We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gretchen Bosselmann-May a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Gretchen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
A defining moment in my career was opening my own Pilates studio. It was something I never imagined I would do when I first started teaching. However, after completing Kathi Ross-Nash’s Professional Pilates Advanced Teacher Training Program in 2021–2022, my perspective completely changed.
Kathi’s selects only ten instructors globally each year, and being chosen was both an honor and a turning point. Her training goes beyond simply learning the exercises — it teaches the application of the Pilates Method as Joseph Pilates intended. I learned how each exercise connects to the next, how to assess what a client truly needs, and how to use the full range of apparatus to create balanced, individualized programs. The method becomes less about isolated movements and more about a continuous thread that runs through every exercise, every piece of equipment, and every session.
Through that experience, I realized I needed my own space — a fully equipped studio where I could teach the Method in its entirety. I wanted to create an environment where each client, even in group classes, had access to the appropriate apparatus to support their progression.
Opening my studio empowered me to teach with integrity and depth. It allowed me to bring the Method to life in a way that genuinely transforms bodies — not just by advancing someone through exercises, but by restoring balance, strength, and understanding through a comprehensive system.
Gretchen, 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?
My name is Gretchen Bosselmann-May, and I’m the founder and owner of TruForm Pilates, a fully equipped classical Pilates studio dedicated to teaching the Pilates Method as it was originally intended by Joseph Pilates. I began my journey into Pilates like many do — as a student looking to move better and feel stronger. What started as a personal practice quickly turned into a passion for the Method and its potential to truly transform the body.
Over time, I realized that Pilates was not just about exercise — it was a comprehensive system rooted in structure, progression, and precision. That realization deepened when I was selected to participate in Kathi Ross-Nash’s Professional Pilates Advanced Teacher Training Program, one of the most rigorous and respected classical programs in the world. Only ten instructors are chosen globally each year, and I was honored to be part of the 2021–2022 cohort.
That experience changed everything for me. It taught me how to see the body, how to understand the connections between exercises and apparatus, and how to apply the Method to help clients move more efficiently, eliminate imbalances, and feel empowered in their own bodies. It also made it clear that to teach the Method with the depth and integrity it deserves, I needed my own space.
That’s how TruForm Pilates was born — out of a desire to preserve the Method while making it accessible and truly effective for every client who walks through my door. At TruForm, I offer private sessions, semi-private training, and group classes, all using classical apparatus such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, and more. I ensure that even in a group setting, each client has access to the appropriate equipment so that they can train with the same quality and intention as they would in a private session.
What sets TruForm apart is the emphasis on individualized teaching within the framework of a proven system. I don’t offer a generic list of exercises — I offer a personalized experience built on understanding why an exercise is being taught, when it’s appropriate, and how it integrates into the broader picture of a client’s movement goals.
I’m most proud of staying true to the Method and creating a space where clients don’t just “do Pilates” — they learn it, embody it, and see real, lasting results. I want potential clients and followers to know that TruForm is not about trends or quick fixes — it’s about real movement, real change, and a lifelong understanding of your body.
Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or a seasoned mover looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find a supportive, highly trained eye and a space committed to excellence and authenticity.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
As the owner of a small, bespoke Pilates studio — a word my husband lovingly uses to describe it — the most effective way I’ve grown my business has been through client referrals.
You’re not going to stumble upon my studio by walking down the street. It’s a hidden gem, intentionally designed to be focused, personalized, and true to the Classical Pilates Method. Because of that, referrals are everything. Most of my new clients have come to me either through word of mouth or because they were specifically seeking out Classical Pilates — something that isn’t always easy to find.
When a current client refers someone, it means they’ve not only connected with the work but trust me enough to share that experience with others. That kind of organic growth is deeply meaningful. It brings in people who are aligned with what I offer — a tailored, method-driven approach that prioritizes quality over quantity.
In a world full of fast fitness and trends, referrals allow me to continue doing what I love: teaching Pilates in its truest form, in a space that’s intentionally small, deeply focused, and built on relationships.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and technical knowledge, the most helpful thing for my success has been building genuine relationships — with clients, mentors, and even fellow instructors.
Pilates is a very personal practice, and success in this field isn’t just about knowing the Method — it’s about how you connect with people. Clients want to feel seen, understood, and supported. Creating a space where they feel safe to explore movement, ask questions, and be challenged with care has been essential to the growth of my studio and my own development as a teacher.
Also, having a strong sense of patience and consistency has been incredibly valuable. Progress — whether in business or in someone’s body — rarely happens overnight. Being willing to show up, do the work, and trust the process has helped me stay grounded during the ups and downs.
And finally, staying true to my values. In a fitness world full of trends and quick fixes, remaining committed to teaching Classical Pilates the way it was intended has helped me stand out and build something meaningful — even if it’s on a smaller, more focused scale.
Success, for me, has come not just from what I know, but from how I show up, how I treat people, and how I stay aligned with why I started this journey in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.truformpilates.com
- Instagram: TruFormPilatesAZ
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pilates.SolutionsAZ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/truform-pilates-scottsdale
Image Credits
Sarah Hoag Photography