I’ve been teaching Pilates for 10 years now. I went out fully on my own a year ago. I had been thinking about it for a long time but was worried about how successful I would or could be on my own. Last year, I went through a very big hardship in my personal life that really made me reflect on what’s important in life and what I really wanted for myself and my career; it was time.
For me, because I had been teaching in Los Angeles for so long and am therefore lucky to have a large network, I really just needed to take the leap. I was working at a large corporate gym and was often asked to teach people privately but rarely had the time to accommodate them. I knew in my gut that if I went out on my own, I would already have a substantial base to start and more would come given the new flexibility in my schedule. I built my website pilatesbyjenny.com and got a few clients that way, but most are by referrals or from previous client relationships. It truly was the “if you build it, they will come” mindset or, for me, “if you take the risk, they will appear” concept.

Additionally, a few friends referred me to some Los Angeles locations where I also teach:  The Four Seasons Private Residences, Heimat, and Sony (which I just left because my schedule has gotten so full.)  These keep me extra busy while meeting new and  interesting people.

I think the best piece of advice for someone looking to go out on their own is to be smart about timing and not afraid to use your network. That means you should build up your experience and connections for some time so that your work speaks for itself. Then, when you’re ready and know you have a proper foundation to rely on, don’t be afraid to let people know you’re going out on your own. You never know who will come through for you in a big way or how. Sometimes, it almost felt like I manifested my business. Anytime I would worry about not being busy enough a new client or opportunity would appear. I think that believing in yourself, working hard, and having good intentions goes a long way for a small business similar to mine. At the end of the day, be open to people and opportunities and above all be confident in what you bring to the table.

I’m a Pilates Instructor who has been teaching for 10 years now. I have a STOTT Level II full certification which means I’m certified on all Pilates apparatus (reformer, chair, Cadillac, barrels, and the Mat) through all advanced exercises.

I jumped into Pilates on a bit of a whim actually. I was working in corporate NYC in Fashion and then Media Strategy and felt very unfulfilled. I quit somewhat impulsively to become a Pilates instructor, as I had never done Pilates before. It sounds a bit crazy but I had a background in sports growing up and I was always interested in movement. Through a bit of research and soul-searching, I just had a gut feeling that I would like Pilates and it was what I was supposed to do. It’s still the best decision I’ve ever made.

I help people get into shape through Pilates – a full body fitness method that stretches and strengthens muscles simultaneously. With Mat Pilates, this is achieved through your own body movements and on the other apparatus, it’s achieved more efficiently by exercising against spring tension. Pilates on the apparatus is technically a form of strength training. All movements are core-based and really help strengthen smaller muscles and around the joints. It’s such a wonderful method to tone up, stretch out, and challenge yourself mentally, as well. I teach a variety of ages and fitness levels to help them achieve their goals. For some, that means getting in better shape, staying healthy, working on balance, feeling better, etc. I’m passionate about making Pilates fun and challenging while working on clients’ goals. I aim to keep variety in my programming so that they don’t get bored, and they’re constantly being challenged. I have a more athletic approach to Pilates and I like my clients to really “feel” it. For some of my older clients though, it’s all about staying healthy and feeling strong. I am very knowledgeable about injuries as well, having had several severe ones of my own (head, neck, and back to name a few) and aim to help anyone in pain as much as I can.

I’m most proud of the results my clients have achieved through Pilates, the results I myself have achieved through my personal practice, and the relationships I’ve built over the years with all of them. Additionally, I feel very rewarded by the fact that I’ve been able to build a successful and fulfilling career at a number of wonderful locations in Los Angeles, a city that isn’t always easy to break into.

People skills, being able to adapt to changes on the fly, and listening are the most important skills beyond my training. Being able to read people properly is super helpful since I’m in a people-oriented job. I’m a pretty intuitive person and I pick up on what people want and what the best form of delivery is for them. Some clients like me to teach them in a very direct method, some clients want an in-depth explanation of what muscles are working in a movement. Some people are more task-oriented and want more choreography, exercises, etc. Others want to feel it more and don’t want to worry about complicated moves; they want the most efficient one. I’m able to understand their personalities and what they like very early on.

Additionally, every day is different so I might start a session with someone one day and their back is really hurting or they sprained their ankle, and I might not know that ahead of time. I’m able to change my plan quickly and adapt without issues. I always try to provide what is wanted and needed.

Lastly, listening is of the utmost importance. People want to be heard and it’s my job to listen and try to provide what they want as best as possible. That could mean someone is happy with their progress but now has a new goal, wants to focus more on certain exercises, or to progress to more advanced exercises. I always listen and take the feedback into my programming moving forward.