reformer at Longevity during my internship. This sparked my Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training in late 2019. I’ve completed all courses and apparatus training and am continuing to work toward certification.

Was there an influence behind your Pilates pursuit?
I’ve always been immersed in the fitness industry. My mom is a certified Pilates Instructor and exposed me to all of its facets at a young age. I think it’s a sustainable form of fitness that has so many benefits, ranging from injury prevention to overall health and longevity.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching Pilates?
I love that it integrates balance and proprioception with strength and mobility. It’s also a really nice way to introduce mindfulness to your workouts, which allows you to walk out of class feeling centered and strong.

Favorite Pilates exercise?

• Reformer: Roll downs - Gets your spine moving and engages your abdominals. Plus, you can add progressions and variations to it.
• Mat: Boomerang - Combines teaser and roll over: two already fun exercises.

Name your go-to motivating song and cool-down song in your workout playlist.
Motivating: Levitating by Dua Lipa
Cool down: Two Ghosts by Harry Styles

One class you always try to take at Longevity?
Reformer Jumpboard + A.B.A because I love mixing cardio and Pilates.

And speaking of cardio, how do you work that in your weekly fitness regimen?
I'll usually go for a long power walk at Colonial Lake or the Battery, and if I’m feeling great about it, I’ll add in a run.

How would you describe your teaching style?
I like to emphasize core activation and layer in mobility and restoration throughout. There is always time for stretching at the end! My approach is intuitive and intentional, encouraging clients to connect with their bodies and feel accomplished while doing so.

When you’re not at Longevity, you are….
On sunny days, I take walks while I listen to a self-help/mindfulness podcast. On rainy days, I'm usually at home reading. I’m currently reading a book called Tell Me Everything by Cambria Brockman.

Tell us your typical breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Breakfast: Avocado toast with cream cheese, chia seeds and everything bagel seasoning
• Lunch: Oatmeal Smoothie from Gnome Cafe and a Think Thin bar
• Dinner: Basic Bowl from Basic Kitchen

CLASSES MARA TEACHES
​​Tuesday 12:30pm - Reformer A.B.A Express
Thursday 8:30am - Reformer A.B.A
Thursday 9:30am - Reformer A.B.A
Saturday 9:15am - Reformer Core Burn
Saturday 10:30am - Mat Pilates with Props

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