We recently connected with Jodi Scardino and have shared our conversation below.

Jodi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I worked on Wallstreet for 15 years and decided to leave and reinvent myself. I decided to pursue Pilates as it changed my life in the past. It was a long journey of the unkown. Where will this get me, will I ever learn the method and be effective. Will I ever have my own studio where others can heal and teach.

It took me from 2013 to 2022 to Learn and become an effective teacher and find a space to have the studio.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was let go from a job in 2010. I went on many interviews and was overqualified or just couldn’t find the right position. I then had to reinvent myself. I love to help others. I went back to college for nursing and found it very hard and decided to go into Pilates. I had an amazing Pilates instructor who opened her own studio and advised me to get certified and teach for her studio. In 2013 I started the journey of learning. It was very humbling as I was the only person who had no backround in fitness, dance or physical therapy. It was very discouraging as I could not keep up with the rest of the students. I finally got certified and started teaching. However I always felt I was missing something. The how and the whys. Pilates is not about memorizing exercising and about understanding movement. I kept searching for the right school and tried many in the tri-state area. It wasn’t until 2018 that I found the real deal. I am currently still studying under Authentic Pilates Learning Center in Mahwah.
With my education from here I am now able to rehab and completely change all the bad habits people make over a lifetime. I can cure most injuries and change peoples posture.

I believe it’s important to know your product well before you open a business so you can properly higher the right people. I struggled with finding a space because of covid so I finally found a space in 2022 in Rutherford NJ.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Changing careers can be risky after investing 15 years in one Industry. Dont be afraid of learning at an older age. There will never be the right time. I was not married and had a little savings. I worked my butt off bartending until I was able to teach Pilates. At 51 I dont have my dream house, car or vacation but I am still on the right path and it never feels like work.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Dont be afraid of time or failing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Persistencepilates.com
• Instagram: @persistencepilates
• Youtube: Pilatesbyjodi