Check Out Lisa Hong’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Hong.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started with ballet as a kid but stepped away after years of struggling with confidence and body image. As a young girl from an immigrant family, I didn’t see many people who looked like me in those spaces—most studios were filled with thin, able-bodied, girls who were often from wealthy white families—and I internalized the idea that forms like ballet weren’t for me. In college, I found my way back through Pilates and barre. They were the first forms of movement that helped me feel grounded and at home in my body—especially during a hard chapter when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It became something we could share as friends, not just as mother and daughter. Though I originally thought I’d be a schoolteacher, I ended up in the world of tech, and teaching Pilates became my way to still connect deeply with people. I got certified between two car accidents, right as I was rebuilding strength and mobility. It’s carried me through so much. Now, I hope to create spaces where others can feel strong, safe, and supported in their own bodies, too.

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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Within the span of a year, I was in two car accidents, got laid off, and sustained a head injury that took me out of work for nearly a year. I went from feeling strong and able-bodied to struggling with basic tasks—tying my shoes, loading the dishwasher, even sitting or standing for long. I was in constant pain from multiple herniated discs and nerve issues, but on the outside, I “looked fine.” That disconnect was tough—people assumed I was okay when I was barely holding it together. Pilates became a tool not just for healing, but for helping me tune into my body again. It gave me a way to track what I could or couldn’t comfortably do, and to set real, meaningful goals for rebuilding strength. That process shaped how I teach today—with empathy, patience, and a deep respect for the quiet challenges people may be carrying.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a certified Pilates instructor at Good Body Pilates who focuses on helping people build strength, mobility, and a more compassionate relationship with their bodies. I teach group classes and private sessions, and I’m especially passionate about working with folks recovering from injury, navigating chronic pain, or simply looking to feel more grounded and strong in their everyday lives.

I think what sets me apart is my ability to meet people where they are. I bring a lot of empathy to my teaching because I know what it’s like to feel disconnected from your body or unsure of what it can handle. Clients often say they feel safe, seen, and supported in my sessions—which is the highest compliment.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to turn a really challenging chapter in my life into something purposeful. Teaching Pilates has given me the chance to help others reconnect with themselves—and to remind them (gently!) how strong and capable they really are.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to have grace with myself—my body, my limits, and who I am. Pilates has shown me how strong I really am, often surprising me when I hold myself in a position longer, add an extra rep, or stretch further than I thought possible. I’ve carried high, sometimes unfair expectations and been my own harshest critic, chasing a version of myself that may no longer be reachable. But through this practice, I’m learning to be kinder and gentler—and to honor the resilience and self-assuredness that come from showing up consistently, even when it’s hard or I don’t want to. For me, that’s self-love in practice, and it’s made all the difference in how I see myself and my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goodbodypilates.com/instructors
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignandshinelis/?hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wlisahong/

Image Credits
Mighty Pilates