'Meet the MoveActive Ambassadors' - Mariah Gardner
Home Town: Melbourne, VIC
Profession: Pilates Instructor & Dancer
Instagram handle: @mariah.gardner
We are so excited to have you part of our team! Tell us a little about yourself?
Dance and movement have always been an important part of my life. I have been dancing since the age of 3 and began my full-time dance course straight out of high school. During full time, Pilates was a major component of our course to ensure that we stayed strong and injury free. It was also a large part of our rehabilitation if we did unfortunately ever find ourselves with an injury. During this time is when I developed my love for Pilates and shortly after completing full time dancing, I began studying to be a Pilates Instructor.
If you have ever attended one of my classes, I’m sure my accent may have thrown you. Spending some time growing up in America and having a Canadian mum has given me an unusual twang that usually leaves people wondering where I’m from.
Apart from dancing and Pilates, some of my other favourite things include spending as much time by the beach, with family and friends and travelling. Back in 2017 I was lucky enough to be able to backpack solo through Europe for four months and finish the trip by seeing family in Canada. Solo travelling was one of the greatest things I have ever done. I was able to meet some of the greatest people I have ever met and be challenged in ways I could have never imagined. (I also got to teach Pilates to a cricket team in a hostel!)
Favourite form of exercise?
Obviously Pilates!! I have also grown a love for running and am currently training for a half marathon.
What does movement mean to you? How do you apply this to the way you teach?
Over the years the importance of movement has really developed and changed for me. Particularly through 2020, the importance of movement was magnified to ensure the wellbeing of not only our physical health but majorly for our mental health. Movement has the ability to take our minds away from stress and worry and let us do something so selfless for ourselves. Movement has become something that I do to not make me look a certain way, but to make me feel a certain way. When I move, I feel strong, powerful and free. I apply this to each of my classes as my goal is to ensure my clients feel strong and empowered. Movement is meant to be fun so I always ensure my classes are full of laughter (probably terrible jokes - I think I usually just get sympathy laughs) and movement that will challenge you and push you to grow within yourself.
Tell us why you love MoveActive?
I love MoveActive for a number of reasons. Not only do they create amazing products like grip socks, resistance bands, mats and other incredible at home equipment, but they also ensure they are looking out for the well-being of our planet. All of their packaging comes in recycled and compostable packaging and they have recently reduced their use of plastic by 90%. They also donate $1 to one of three charities from every sale. You can look groovy while knowing you’re supporting an Australian brand!
Do you have a favourite pair?
Tough choice… buuuuut I do rock the low rise in the nude cheetah print quite often!
What will you bring to the MoveActive Team?
I will bring all the good vibes only! I love love love what I do and am so excited to be a part of the team and share my passion for the movement with you. I will most likely also bring some terrible jokes and will force you to laugh at them.
