Reforming Pilates: How Laura Wilson is Shaping the Future of Fitness

In this episode of What It Takes, Laura Wilson, founder of Natural Pilates, shares her incredible journey of immigrating to the U.S. with just $100 and turning her passion for movement into a thriving Pilates business.

From discovering Pilates while working in a physical therapy office to building multiple studio locations, launching an online fitness platform, and developing a teacher training program, Laura has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with resilience and adaptability.

She also takes us behind the scenes of how she pivoted during the pandemic, scaled her business, and what she believes it truly takes to be a successful business owner.

📌 Key Takeaways from Laura’s Journey

🌍 From Romania to the U.S.: A Dream Turned Reality

• Laura immigrated to the U.S. in 2002 with just $100 in her pocket.
• She came through a student work program and was immediately captivated by the opportunities in the U.S.
• Instead of saving money to send back home, she focused on investing in her education and career.

💡 Finding Pilates & Building Natural Pilates

• While working in a physical therapy office in Santa Monica, she discovered Pilates as a rehabilitation tool.
• A car accident left her with severe neck pain, which led her to explore Pilates further.
• She became certified in 2005 and opened her first studio in Beverly Hills.
• Natural Pilates has since expanded to five studio locations across Los Angeles and New York.

🚀 Scaling & Innovating in the Fitness Industry

• She blended classical Pilates with athletic performance training, making the practice more accessible and results-driven.
• Launched Natural Pilates TV, a digital platform offering online workouts.
• Developed her own teacher training program, which is now nationally accredited.
• Created a line of Pilates equipment and fitness products to enhance workouts.

🔄 Pivoting During the Pandemic & Digital Expansion

• Anticipated lockdowns two weeks before they happened and quickly transitioned online.
• Launched virtual classes within 24 hours of business closures.
• Provided clients with at-home workout equipment to keep them engaged.
• Applied for an SBA loan on the first day, which helped keep her staff employed.
• Used the crisis as an opportunity to build an online fitness empire.

💪 What It Takes to Be a Business Owner

1. Consistency is key – Success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires dedication and perseverance.
2. Adaptability is crucial – Challenges like a pandemic or financial setbacks are inevitable, but quick decision-making and problem-solving make all the difference.
3. Passion fuels the journey – Loving what you do makes even the hardest days worth it.
4. Find solutions, not problems – Instead of dwelling on obstacles, focus on how to overcome them and move forward.
5. Leadership can be lonely – Business owners carry unique responsibilities that employees may not understand, requiring strong mental...