Creator and Owner of Hilliard Studio Method
Author Be Powerful
Podcaster Co-host of Be Powerful with Liz and Lee
1)You made a career life change in your early 50s and moved into the fitness/well-being business. What provoked that change, and what advice would you give to someone who is thinking about a whole new direction?
Frustrated by the fact that my body wasn’t responding to my traditional Pilates workout I decided to take matters into my own hands. In my late 40s (already ancient by industry standards), I moved to Toronto for a fall and became a certified Pilates instructor. As a former athlete, model in the fashion industry, and mother, movement and wellness were always integral in my life, but as I approached 50 in crept the physical and mental challenges of menopause, including body fat in all the wrong places, exhaustion, and low libido, and a feeling of emptiness. I was dismayed with many aspects of my life and the direction it was headed, so I took a chance on myself and embraced my passion for health and fitness. It was time to turn my personal training business into a brick-and-mortar studio despite having little business experience in that realm, and I’ll add this was in 2008 during a financial crisis no less!
At that time research on women and strength training was sparse, and women thought lifting weights meant bulking. So, I did my own research and became my own test case and found that adding heavier weights to traditional Pilates exercises was the game changer not only for me but for my daughter in preparation for her wedding and my clients of all ages.
At 53 my body began to sculpt and tone, and muscle began to replace adipose tissue. My metabolism increased and every part of my body became trimmer, sculpted, and lifted! This was not what I expected while in the throes of menopause, when most people typically experience a decline in health and physical strength. The results and newfound energy and excitement inspired me to officially create Hilliard Studio Method. I began teaching out of my at-home studio, then grew into a neighborhood community center, then a local ballet studio, and finally into our flagship studio. With almost 20 years in business HSM is streaming in all 50 states and internationally. I have clients from ages 14 to 77, some of whom have taken more than 2,000 classes.
For anyone who is thinking about a life or career change, I say do it! If you already have that itch, there is a fire below that can fuel you to find how to embrace your passions. One of the great pleasures of aging into our fifties and beyond is that choosing courage to move through our fear feels a lot less daunting, and the positive impact of stepping out of my comfort zone has stretched far beyond business success and into my personal life as well.
2) The Hilliard Studio Method has become a sensation! Tell us about the program and how it continues to evolve.
HSM is a unique combination of strength training combined with the core-centric power of Pilates. Utilizing the science of muscle confusion to stimulate the body physically and mentally, we break the workout into five heart-pumping sections. The Method is low impact, meaning it’s safe for all ages and stages, but don’t be confused; the Method is high-energy and moves at a pace that challenges the body and mind and keeps both from plateauing. I realized early on that to change people’s habits, I needed a workout that not only produced results but was fun and supportive, empowering and energetic. The music and community are integral parts of the workout. My staff is like a family, and the clients are our friends. We care about their lives beyond the studio, and that’s why I have my tag line BE POWERFUL written on the studio wall. It’s the reminder that each of us can find our passions, purpose, and power when we least expect and even doubt it through the movement that we do in the studio, for example.
HSM continues to evolve as a workout, but I love watching it grow as a lifestyle through our wellness program and my podcast. There are a lot of things we have no control over, but our health isn’t one of them. That’s why I created the Hilliard Studio Method Signature Smoothie and teach the importance of a balanced, whole foods diet rich in protein, vegetables, and a little wine because life is to be enjoyed! I research and speak from experience about the hot topics of hormones and longevity, and the benefits of physical health on emotional and mental health. I’m not genetically lucky. In my family, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis traditionally strike at an early age, but my VO2 max (an indication of overall health) is that of an elite athlete, my BMI is 19.5, and I have excellent bone density and cardiovascular health all due to my workout and good nutrition. I share this not as braggadocio but to inspire you to add strength training exercises to your workout.
3)You are 71 years old and an inspiration to women (and men) of all ages!! Aside from your workout method, what other longevity hacks can you give to our readers? How do you eat for example? Any other tips for living longer in a healthier and better way?
My top longevity hack is to keep moving! All day, every day. Not to be confused with scheduled exercise. Walk, bike, play, dance! I do HSM 4-5 times a week, walk every day, bike to the movies on the weekend, and play with my grandchildren. Our bodies are designed to move. A sedentary lifestyle is a direct line to the doctor’s office with the funeral home in sight.
I start every day with an apple, have protein at every meal and try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. It’s overwhelming to hear how many grams of protein we should have every day, so take baby steps in adding a little into every meal. Your muscles and your waistline will thank you! Processed sugar is not a part of my diet. I find it leaves me sluggish, inflamed, and wanting more. No thank you!
Finally, find your people and remain curious. Surround yourself with people who support you and your goals and who enjoy the same activities as you but will also challenge you to try something new. Staying curious about the world keeps me learning and growing and pushing outside of my comfort zone. I find that the more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know, and the curiosity of exploring the world drives my passion and purpose for living.
