This week’s Meet a Mom is Sarah Collins-Napier, a Darien mother of two who decided to move here for the family-friendly community. With her husband in the military, the family needed to be in “commuting distance of both NYC and Albany.” Sarah, who is a Pilates instructor at Darien Pilates, helps her clients become stronger and injury-free so they can pursue a healthy and pain-free life. A modern trained dancer, she received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and is a classically trained Pilates instructor from Simona Cipriani’s Art of Control. Read more to learn about Sarah, her words of wisdom and her go-to spots in town!
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two kids; my son Nate is 8 and my daughter Meredith is 5.
What brought you and your family to town?
My husband is in the military, and we needed to be in a location that was within commuting distance of both NYC and Albany. My sister-in-law raved about Darien for being family-friendly with great schools and an amazing community.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
The moms! Seriously, all the mothers here are really helpful in this community and are there for each other and our kids.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
We love going to Weed Beach and hiking at Selleck’s Woods Nature Preserve.
Can you please tell us a bit about your path to Pilates and fitness?
As a dancer, Pilates naturally became part of my fitness routine. I first got into Pilates to come back from an injury and prevent future injuries.
Tell us about Darien Pilates.
Darien Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio located at 28 Thorndal Circle that offers Private and Semi-Private sessions and small group classes. I teach group mat classes at Darien Pilates, both a beginner and intermediate/advanced class. I like to bring some humor to my classes and also tell you what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you should be feeling.
What I love most about the studio is that the Darien Pilates Community is very supportive. Every teacher here wants what is best for their clients. They won’t expect something out of you that you aren’t ready for, but they also won’t let you skimp on your workout. It’s a very calm environment (no loud music or people running in and out) You really get a purposeful one-on-one connection with your instructor and the most out of your Pilates session.
What can someone expect from practicing Pilates?
The Pilates technique trumps everything else. As Joseph Pilates stated, ‘You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.’
Do you have any advice for moms who are looking to get started with Pilates?
Start Now! Seriously, no matter what phase of life you are in… prenatal, postnatal, 25 or 85. Pilates is going to change your body and mind. Also, Stick with it! Make time for it because your physical health is important. You deserve to feel good in your body, to feel strong, and to feel healthy.
On a personal note, Pilates was essential to me during my second pregnancy. I was in better shape than when I was in with my first from having a consistent Pilates practice. I was put on bed rest due to complications and if I hadn’t taken the time to create a strong base, I would have been in a lot more pain and a lot more problems. After I gave birth, it was also easier to be physically active again. Many women feel very disconnected from their bodies, more specifically, their abdominals and pelvic floor, after giving birth. Pilates can be such a helpful and integral part of strengthening those muscles so that you feel good in your body again.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Sleep. Every decision you make, no matter what it’s about, will be significantly better if you are well-rested.
How do you unwind when you need some “me time?”
What me time?! Each week, I take a Pilates duet class instructed by the owner of Darien Pilates, Claudia King with my good friend Maggie. It’s the only time we both can catch up and get a great workout in!
Any words of wisdom?
You deserve to enjoy this life that you have been given. Start taking care of YOU, because you deserve it.
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town or nearby to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Bronx House Pizza in Stamford
Grab a drink with friends: Louie’s
Have a date night: Bodega
Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: Weed Beach
Shop for yourself/shop for your kids: Everything Rosey, Darien Toy Box
Spa/salon (or anywhere you go to treat yourself): Dolce Nails
Grab coffee: The new crepe place in town, Crêpes Choupette.