We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lulu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lulu, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
In the spring of 2024, one of our clients received news that shook her: she was prediabetic, and her liver enzymes were elevated. After further testing, she was diagnosed with fatty liver disease—a condition that can be reversed, but only through major lifestyle changes. Her doctor gave her a roadmap: change her eating habits, lose weight, and commit to a healthier lifestyle. At the time, she was nearly 50 pounds over her ideal weight.
So she started walking daily. Then she joined a year-long nutrition program that helped her set goals around food and movement. But she still hadn’t found the right kind of exercise that felt good—until she stumbled across our Jefferson Pilates studio one day while out to brunch with a visiting friend. A serendipitous walk past our Pilates studio turned into her first class… and she’s been with us ever since.
In just a few months, her commitment to herself, her health, and her practice paid off in incredible ways. By August 2024, she was no longer prediabetic. And in January 2025, she met with her liver specialist, who told her she had successfully reversed her fatty liver disease—a feat achieved by only 1% of patients. She no longer needs follow-ups.
Through nutrition, movement, medication, and mindfulness, she has transformed her health. She’s lost 48 pounds. She feels strong. She’s now exploring Level 2 Pilates classes to keep challenging herself. And somewhere along the way, she became part of our West Adams Pilates community—a space where she felt supported, empowered, and welcomed.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those just discovering West Adams Pilates—hi, I’m Lulu! I’m the founder, creative spirit, and driving force behind this community-centered Pilates studio in Los Angeles. I opened our first location in 2021, and what started as a small dream straight out of Covid, has since grown into *three* vibrant studios across the West Adams and Mid City. Our mission is simple: to bring affordable, accessible Pilates to real bodies—no matter your size, age, background, or experience level.
My Pilates journey began back in 2009. I was certified through STOTT Pilates, Over the years, Pilates became more than just a method—it became a language of healing, resilience, and empowerment. It was there for me during major life transitions, and I saw firsthand how it could reconnect people to their bodies, mental and physical health in profound ways.
At West Adams Pilates, we offer a wide variety of classes—Reformer Sculpt, Barre, TRX, Mat Pilates, Soundbaths, Yin Yoga—and we also run powerful wellness workshops, including breathwork, hypnotherapy, and somatic healing. We don’t believe in gatekeeping wellness. We believe everyone deserves access to movement, stillness, and community care.
We also love collaborating with other small businesses and entrepreneurs—people like me who are building something from the ground up. Whether it’s a pop-up, co-hosted event, or simply sharing resources, we believe in building each other up in these wild times.
What truly sets us apart? We’re a proudly BIPOC and women-owned business rooted in inclusion and authenticity. We don’t do performative wellness or cookie-cutter workouts.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built. It’s diverse, supportive, and full of heart. Clients come here for the movement, but they stay because they feel safe, seen, and empowered. Whether you’re recovering, rebuilding, or just curious—we’ve got a reformer (and a place in our circle) for you.
West Adams Pilates isn’t just a studio—it’s a vibe, a village, and a little bit of magic. Come as you are, booking that first class might the hardest but most rewarding thing you can do for yourself!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our reputation has grown through word-of-mouth, community connection, and a deep commitment to creating a space that feels welcoming, real, and inclusive. Clients often tell us they feel seen, supported, and safe—and that our classes are not only effective but also full of warmth, humor, and good energy.
What sets us apart is the vibe: approachable instructors, diverse class offerings, and a studio culture that puts people before perfection. Whether someone’s brand new to Pilates or a seasoned mover, we meet them where they are—and that’s what keeps them coming back and bringing friends with them.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A few years ago, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: to separate from my partner of 8 years and start over. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly—when you’ve built a life with someone, the unraveling can feel terrifying. But deep down, I knew I needed to choose myself. I needed a new space to grow, to breathe, and to step into the next version of who I was becoming.
Since then, I’ve made some incredibly big, brave moves—expanding my small studio into three studios, and navigating life in a new way. Trusting myself, letting go of fear of scarcity.. None of it was easy. But it’s all proof that anything is possible when you trust yourself and put in the work. I’ve never been more proud of the woman I’ve become.
My daughters have been my anchors. Their love, support, and belief in me have kept me grounded through every step of the journey. We’ve grown even closer through it all, and I feel so lucky to have such a beautiful, honest relationship with them. They remind me every day why I do what I do—and that strength, softness, and self-worth can all exist in the same breath.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westadamspilates.net
- Instagram: westadamspilates
Image Credits
Brandonn Brown