Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Pratt
Hi Mari, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been running my Pilates studio for over 24 years, and the journey has been incredible. What makes my business unique is the close-knit community I’ve built with my clients. Many of them have been with me since the beginning, and our relationships have evolved into something like family. I cannot thank them enough! My approach blends Pilates with strength training, thanks to my certifications from NASM and the PhysicalMind Institute. Beyond helping clients achieve their fitness goals, I now certify aspiring Pilates instructors, giving others the chance to start their own journeys in the fitness world. It’s been truly rewarding to watch my clients grow, and we’re now seeing the next generation—clients who first came in as young adults are now starting their lives and coming to BetterBody for their fitness regimen, creating a full circle of wellness and fitness that spans generations.
As a Filipino immigrant and female entrepreneur, my path wasn’t easy. We were not able to afford college so i worked as a massage therapist and managed a physical therapy office to pay my way through Junior college. I developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and determination to succeed, thanks to the values my parents instilled in me. I decided to leave a stable job at my physical therapy office to start my own business was a huge risk, but the leap turned out to be a huge success. Over the years, I’ve learned that success comes from not just working hard but also staying true to your values, building meaningful relationships, and constantly adapting to new challenges.
Today, I’m proud of the community I’ve cultivated in my studio, where clients feel supported and part of something special. I’m also excited about expanding my reach through online courses designed to help others get Pilates certified and launch their own Pilates businesses. My story is a testament to perseverance, risk-taking, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive.
Through it all, my greatest motivation has been my family. I’ve shown my children, through my own experiences, that with hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself, anything is possible. I’m incredibly grateful for my husband, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength. His encouragement, alongside the values instilled in me by my parents, has shaped who I am today.
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?
It certainly hasn’t been an easy journey. As a female immigrant, I faced many challenges along the way. My parents didn’t have much money, and the resources available today weren’t as accessible back then. I had to carve my own path. While attending junior college, I worked as a massage therapist and managed a physical therapy office to make ends meet. Financial struggles were a constant hurdle, and with no safety net or connections, it often felt like everything depended solely on me.
Starting my Pilates studio was another big risk. I left a stable job, unsure if my business would succeed. That uncertainty was stressful, but I knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I’d never know what I was capable of achieving. Beyond the financial challenges, I also faced emotional and practical hurdles—balancing work, family, and self-doubt.
But despite the struggles, I learned valuable lessons. Taking risks, staying true to my values, and pushing forward, even when the path wasn’t clear, helped me build a successful business. It wasn’t easy, but every challenge made me stronger and more determined to succeed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BetterBody Pilates?
At BetterBody Pilates, we specialize in helping people reach their fitness goals through a blend of Pilates and strength training. We’ve had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients, from NFL athletes to individuals in their 80s, tailoring programs to meet their specific needs. What sets us apart is our personal approach—we’re not a franchise offering generic routines. We focus on giving 100% of our attention to each person, ensuring a fully personalized experience every time.
One of the most exciting additions to our studio is our EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) workouts, which have gained immense popularity in Europe and are now making their way to Los Angeles. EMS training uses electrical impulses to activate your muscles, allowing for deeper muscle engagement and faster results in less time. When combined with Pilates, this approach enhances strength, core stability, and muscle tone, all while preventing bulkiness. EMS is particularly beneficial for people looking to boost muscle strength, improve posture, recover from injury and maximize their workout efficiency. Whether you’re an athlete or new to fitness, the combination of EMS and Pilates offers a unique, full-body workout that’s both challenging and rewarding.
What sets BetterBody Pilates apart from others is our highly skilled team. Each of our instructors has over 600 hours of rigorous training—far exceeding many programs that only require a weekend certification. Our instructors have been teaching for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to every session. I also partnered with the PhysicalMind Institute to offer a **Pilates Mat Online Certification** and **Business Mentoring Academy**, born out of my frustration with how difficult it was to find well-qualified instructors. Through this, we’re now helping to train the next generation of Pilates professionals who are not only equipped to teach Pilates but are also prepared to thrive in it.
What I’m most proud of is the strong community we’ve built over the years. Even during the pandemic, when many businesses had to close, we stayed resilient. The ability to remain open and continue serving our clients is a testament to the strength of our brand and the deep relationships we’ve cultivated. Our clients feel more like family, supported me during the pandemic and made sure I wouldn’t fail and that’s something I hold dear.
For anyone considering joining us, know that we’re more than just a Pilates studio. Our Pilates Mat Online Certification program, in partnership with the PhysicalMind Institute, offers aspiring instructors a robust foundation. Unlike other certifications that can be completed in just a weekend, our program ensures that instructors are fully prepared to teach at the highest level. We’re not just about fitness—we’re here to help people start their own Pilates businesses and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Our studio also takes pride in offering the cutting-edge EMS workouts, one of the few in Los Angeles to do so. This is a game-changer for anyone looking to maximize their workout in less time, combining the benefits of Pilates with the latest in fitness technology. If you’re looking for a unique, results-driven approach to fitness, BetterBody Pilates is here to guide you every step of the way.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played its part in both the highs and challenges of my life and business. However, I believe my journey has been shaped more by hard work, resilience, and perseverance than by luck alone. As a female Filipino immigrant, I didn’t have the advantages or resources that many have today, so I had to rely on my own efforts to create opportunities. Building long-lasting relationships and maintaining a strong network were key to my success.
That said, I consider myself fortunate to have had great parents who instilled in me the value of hard work and determination. Their sacrifices gave me the motivation to push through tough times. Meeting the right people at the right time—whether it was clients, mentors, or getting certified through PhysicalMind Institute—certainly helped me grow my business. But these opportunities wouldn’t have come if I hadn’t put in the effort to create them.
During the pandemic, for example, many businesses around me were forced to close, but we were able to stay open. Was it luck? Maybe in part, but I also believe it was because we had the support of our clients and built such strong relationships with them that they continued to support us, even in hard times. So while luck has had a hand in my journey, it’s the hard work, relationships, and willingness to take risks that have really shaped my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.betterbodypilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterbodyfit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbodycalabasas/
- Twitter: https://x.com/mybetterbody
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Betterbodyfit
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/betterbody-fitness-calabasas-3
- Other: https://www.betterbodyems.com
Image Credits
Jalen Ramsey
David Long Jr.
Ben Pratt
Katalyst EMS Suit
