Introducing The Ab Belt™ by Kahley
What inspired you to create The Ab Belt™ by Kahley, and how did the idea first come to life?
The Ab Belt™ was born from one of the most challenging chapters of my life—recovering from a liver transplant surgery in October of 2019. After surgery, I was faced with a weakened core, intense back pain, and the daunting process of rebuilding my strength. I found myself improvising with a small ball using a knee brace strapped around my waist for support, and in that moment, the idea sparked: what if there were a simple, effective tool designed specifically to help people safely reconnect with their core? That seed became The Ab Belt™.
Can you share a little about the development process and what shaped the final product?
The development process was a mix of trial, error, and a lot of patience. I experimented with different materials, levels of tension, and placement until it offered both stability and freedom of movement. My biggest “aha!” moment came when I realized the belt not only helped me engage my abdominals, but also protected my lower back. That combination of support and activation was exactly what I—and so many others—needed.
What makes The Ab Belt™ unique compared to other Pilates or fitness accessories on the market?
Most fitness props are designed to add resistance or make an exercise harder. The Ab Belt™ is different—it’s about feedback and awareness. It teaches the body how to connect, rather than forcing it. It’s lightweight, adaptable, and versatile enough to use in mat work, on the reformer, or cadillac. Its uniqueness lies in its simplicity and purpose: helping movers truly feel their core in a way that’s natural and intuitive.
How does the belt enhance a Pilates practice, both for beginners and more advanced movers?
For beginners, the belt acts like a guiding hand from a teacher. It makes it easier to locate the abdominals and pelvic floor and move from the powerhouse without compensating in the hips or lower back. For advanced movers, the belt brings an added layer of precision. It fine-tunes engagement, deepens stability, and helps strip away excess tension so the movement is driven purely from the core.
Can you talk us through some of the key benefits you’ve seen clients experience while using The Ab Belt™?
The most powerful feedback I hear is, “I haven’t been able to engage my abs like that in years.”' Clients report less back pain, improved posture, stronger abdominal engagement, and overall more confidence in their movement. Many who struggled for years to feel their abs suddenly experience that connection. For post-surgical clients or new mothers, the belt has been a game-changer in helping them rebuild safely and effectively.
How do you see The Ab Belt™ fitting into classical Pilates repertoire versus more contemporary programming?
The Ab Belt™ is a bridge between both. In classical Pilates, it honors Joseph Pilates’ principles of centering, concentration, and control by reinforcing correct core and pelvic floor engagement. In contemporary programming, it opens the door for creativity—layering into flows, prop work, or athletic conditioning. No matter the style, it enhances without distracting, making it versatile across the Pilates spectrum.
Have you noticed it influencing the way people connect with their core or understand Joseph Pilates’ original principles?
Absolutely. Joseph Pilates taught that all movement should stem from the powerhouse. The Ab Belt™ helps clients embody that principle in a tangible way. Instead of me constantly cueing 'pull your abs in,' the belt itself delivers the feedback. Clients develop a deeper sense of awareness and control, aligning perfectly with Pilates’ foundational philosophy.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for The Ab Belt™ by Kahley?
My vision is for The Ab Belt™ to become as essential as the Magic Circle—an accessible tool every Pilates studio has on hand. Beyond Pilates, I see it playing a role in physical therapy, post-surgical rehab, athletic training, and even broader fitness programs. Anywhere there’s a need for safer, smarter core activation, The Ab Belt™ can make a difference. Ultimately, it’s more than a product—it’s a philosophy of healing, awareness, and strength from the inside out.
Kahley Schiller founded PILATES BY KAHLEY in Kansas City in 2005 with a mission of sharing her passion for Pilates to help others change their bodies and their lives. Her practice was instrumental in her recovery from liver transplant surgery, and she now specializes in Pilates for injury prevention and rehabilitation, working with clients from young athletes to breast cancer survivors to the Kansas City Chiefs. Certified in Pilates mat and equipment through DK Body Balancing Method of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She also recently trained with first generation Pilates teacher Lolita San Miguel, completing the Pilates Mentor Master Program to become an official second generation Pilates instructor.