P10 Profile: Scott Miller
A bundle of high-energy charisma, a wealth of knowledge, and a teacher who is incredibly dedicated to bettering the lives of his students… if you know Scott then it won’t be a surprise that we’re talking about him here.
As a student of Pilates for over 20 years now, it’s safe to say that Scott knows his stuff. His experience in other forms of movement and bodywork also contribute to the ease he gives his clients during both group classes and private sessions. It doesn’t matter if you are brand new to Pilates, experienced and looking to level up, nursing an injury, or struggling with motivation or self-confidence… you’ll be in good hands with Scott.
Scott has explored many ways to share his gift over the years, taking him away from P10 and back again. But through it all he has remained a fixture in the P10 community—a positive influence in the lives of many past and future clients to come.
Where did you grow up? Did you participate in fitness groups or sports when you were young?
I grew up in Pennsylvania in a small industrial town called Easton. I believe I may have started my athletic career dancing in utero. I was very active as a child. I played football, basketball, baseball and boxing from the age of eight. I always liked to win. Though I was a very good loser as well.
Tell me about the first time you found out about Pilates:
When I was dancing in New York City in the late 70s early 80s it was well known that if you got an injury in dance that the best therapy for a dance injury was Pilates. So it was well known at that time that Pilates had the ability to correct structural imbalances and musculoskeletal injuries and anomalies.
What about Pilates were you initially drawn to / made you like it?
Many years later when I was trying to figure out how to stay healthy I decided to give Pilates a try and the first thing I noticed was that my dancer's body came back quite quickly. It didn't take long!
What are your relevant certifications / where and when did you do your training?
I started my Pilates training with a company called A Physical Mind. There I learned pre-Pilates exercises and received my Matt certification. Later I studied at Metropolitan Pilates with Dorte Vanderwall in an 800 hour intensive Pilates training program.
Did you practice Pilates before you trained to teach? How did being an instructor change your relationship with Pilates?
I studied Pilates for a couple of years before I decided that I wanted to teach. I also had been a full-time massage practitioner and decided that Pilates would be a better way for me to help people. After becoming an instructor, I'd say after the first seven years I began to understand the full breadth and power of Pilates and how good it was at balancing and maintaining the musculoskeletal structure. We could call that posture.
Tell me about your running / tennis goals and what you've been doing to keep active outside the studio:
I began running as part of my training to climb Mount Rainier. And I found that I really love being outside and running on trails by the water. I now run approximately 20 miles per week and am presently training for my first half marathon. Erase every couple of months either a nice 5K or a 10k and I'm looking forward to this half marathon. I find that Pilates is the perfect way for me to stay as injury free as possible. I'm also in my 3rd year of tennis and I love it dearly. I'm always hungry after playing, which is always a good sign. I also find time to work out at the gym to do plyometrics, work my PT exercises for my knees and shoulders and work my tennis technique at the squash courts. And I never forget a good steam or sauna finishing with a nice cold shower. In addition, I have a doctor, a naturopath, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, an acupuncturist and a therapist. Self care Y'all !!!
Who has been your biggest inspiration in your Pilates / Fitness journey?
My clients have been the most inspiration to me in my teaching career. I know that I inspire them because they tell me so, but I also tell them that they inspire me to be better. They work hard, they come up with serious results, they're proud of their accomplishments and I'm proud of them, kind of like a proud papa.
