Instagram Takeover with Ashley Ritchie

BASI Faculty Ashley Ritchie traveled from South Africa to teach Modules 5 & 6 of our Foundation Program and to present her popular certificate course Pilates Through Pregnancy and Beyond. While visiting BASI Headquarters She let our Instagram followers peek into her days, her journey and her thoughts.

Day 1
The Takeover begins: International Woman’s Day

My day always begins with few moments of silent gratitude. We have a beautiful planet with breath taking views, sunrise and sunsets. Moon lit skies filled with stars and so much more than that to be grateful for.

Today being International woman’s day, I give special thanks to the woman who brought me into this world. My darling mother. She taught me how to be a daughter, wife, mother, business woman and friend ~ all in one. In all of these areas of her life she was so successful. She inspires me to stand tall and to have pride in everything I do. She has also taught me to laugh at myself…. I am truly blessed to still have her in my life!

I believe woman are the breath and heart beat of every home. With out this, there is no life. I acknowledge all the woman out there who do something every day, without seeking praise, for doing what they do to make life happen. Juggling life in different ways at different moments….. we might drop a ball sometimes, that’s a pot hole or speed hump… as woman, we never give up…we continue with our journey.

When traveling like I am right now more than half way access the world to BASI Pilates HQ to teach, knowing I will be the studio all day, I check the weather, put on my walking shoes and head out to take in some fresh air through an active meditation. Nourishing my soul with the gifts nature has to share with us.

When I arrive at the BASI Pilates studio today I am treating myself to a second session with Jen Pearlstein. How fortunate am I? A woman with years of knowledge, an enormous heart and soul and shares her passion for pilates without limits.

My day follows with 7 hours of teaching ~ all woman! So I ask myself…What does each woman want and why do they do Pilates ?

As a woman, what do you want from your Pilates practice? As a male instructor, what do your female clients want from their pilates practice?

Day 2
Moments of gratitude Woman are amazing and yes we do need men!

There are so many men that have influenced my life in so many different ways. My husband, my father Rael lsacowitz….

My Moments of gratitude today are to my amazing husband, and 3 children. Each so driven by their own force to be the best they can be and to make it happen!

Without Rael, BASI Pilates would not be here today. Without Joseph Pilates, none of us would be here today following this path on this journey.

Day 3
BASI JOURNEY

19 years ago I was invited to a 3 hour workshop in Johannesburg. The presenter was Rael Isacowitz. (At that point I was 2 years into my New York Pilates certification). I remember sitting around the reformers mesmerized by Rael and the BASI approach….1 year later I was a proud BASI Pilates instructor….

In 2004 Body Mechanix Wellness Center became a host studio of BASI Education. This year marks our 20th Birthday celebration. In 2007 I presented at the LFTL in South Africa and my journey with Pilates through Pregnancy went from 3 hours to 3 days. This advanced education program has been taught around the world. I am passionate about Pilates and love what I do. I am so blessed to be part of this organization, this family that extends beyond business and deep into touching the lives of other. Making a difference in this world!

BASI makes it happen!

Day 4
Wrapping up….

Today started with a time change! Another one for me over the last 2 weeks… not quite sure how my body clock is managing…. as a wise woman once told me – Jet lag had never killed anyone!

It is also my last day here at BASI HQ as we finish the Pilates through Pregnancy and Beyond program. The amazing students that add so much to each course giving it its own unique flavor. I am so privileged to have shared with all of you.

I look forward to returning to the new BASI HQ to celebrate the 30th Anniversary in 2019

To my mentor Rael lsacowitz and the entire BASI team I say thank you form the bottom of my heart as I continuing with the journey on another continent… I will miss you and at the same time am so happy to be returning home to my husband and children. I am truly blessed.