Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michele Schlanbusch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michele, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
I remember it like it was yesterday — on October 24, 2024, a friend invited me to a town hall meeting hosted by California State Assembly Member Dr. Akilah Weber. You see my friend knew how much I love working with prenatal and postpartum women. She was also aware of my tendency to geek out on Pilates and statistics. I had no idea that attending this town hall meeting would change my life forever.
Dr. Akilah Weber, a renowned Obstetrician/Gynecologist, founded the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Division at Rady Children’s Hospital and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSD. As a California State Assembly Member, she represents San Diego’s 79th district. At the meeting, Dr. Weber discussed the Black Maternal Health Crisis in America. During the town hall discussion, I learned that Black women are 3-5 times more likely (depending on where you are in the nation) to die than white women from pregnancy-related complications, regardless of socioeconomic status. I was gobsmacked. I remember thinking to myself, “How did this happen?” “How could I be oblivious to this issue?” “What can I do to help Black mothers and babies survive pregnancy?”
As a result, I founded Thriving While Pregnant & Beyond, a grassroots, 501(c)3, nonprofit wellness and advocacy program for Black pregnant women. We provide, free prenatal & postpartum Pilates for Black women from their second trimester until their baby is 1 year old. We promote self-advocacy while offering a strong and supportive community. We make every effort to connect our moms to all of the resources they need to have a safe, successful, and empowered birth.
Michele, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I began my strength journey over 30 years ago. In that time, I have acquired many skills and refined my expertise to focus solely on health, wellness, and longevity for women 35 years and older. My Boundless studio offers skill-based, good form-focused, heavy weightlifting, pain relief sessions, nutrition accountability, 1-6 day retreats as well as prenatal and postpartum Pilates.
I’m most proud of the care and detail we put into our retreats. We want our guests to feel, strong, supported,
confident, nurtured, and downright unstoppable.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
The ability to listen well. Understand what is truly being said. Then act upon what you have heard with precision and grace.
“People won’t care how much you know unless they really know how much you care” – Margaret Tyson, 1959
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Respectable Sins
Your Money Counts
The Millionaire Next Door
Contact Info:
- Website: Http://www.tobeboundless.com
- Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/to_be_boundless
