Erin Marie Akin-Thomas was first introduced to Pilates in 2005 while working with a physical therapist to address dance-related injuries. As a professional dancer and instructor, she quickly discovered that Pilates offered far more than rehabilitation—it provided a deeper understanding of movement, strength, coordination, and body awareness. Over the following years, Pilates became an essential part of her training and self-care routine. Through consistent reformer work and ongoing study of Alexander Technique, Erin developed a greater appreciation for efficient movement patterns, postural alignment, and the connection between strength and mobility. These practices enabled her to maintain a demanding professional dance and teaching career while supporting long-term health and injury prevention. In 2018, Erin completed comprehensive Pilates certification training, including Reformer, Tower, Platform, and Advanced coursework. She has continued her professional development through ongoing mentorship, staff training, workshops, and continuing education at the Pilates Center of Austin. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a movement educator, Erin brings a unique perspective to her Pilates instruction. Her background in dance, ballroom, movement analysis, and body awareness allows her to help clients develop strength, stability, flexibility, coordination, and confidence in a thoughtful and individualized way. Erin enjoys working with clients of all ages, fitness levels, and movement backgrounds—from complete beginners to experienced athletes, dancers, and active adults. Whether a client is seeking greater strength, improved balance, relief from everyday aches and pains, or enhanced athletic performance, her goal is to create a supportive environment where each person can move more efficiently and feel better in their body. Erin believes that movement should enrich everyday life. Through Pilates, she strives to help clients build lasting strength, improve body awareness, and develop the confidence to move with greater ease both inside and outside the studio.