What is it about Pilates that keeps you committed and passionate?

I am inspired by the body, How to function in everyday life without pain. To be prepared to perform at anytime and have strength and flexibility to do anything I can imagine. Pilates has continually been a part of my own body practice. To be able to share what I have learned about the body, and how to conquer injuries and how to work deeply and effectively is my passion. Pilates continually inspires me to connect with myself and in turn connect with others and to understand more about movement everyday.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not teaching at Frog Temple?

I have an artistic practice that I continually dive into daily. I love to write about new ideas and discover what is important about having an artistic voice and how to share that voice with others.

What is the best thing about Chicago, in your opinion?

I just moved back to Chicago after living in Berlin, Germany for a year and a half. The best thing for me currently is being closer to my family.

What is your 2012 New Year’s resolution?

I was on an airplane flying back to America on New Year’s Eve. It seemed like an appropriate day to come back to the States and start a life here. It has been a more difficult transition than I anticipated. Daily I remind myself to be thankful for my experiences in life and to continue to create more ways to be able to do what I love in life. I love to connect with people, to heal them, to be a vehicle to find understanding, to support and inspire. I yearn to express and to be creative and to make tactile objects and to perform. Continually I strive to maintain a healthy balance in life, and to never give up on what I love.

Do you prefer to out eat or at home – and why? Favorite restaurant/meal?

I love to cook. I generally cook all of my meals. My favorite thing to cook is probably quinoa. I also make the best beans. A new favorite is celery root. I also love soups; it’s a great way to eat cheap!

What is your idea of a perfect vacation?

To go to India for a month and practice Mysore everyday, eat yummy food, and hike through the Himalayas.

What is the most impactful advice you have heard about health and exercise?

It was actually uncovered while I was being interviewed for an article about performance art. The guy doing the interview said, “you love to work with porcelain; is this because it is strong yet fragile, just like working with your body?” I find this inspiring and very true. Your body is strong and supple and it is important to take care of it so it doesn’t break!

Allison Fall is constantly connecting with people through the body. She received her MFA in ceramics, performance and sculpture at the School of the Art Institute Chicago. Her work as a teacher began in 1992 teaching dance and has continually been teaching movement since. Allison received her Pilates certification in New York City at Core Pilates, NYC. She continued her education and understanding of the Pilates system while training and teaching with Peter Roel in NYC. Being a professional dancer, Allison began studying Pilates in 1998, finding a way to maintain a healthy body and understand many injuries. Recovering from multiple injuries is where Allison gathered most of her knowledge in helping to understand how to heal, help and advance the bodies she works with. Allison has taught Pilates in New York City, Chicago and Berlin. Her focus is always on the body in front of her, working to give each student what he or she needs.