Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Karyn Staples PT, PhD, NCPT

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Karyn Staples PT, PhD, NCPT. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Karyn, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Energy is most important to me. How my energy will affect others, how other people’s energy will affect me, and how the energy of the clinic/studio affects all that enter. I strive to have an energy of healing and compassion. Knowing when to ramp up and when to ramp down my own energy is important for all I interact.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I am Dr. Karyn Staples, PT a Physical Therapist and Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher with over 25 years of clinical and teaching experience. Driven by my passion for creating an environment focused on wellness and optimal health, I founded ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio (Peachtree City, Georgia) in June 2005. My education, continued quest to further my knowledge, experience in the field has forged the path for my personal growth and development along with educating and mentoring other practitioners. I enjoy combining interesting thought-provoking lectures with practical demonstrations that enables the participant to effectively integrate foundational concepts into their daily work.

I discovered Pilates while attending the University of Evansville (Evansville, IN, graduated 1998) after reading Brooke Siler’s book, The Pilates Body, as I was seeking change in my exercise routine. The further I delved into the work the greater connection I saw with my physical therapy profession. While attending Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions for my PhD work in Orthopedics and Sports Science, I completed my comprehensive Pilates teacher training through Polestar® Pilates Education. This credential allowed me to complete my dissertation in April 2011 utilizing Pilates (The Effect of Standing Pilates on the Aging Female Population).

My Pilates background continues to be multi-lineage. I have presented at the Pilates Method Alliance, Pilates on Tour (Balanced Body), Physical Therapy Association of Georgia, Emory University Physical Therapy Department, Georgia State University Physical Therapy Department, and the University of Evansville Physical Therapy Department. I serve as a clinical mentor to physical therapy students and new graduates, orthopedic physical therapy residents, and movement practitioners. As a mother of two children (19 and 16), I continue to promote a healthy lifestyle to our next generation with programming at my office, small research projects, and community outreach.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. He has always had a wonderful work ethic and knowledge for his industry. My paternal grandfather most influenced me to become a physical therapist. My grandfather was injured in a coal mining accident in his early 30s leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. He was such an amazing and positive individual. He did so many things and was involved in my life growing up. I wanted to help people move better and be better as he never saw his not walking as a barrier from stopping life!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I will tell my younger self to say yes to opportunities that scare you a little and no to things that drain you a lot. I have had to learn to say no and realize it is okay to not do everything.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My passion is building a Pilates community where every teacher is credentialed through the NPCP, respected, and recognized for the depth of their training. It’s how we strengthen both the method and the profession.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I feel a responsibility to contribute to the growth of the next generation, and I know I would regret not doing so.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prohealthga.com AND www.drkarynstaples.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prohealthptc/ AND https://www.instagram.com/drkarynstaplespt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karyn-staples-pt-phd-ncpt-7a737560/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProHealthPTC/ AND https://www.facebook.com/drkarynstaplespt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarynstaplespt

Image Credits
LEH Photography