P10 Profile: Chris Montanez
Learn more about how Chris found Pilates and ended up here teaching at Pilates on 10th…
If you’ve had the pleasure of taking a class with Chris, you may have heard some of these details before…his personal experience with PIlates has really influenced how and why he shows up every day excited to help guide you towards your next breakthrough moment.
He’s passionate about seeing you succeed because he knows what it feels like to have Pilates enter the chat and change everything. Chris joined the P10 team in September 2023— happy one year, Chris! Learn more about the journey Chris has taken to get here below, and make sure to check out the special programs coming up at the studio… Chris has something special in the works :)
How long have you been a Pilates Instructor? How long have you been teaching at Pilates on 10th?
I’ve been an instructor at P10 since Sept 2023, but I started teaching Pilates in early 2012. I got certified initially by McEntire, a contemporary program, then building on that through personal practice, education, and my experience working at a studio in Bellevue I’ve incorporated more classical training into my teaching.
Where did you grow up? Did you participate in fitness groups or sports when you were young?
I grew up in southern california, and then Las Vegas. I was more of a book nerd as a kid and interested in community theater, not super athletic! But I have always loved being outside—camping and hiking etc. When I moved to Seattle I ended up getting into kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
How did you discover Pilates?
I was in my early 30s working as a massage therapist with a mobile practice, very physical work that took a toll on my body in a big way. I was having a lot of issues—shoulder, hip, sciatica! It got to the point where my mobility was so limited and I was at the end of my rope. Desperate for relief and looking for an alternative to medical intervention, I let a friend of mine convince me to join the Pilates training program.
I was reluctant, and when I started the training I really had no intention of actually becoming an instructor! But I knew it would be the fastest way to learn, and I was eager to fix my back and get back to massaging.
So you started out reluctant, what was it that changed your mind about teaching Pilates?
When I first started out I was really struggling to connect what I was learning in the studio with the claims that Pilates would fix my back. But as my training continued I decided I was going to really dig in and look for it. I started reading Joseph Pilates book Return to Life Through Contrology, and I had some light bulb moments that were really important in changing the way I understood the exercises, and the impact they could have.
I was seeing resolution in my own body, and I started re-thinking my plan to keep this newfound knowledge for my personal use. As a massage therapist, my goal has always been to help people feel good in their bodies. And I thought wow, if I can learn how to instruct this it could really be my ticket to giving people the results I’ve always wanted.
Do you remember the moment you fell in love with Pilates?
Laying on my mat, the realization washed over me: my back didn’t hurt anymore.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced with your own Pilates practice?
Complacency can be a challenge for me at times! I do love Mat, I practice Mat every day, so sometimes I have to push myself in the direction of trying something new.
How has your own experience with Pilates influenced you as an Instructor?
Over time as I have been developing my own practice and teaching / observing others, I started to recognize something we all struggled with—naturally returning to a good rest posture. What is good posture? According to Joseph Pilates, it’s a relaxed natural posture that doesn't take more than 25% of your energy.
As I noticed that this thing that I had struggled with was showing up in every client, I started to really focus on helping my clients reverse the downward spiral. I teach them to find that center line over time, by ending each session with a mirror check in.
When clients start reporting back to me that they understand the importance of centering, I get so excited! I really try to make those moments happen as an instructor, because I know you can do these exercises for a long time without totally getting it…I’ve experienced it. But I also know that magical feeling when everything clicks.
Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your Pilates journey?
The clients. I’m always reminding myself of the recovery journey I’ve personally been on, and how tough it can be some days to move forward. So watching people show up, seeing them work hard, and have success is constantly inspiring me. My mission is always client success, and the more I can give that result the more I want to keep going as an instructor and in my own practice.
What resources do you visit to gain inspiration / motivation when you need it?
Return to Life Through Contrology, by Joseph Pilates.
What’s your favorite apparatus to practice on?
I am married to the Mat! But also, I love the Reformer.
What is your favorite class to teach?
I think Reformer is my favorite class to teach. class to teach. I like the challenge of giving individual instruction while keeping everyone together at the same time.
What else do you like to do just for fun, or for exercise outside of Pilates?
I have kiddos, big ones that are young adults and high school students now! We like to do outdoorsy stuff together as a family, we recently went to the Hood River area to hike and camp. Both of my sons are excellent skateboarders, and I love to watch them skate. It really is astonishing to watch them do their thing.
If you were a Pilates exercise which one would you be and why?
Teaser! Because you never really know how it’s gonna go. It’s difficult, but it’s worth it.
What is the thing you most hope clients take away from a session with you?
Success. Whether that’s reaching a goal, or just feeling good in their body.
What is your favorite thing about working with the Pilates on 10th community?
Everyone at P10 loves Pilates! The clients, my co-workers—we all come together here to support a common purpose. It makes the environment great to work in. And Kim is a great team leader! She’s got a clear focus and a knack for creating positivity, and if you build a positive environment you’ll attract a positive result.