Life & Work with Genevieve Billson of Marina Del Rey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Genevieve Billson.

Hi Genevieve, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Athletic Pilates is my proud little love child, and I’ve poured my heart and soul into crafting a style that dances a bit outside the traditional lines of the Pilates community. It all started with a not-so-little injury, a college application, and a dash of serendipity!

Let me be honest—I didn’t take the injury in stride. If you’ve ever been benched by an injury, you know the drill: mentally spiraling into every worst-case scenario, twiddling your thumbs and wishing the pain away! You try to ignore it, push your limits to feel some semblance or normalcy, but often just end up prolonging the agony. It was this feeling of being utterly stuck that led me to apply to a small college. I figured I’d study oceanography while I was laid up, but then the college administrator introduced me to some active classes—voilà, there was Pilates!

Initially, I signed up for the free workout with college credits, itching to get it over with so I could dive into my “real” studies. But wow, did the program have a different agenda! As I moved through Ballet, Pilates Mat, Anatomy for Dancers, and Strength Training, I faced a terrifying contraption called the “Reformer.”

Before I joined the program, I’d heard whispers of Pilates. It was as foriegn to me as another language —something popular among dancers in New York and housewives everywhere, but in California, it was receiving its revival.

Then came my lightbulb moment! The Reformer, which we affectionately nicknamed the “torture bench,” revealed a sweet secret: I could move without that incessant shooting hip pain! Weight-bearing exercises suddenly felt like a walk in the park—or at least not a jog through a minefield. I was skeptical, of course, so I tried some basic cardio exercises. Was it irritated? Yes. Did I heal? Not completely, but I was able to sleep without pain, move a little more efficiently, and that felt like winning the lottery!

I became determined to help others discover this magical tool. I envisioned a world where people could escape their pain through functional training, and Pilates became my conduit. A few years later, I went a little “feral” and started throwing in my fun personal touches. While many instructors stick to the classical style—keeping to the origonal teachings of Joseph Pilates—I craved a bit of flair and creativity. I began adding props; a ball here for a little glute activation, a twist there for that oblique burn. Then, a soccer player strutted into my studio, shot me that “Is this all you’ve got?” look, and i might as well have collapsed at the audacity!

It takes just one person to throw a cow into the road and steer you off your path. And how dare he! So, as per my style, challenge accepted! What did this athlete need that was different from a football or hockey player? How could I make this challenging but adhere to their real-life situations? And as luck would have it, I found myself working with all kinds of athletes, testing their strength and crafting workouts to meet their unique needs.

Today, I treasure and build upon that journey. I’ve developed a laser-sharp eye for form, strength, and recovery. Every client who walks through my door leaves a little something behind—each story, each experience inspires me to create a personalized plan that’s all about them. Honestly, it’s vital to find a trainer who works for you instead of the other way around. You shouldn’t be forced to fit into their mold; it is so important to seek out someone you vibe with, someone who has the skills to help you reach your goals, keeps you consistent, and has fun doing it!

Let’s face it: If you’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point? Pilates might not be it for everyone, but I truly believe I can change minds about my style of fitness: Athletic Pilates LA is built on a foundation of experience, weights, fun, and a lot of laughter!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, COVID didn’t help! I find that the work of a business owner, whether it’s storefront or online, is a never-ending emotional roller coaster filled with sunshine and occasional potholes. Deep potholes. You never know when you’ll have a good month or a bad month, lots of time off or none at all, and sleepless nights questioning every life choice leading up to that moment.

I really struggled with finding my identity in the Pilates community. I was told my style isn’t Pilates anymore, that it lies somewhere between athletic training and weightlifting, but now, I’m fine with that reference. Proud, actually! The people who come to me are looking for something different, and that I specialize in, rather than a perfectly normal workout on a flat surface. And I am far from the normal, stereotypical Pilates trainer.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What am I known for? I play on my clients’ strengths – to show them what their bodies are truly capable of. I like to meld weightlifting and functional training together and add in a bit of calisthenics to bring out the most complex movements they didn’t think themselves possible. I make it a point to have a blast while doing it, too. The burn is real, baby!

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Seeing the results of hard work is truly rewarding. The joy on someone’s face when they finally reach their goals never gets old. I am your biggest cheerleader, and I want you to go home feeling like you’re making progress. I truly value the texts, emails, and phone calls from clients who experience moments of clarity, especially when they never thought they could achieve what they have. I’ll do everything I can to help you surpass your goals.

Pricing:

• Private: 1v1 $125
• Duets $90 per-person
• virtual/ remote $105
• Dynamic Mat class $35
• Reformer burn $45

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Athleticpilatesla.com
• Instagram: @athleticpilatesla

Image Credits
Amanda Proudfit