Hidden Gems: Meet Bill Hennerty of Pilates House of Contrology

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Hennerty.

Hi Bill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path to Pilates House of Contrology didn’t start in a studio—it started with movement, rhythm, and curiosity. As a kid in the 1980s, I would go with my dad to the boxing gym where he trained in Los Angeles. I was drawn to the rhythm of jump ropes, the thud of gloves hitting bags, and the focused energy in the room. At the same time, I grew up around my dad’s furniture manufacturing company, where the constant hum of machinery had its own precise rhythm. Those early experiences taught me how structure, repetition, and focus can be calming, grounding, and powerful.

For about ten years, I explored group fitness classes that called themselves “Pilates,” but I wasn’t truly learning the method. It wasn’t until I discovered classical Pilates and began studying under Master 2nd Generation Instructor Tiziana Trovati that everything clicked. The method’s precision, order, and depth felt familiar, and I realized how transformative authentic Pilates could be.

Opening PHOC in Huntington Beach was the natural next step. I wanted to create a studio where people could learn the full classical system, taught in the correct order, with the original apparatuses and principles intact. Today, PHOC is the only classical Pilates studio in Huntington Beach, serving men and women who want real results, proper technique, and a community that values strength, precision, and personal growth.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to building Pilates House of Contrology hasn’t always been smooth, and the challenges along the way have been real and meaningful. Early on, I realized that what I thought was “Pilates” in group fitness classes wasn’t actually Pilates. I was moving and working hard, but I wasn’t learning the true system. That pushed me to seek out the authentic classical method.

Once I committed to the real work, there were practical hurdles: finding authentic Gratz apparatuses for the studio, building a client base, and helping people understand the difference between genuine classical Pilates and the watered-down versions they might be used to. Learning the method itself required patience, focus, and discipline, and bringing it all together in a studio setting was no small task.

Each challenge, however, reinforced why I do this work. Today, every student who leaves PHOC feeling stronger, more confident, or more connected to their body is proof that the effort, persistence, and dedication were absolutely worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pilates House of Contrology is the only authentic classical Pilates studio in Huntington Beach, and it’s built on a simple idea: helping people truly understand their bodies. We offer private sessions, semi-private sessions, and open gym access, giving students the guidance they need while teaching them to move confidently on their own. Our approach isn’t about flashy moves or quick results—it’s about building real, lasting strength, flexibility, and awareness that carries into daily life.

One of my students recently told me, “I’ve tried various Pilates styles, but this classical class truly stands out. Bill is incredibly knowledgeable and ensures every movement is precise and controlled. I leave feeling lengthened, strong, and truly connected to my body. Highly recommend for anyone seeking authentic Pilates in HB!” Stories like this capture exactly what PHOC is about.

For me, the studio is more than a place to exercise—it’s a community of people who value classical Pilates, personal growth, and independence in their practice. Every session, whether private or in open gym, is designed to give students the tools to move well, prevent injury, and continue improving long after they leave.

I’m proud to run a studio where the classical method is respected, students feel empowered, and movement becomes a lifelong practice. At PHOC, we don’t just teach exercises—we teach people to connect, strengthen, and thrive in their own bodies.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my goal for Pilates House of Contrology is to expand our community in the Huntington Beach and Newport Beach area while staying true to the classical method. I want more people in the region to discover authentic classical Pilates and gain the confidence to move independently and safely.

We’re exploring ways to offer specialized workshops, athlete-focused sessions, and programs that deepen practice beyond the studio, helping clients truly connect with their bodies. Long term, I hope to create resources—both in-person and online—that preserve the integrity of the classical method while making it accessible to anyone seeking a genuine, lasting Pilates experience.

Ultimately, my vision is simple: PHOC will remain a place where students feel empowered, supported, and connected to their bodies, and where classical Pilates thrives in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and beyond.

Pricing:

• Privates packages from $50-$80
• Semi Privates packages from $40-$70
• Open Gym packages from $20-$50
• VIP Gold (12 sessions per month) annual $4,200
• VIP Silver (8 sessions per month) annual $3,200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pilateshoc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilateshouseofcontrology?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilates.house.of.contrology?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr