Corey Radtke studied theater arts at UCLA, and hoped to be a dancer. But early on, she discovered that she was more of a behind-the-scenes artist. Moreover, she started having serious back pain in her 20s after a car accident. Ms. Radtke went on to have a successful career marketing international films.
By Robin Jovanovich
Corey Radtke studied theater arts at UCLA, and hoped to be a dancer. But early on, she discovered that she was more of a behind-the-scenes artist. Moreover, she started having serious back pain in her 20s after a car accident. Ms. Radtke went on to have a successful career marketing international films.
While at the Cannes Film Festival, she met her future husband. “Stefan and I had a long-distance romance until I moved from Santa Monica to Munich, where I got a job in film distribution.”
Twelve years ago, after she gave birth to her first child, she was in so much back pain she had to get shots in her spine. Strengthening her core became a primary objective. “A friend told me, ‘You need Pilates.’ She was right. After three months I could feel the difference. I was also learning to do everyday things properly, in ways that protected my back.”
In 2002, the Radtke family moved to Rye and Corey has been teaching Pilates one-on-one in her home studio for nine of those years. “When I started, there were no Pilates classes in Rye. There are more options now, but my clients are people who don’t like going into big-class settings.”
Through word of mouth, Ms. Radtke has attracted a large and diverse following. “Pilates suits a wide range of needs. I teach a yoga teacher and a spin teacher. Many of my clients come to me just to move and stretch,” she said.
“I also have a number of clients who have gone through major cancer or orthopedic surgery. We start slowly and work our way up.” She added, “Pilates is a healing agent.”
Catherine Parker started doing Pilates twice a week after the birth of her second child. “I had gained a tremendous amount of weight during the pregnancy, and if truth be told, I was not exactly at ‘fighting weight’ when I was first expecting.
“Right from the beginning I loved working with Corey. She designed an exercise routine for me that was challenging without being impossible, taught me proper technique that maximized my ability and strengthened my core, and then varied the routine so it never felt boring. Within 16 months I had lost 30 pounds and have never felt as fit and healthy as I do now.”
Whether you do Pilates twice a week or 20 minutes a day, you’ll reap the benefits, according to Ms. Radtke. This super instructor also stays in shape by doing cardio exercise at the Rye Y and taking spin classes at Bilancio in Purchase. But, she says, it’s Pilates that makes her feel good. “It changed the quality of my life.”
Wanting to give back to the community, starting April 17, Corey Radtke is offering six weeks of Pilates workshops at Rye Presbyterian Church for church members and friends. The classes run from 9:30-10:30 a.m. No previous experience necessary. Bring a mat.
Don’t be surprised if she converts you. You can reach her at Corey@purebodypilates.com.
