Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Meinert.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Pilates began in my early twenties—not with a career intention, but as a deeply personal search for strength, balance, and healing. Like many, I first came to the method for my body—to feel better, move better, and reconnect with myself. At the time, I was navigating the stress of a fast-paced world and years of physical tension held from jaw surgery (jaw broken to correct an overbite – wired shut for a week) and the wear of daily life. I remember being struck not only by how Pilates challenged my body, but by how it sharpened my awareness. It made me feel more present, more whole.
Joseph Pilates’ philosophy instantly resonated with me—his belief in the mind-body connection reminded me of my own grandfather, a man of principle, discipline, and creativity. That early spark turned into a calling.
But it wasn’t always easy. My path involved twists, patience, and a lot of quiet perseverance. I balanced current career, pursued continuing education, and at times doubted whether I could make a true livelihood out of something that felt so personal and sacred. Yet every time I taught—even in a borrowed space or with just one client—I felt alignment, purpose, and a drive to keep going.
Years later, I founded Ozean Pilates + Wellness as a space to honor that spirit of resilience, to meet people where they are, and to help them reconnect to their bodies with compassion and curiosity. I believe movement is medicine. And for me, Pilates has always been more than exercise—it’s been a pathway to healing, for myself and others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My path with Pilates hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been shaped by both personal and professional challenges that ultimately made me a more intuitive teacher. One of the early obstacles was resisting the pressure to conform to what was trendy or marketable. In a world driven by fast results and flashy aesthetics, I had to continually return to what I knew in my bones: that the real power of Pilates lies in its depth, in presence, and in its ability to reconnect people with their bodies and breath.
There were seasons where self-doubt crept in—wondering if I was doing enough, or if I needed to look or teach a certain way to be taken seriously. I also carried physical tension from past surgery, long hours commuting, and the strain of modern life, which at times affected my energy, posture, and confidence. But these experiences became unexpected teachers. They deepened my empathy and reminded me that resilience isn’t about pushing through—it’s about learning how to stay present, soften, and recalibrate.
Perhaps the most transformative challenge was finding my authentic voice in this work. I had to unlearn the idea that there’s only one “right” way to teach or succeed. Over time, I came to trust that my strength as a practitioner lies not in perfection, but in my ability to hold space—for growth, for change, and for real connection.
That’s what I bring to Ozean every day: the lived experience of navigating challenge with grace, and the unwavering belief that movement can be a path back to ourselves.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the founder and owner of Ozean Pilates + Wellness Studio. I offer Pilates instruction and wellness coaching in-studio and online, who helps people move better, feel stronger, and live with more ease and vitality. At Ozean Pilates + Wellness, I specialize in tailored, client-centered programs that blend classical Pilates principles with modern movement. I work extensively with clients across a wide spectrum—from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to aging bodies, sports conditioning, injury prevention, and skin + gut coaching.
What truly sets me apart is my holistic approach. I don’t just focus on exercises—I listen deeply to each person’s story, their challenges, and their goals. My own journey through physical tension, surgery recovery, and mindful movement informs my teaching with empathy and resilience. I integrate mindful alignment, breath work, and mobility training to create sessions that honor each body’s unique needs.
I also prioritize connection—between mind and body, teacher and client, and within the movement itself. In an industry that can sometimes feel rushed or cookie-cutter, I create a supportive space where clients feel seen, empowered, and inspired to grow at their own pace. That personalized care and depth is what keeps my clients coming back and thriving.
What matters most to you?
What drives me every single day is making sure my clients feel truly seen and heard. I’m laser-focused on tuning into their needs and goals, then empowering them to not just reach those milestones—but to crush them and keep moving forward. There’s nothing like the joy of seeing someone light up with pride and confidence because they’ve unlocked new strength and freedom in their body.
That breakthrough moment—the smile that says, “I did it!”—is what fuels my passion. This work is about more than just movement; it’s about sparking transformation, resilience, and a deep sense of self-belief. Helping people feel amazing in their bodies and unstoppable in their lives—that’s what matters most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.OzeanPilatesWellness.com
- Instagram: @OzeanPilatesWellness
- Facebook: @OzeanPilatesWellness
