Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydie Robsham.
Lydie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Aerial Bodies in 1999 when working overseas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where my husband was transferred. I had left my school teaching job at the French International School in Bethesda MD for a more interesting career, helping people with Fitness, Post Rehab and Massage Therapy.
Overseas, I would work for the American school of Dubai and have patients of the American Hospital, treating expats with pain and injuries, providing Neuromuscular therapy massages and teaching Pilates.
I loved the rehab and training, being also a world-class water-skier was a natural path to my new found career.
I treated water-skiers, covered the strongest man in the world event competition in Dubai.
Upon my return to the US, I worked as a Pilates instructor and Massage therapist in gyms and doctors office where rehab and massage were needed.
I also covered events like the Water-ski US Open, the Wellington Equestrian festival, Marathons… water-ski Nationals.
My career took off as my Water-ski titles accumulated. I won Seniors worlds over 35 in 2000, then a Bronze medal in Water-ski Tricks at European championships in 2001. I was ranked 12 in the world and there was no stopping me.
Then, the unthinkable happened, I have diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis an autoimmune disease and then cancer of the Thymus. In 2005, I underwent surgery to remove the thymus, but it came back in my lungs 2 years after… long story short, I had my mid lobe of my right lung removed and 2 ribs, chemoradiation, etc… I was told I would never ski again and might not make it 2 years. I was 42 and so not ready to go.
Fast forward 13 y later,I didn’t die, I had opened my own place, my Pilates studio, became a US citizen and won 2 worlds and 2 nationals in women tricks water-skiing. My cancer came back 2 more times and I got treated. I have a sword over my head but I don’t give in to anxiety because I’m not my disease…. I’m an observer who has a purpose and is happy!
My studio is growing steady and I hired more teachers to provide for new services. Aerial yoga and spinal decompression is the new thing. I earned more certifications over the years to be able to reach in my tool box and help my clients. Life goes on.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ahah! I just spelled it all… oh and I broke my leg waterskiing in 2011, was on crutches for 4 months, taught my classes with a cast on my leg and an external fixator… my surgeon told me I would never ski again… lol! I won medals, 4 gold after that.
Shit happens in life, I lost my mom of cancer in 2010, I had to give up my job to attend and care for her. I came back to the US after one year in France only to go to cancer treatments myself alone. It’s hard to lose a mom. But, I made it. She taught me to never complain, my dad taught me to never give up… I’m a Raptor now, try to kill me if you can.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Aerial Bodies Inc.
Pilates
Massage therapy
Personal training
Yoga
Aerial yoga
Post rehab
I’ve been a Massage Therapist for 23 years… after I got injured and broke my back. That was in 1995. Then, I studied Pilates, etc… plus, other modalities. Check out my webbsite, my resume is there… and my 5 stars Google reviews.
I’m known for my results and my passion for my work. I guess I will never retire… seriously, I only need 4 weeks vacations a year and some good teachers to help me.
I’m proud of empowering my clients and never give up, they are the reason I’m here because I learn so much from each of them. There is a lot of fun in my studio. I love people and laugh.
What sets me apart? I’m French, mean, non-complacent, and speak the truth… no BS, but lots of fun. And I’m good.
What were you like growing up?
My parents were teachers in Paris. We snowed ski, water-skied, dance, took music lessons, etc… we were always involved in sports. My dad had a snow ski school in Tignes were the Olympics were, and a water ski school in Spain. He was a phys ed teacher and I grew up very lucky. My dad was an international ski coach and physical therapist and a teacher yes, 3 jobs non stop… crazy with.
My parents pushed up me and my only sister, to excel, never give up, fight, study and be the best we could be.
we were not rich, not poor, we had vacations, one car, one tiny appt in the suburbs of Paris far away. Socialized medicine, enough food, and no extravaganza.
Contact Info:
- Address: Aerialbodies pilates and yoga.
- Website: www.aerialbodies.com
- Phone: 561-856-0131
- Email: aerialbodies@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerialBodiesPilates/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
