Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Bovell.
Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from New York, born to immigrant parents who firmly believed that success only came through college, grad school, and working your butt off (preferably in a blazer). My mom worked 3–4 jobs at a time to build the lifestyle she wanted, and my dad has always loved putting in long hours — so naturally, I followed suit and went to law school in Minnesota. Yes, Minnesota. In the middle of the George Floyd uprisings, in a city actively reckoning with racial justice while I tried to figure out contracts and constitutional law.
I eventually made my way to California with a job offer in hand, big dreams, and even bigger student loans — and then I didn’t pass the bar. The law firm let me go, and with it, I lost my cushy salary, my stability, and basically everything I thought made up my adult identity. I was across the country from home, broke, and deeply unsure of who I was.
The one thing I did know? The gym always centered me. I took a Pilates class one of my first weeks in LA, and something clicked. Not like “oh this is cute” — more like oh, I actually feel something real here. I kept going. I studied again, took the bar a second time… and failed again. That moment broke me open. My self-worth was in shambles, and I was carrying an emotional weight heavier than any barbell I’d ever lifted.
While studying for the third round of the bar exam, I knew I had to earn money. And I also knew I needed something to make me feel alive. Pilates became both. As a Leo (hello, sun signs), I wanted to master it — I wanted the strength, the aesthetic, the flow. But what I found was so much deeper. For 50 minutes at a time, I could escape into movement, into breath, into being in my body — and come out feeling like a stronger, better version of myself.
Eventually, I became certified through Pilates Thierry and started teaching at a heated Pilates studio, which absolutely kicked my ass. But I fell in love with the process: showing up, getting better, connecting with clients, hearing their goals and injuries and doubts — and working through them together. There was vulnerability, trust, sweat (so much sweat), and a kind of joy I had never found in working.
And then my brain got creative:
I started hosting my own events:
✨ Abs & Ass — a comedy and Pilates crossover night (yes, really)
🐶 Puppies & Pilates — where a dog trainer works with your pup while you flow
🍝 Pasta e Pilates — coming soon, with pasta-making and Pilates in one dreamy afternoon
Every time I lead a class, I remind myself: I’m not here just to sculpt abs. I’m here to help people reconnect with themselves — to feel strong, grounded, confident, and like they belong in their bodies.
This journey hasn’t been linear (clearly), and I still don’t know exactly where it’s leading me. But I wake up every day feeling more confident — and that alone is a huge win. In fact, Pilates has given me the strength (literally and emotionally) to take the California bar one more time. And this time, I’m walking into it knowing that I’m already enough — with or without the title.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not — more like a winding mountain path with no guardrails and occasional emotional avalanches.
I think one of the hardest parts was redefining what success looked like for me. I grew up thinking I had to follow a very specific path — college, grad school, high-paying job, stability — and when that fell apart after not passing the bar (thrice), it rocked me. I felt like I had failed not just myself, but the expectations of my family, my community, and everything I’d worked so hard for.
There were moments when I didn’t know how I was going to pay rent, moments when I felt like I had no purpose, and moments where the mental toll felt unbearable. But somehow, movement always helped me find my way back. Pilates gave me structure when I had none, strength when I felt weak, and clarity when everything felt foggy.
Starting over in a new city, in a completely different field, came with its own insecurities too. Imposter syndrome? Oh, we know each other well. But with every class I taught, every person I connected with, I felt more aligned — like I was finally on the path I was meant to be on. Still rocky at times, but at least now I have good music, strong glutes, and a little more grace for myself along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of Movelikeliz Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Movelikeliz Inc. isn’t just Pilates — it’s a party with purpose, and everyone’s invited. Through group classes, private sessions, and creatively curated events, my mission is to help people build strength, confidence, and a genuine love for themselves through movement. I teach reformer, mat, chair, tower, and more — but no matter the format, you can always expect intentional flows, heart-opening moments, and a playlist for everyone.
What sets MoveLikeLiz apart is the energy: it’s inclusive, it’s joyful, it’s real. Whether we’re on the reformer or flowing on the mat, I aim to create a space where every body feels welcome. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about feeling strong, empowered, and connected, both mentally and physically.
I’m most proud of the community MoveLikeLiz Inc. is building — one that shows up for themselves and each other, that laughs, that grows, and that knows fitness doesn’t have to be intimidating to be effective. People have built real friendships through my classes. I’ve been invited to birthdays and celebrations of people I would’ve never known if it weren’t for Pilates, and that kind of connection means the world to me. I’m so thankful to be part of something that allows human interaction on such a deep level — it reminds me daily of how much good this work can do.
From beach classes to themed events, we’re proving that movement can be transformative and fun — with a little sparkle and a lot of core.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Every step of this process has felt like a risk to me. Early on in my journey, I asked one of my best friends if I should create an Instagram for my Pilates practice, and she suggested it probably wouldn’t be necessary. At that point, I realized that taking risks was going to be a big part of this path — even when some of the people closest to me questioned it.
Risks in Pilates have come in many forms for me, especially financially. I’ve invested in myself — whether it’s for content creation, new certifications, or simply continuing to learn and grow as an instructor. I’ve also taken risks when it comes to knowing and asserting my worth. There have been times I’ve had to say no to opportunities that didn’t align with my values, or ask for higher pay when I knew I brought something special to the table.
For me, risk is essential to growth. Every step forward is a testament to my refusal to stay where I don’t belong — and that, in itself, is a risk. I believe in myself and my potential to make a difference, even when the path isn’t clear or the challenges seem daunting. It’s not just about taking risks, but about embracing them as opportunities to push past comfort zones and become better for it.
Pricing:
- Classes at studios range from $33-45
- Private Zoom Sessions start at $45
- Private events available upon request
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/movelikeliz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@movelikeliz
- Other: https://TikTok.com/movelikeliz
Image Credits
Herre Photography
Pilates Thierry
House of Core
Rebecca Dickie
