Guest blogger: Eric Newton, professional aerialist and coach, five years with Cirque du Soleil (Quidam, Believe), certified Pilates instructor.

Even as a seasoned pro complete with “6 pack” abs and super upper body strength, I experienced hip and back pain due to repetitive stress and muscular imbalances. When rehabbing, my physical therapist (PT) prescribed Pilates to condition my inner core, which he described as weak! “Excuse me! Me, a Cirque Du Soleil artist, weak in my core?” But yes. It turned out that I had an incomplete understanding of efficient core mechanics.

Pilates makes so much sense because it teaches you to use your body in a smarter way. Instead of drilling crunches with a typical gym mentality of more-is-better, Pilates gave me the tools to work smarter and gain deep inner abdominal strength, made me a better acrobat and, perhaps most importantly, helped me change daily habits that were exacerbating my hip/back issues. I feel more alive than ever, even though an acrobat usually faces more and more difficulties with age. It is empowering to have rejuvenated my health. I am more aware and in control of my postural health than ever. Pilates has profoundly inspired me to live better and I want to share my knowledge with others in my field as well as with regular folks.