Member of the Month at Vero Pilates: PK

When PK completed physical therapy for shoulder and lower back pain, his physical therapist offered him a simple piece of advice that would ultimately change his path.

"Yoga is breathing and stretching. Pilates is breathing and strengthening."

He chose Pilates.

At first, his goal was straightforward: to become stronger, more flexible, and to take better care of his body. But what he found was much more than exercise.

"As I've gotten older," PK shares, "I've become more interested in remaining active, independent, curious, and fully engaged with life."

For someone who has always considered his "battlefield" to be intellectual rather than athletic, Pilates offered something unexpected—a welcoming place to challenge himself while learning to better understand his body. He appreciates that the Pilates Method asks us to respect our bodies while continuing to discover what they're capable of.

"It's quietly beautiful," he says, "to realize that you can still become stronger, more capable, and maybe even more gracious at any age."

Finding a Home at Vero Pilates in Long Beach

While Pilates first drew PK in, it was the people at Vero Pilates who kept him coming back.

"What has kept me at Vero was the warmth of the community and the genuine attention to each individual. I never felt that I was simply being taken through a series of exercises; I felt that I was being taught how to understand my own body better."

He especially values the many ways our community comes together beyond the studio—from Mat & Mimosas and outdoor movement classes to our inaugural book club. These shared experiences, he says, encourage us to reflect together in meaningful and enriching ways.

Since beginning his practice, PK has noticed significant improvements in his strength, flexibility, and body awareness. But the greatest reward has been discovering what consistent practice can accomplish.

"I now can sit up straight while both hip bones are firmly planted and can (mostly) 'draw the sword.' This is progress!"

He reflects that meaningful change often happens quietly.

"You show up, you practice, you struggle with something, and then one day you realize that what once felt impossible has become part of you."

A Life of Curiosity

Outside the studio, PK enjoys returning to favorite destinations around the world to immerse himself in art, architecture, history, and everyday life.

"Each visit allows a deeper cut," he explains.

He's also passionate about languages. Fluent in Spanish, he's currently re-learning Italian and appreciates the humility that comes with being a lifelong student.

"There is a through line in how Pilates rewards consistency and attention to detail, because this is also applicable to language learning."

Caring for Others—and Himself

PK is a double board-certified addiction psychiatrist and general psychiatrist who focuses on serving the underserved monolingual Spanish-speaking community in Los Angeles.

"It's work that has given me the privilege of meeting people at extraordinarily complicated moments and helping them find more rewarding, connected lives."

His career has reinforced the importance of caring for one's own well-being.

"Psychiatry has taught me that people are remarkably resilient, but also that none of us should take our well-being for granted. We all need things that keep us connected—to others, to our identities and bodies, and to our world."

For PK, Pilates has become one of those essential connections.

"My work asks me to spend a great deal of time listening to other people; Pilates gives me an hour to become quiet enough to listen to my own body and delightfully synchronize with others."

From His Pilates Instructors

PK's instructors, Janet and Patti, describe him as someone who brings curiosity and intention to every session.

He loves understanding the "why" behind each exercise, asking thoughtful questions that deepen both his knowledge and his practice. His dedication to refining his movement, improving his form, and building stronger mind-body connections is evident every time he steps into the studio.

Well...almost every time.

"He often shows up a little late," they laugh, "but always ready to work."

Beyond his commitment to Pilates, PK has become an important part of the Vero community. He enthusiastically participates in studio events, has formed wonderful friendships with fellow members like Abe and Mary, and is often found chatting after class. Watching those friendships grow has been a joy for both instructors and classmates alike.

Most of all, Janet, Patti, and the whole Vero Team appreciates the warmth, positivity, and genuine curiosity that PK brings through the studio doors.

Congratulations, PK! Thank you for reminding us that Pilates isn't simply about becoming stronger—it's about staying curious, embracing lifelong learning, and finding connection through movement. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Vero Pilates family.