Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerin Forgie.
Hi Jerin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Musical theatre and the arts originally brought me to Los Angeles in 2007. A fellow student in an acting class I was taking announced that she was learning how to teach Pilates, and needed practice students. I didn’t know much about Pilates at the time, but as a dancer, I was always happy to move and try new things. After a few private sessions, I felt what can only be described as a calling.
I studied Pilates with Lora Anderson and Nikki Alstedter at Pilates Studio City, and received my certification from Pilates Sports Center. Lora and Nikki are such inspiring teachers, and I attribute much of my teaching style and success to them. I’m certified for every apparatus, and it is such an incredible system. Not to mention fun!
Since 2011, I have been building my practice, and have had the opportunity to teach people of all ages and abilities, celebrity clients, and athletes. After years of teaching group classes and private sessions in Los Angeles, my business has progressed into a thriving private Pilates practice, predominantly built on word of mouth. One thing remains true for everyone I’ve worked with: Pilates is effective and a wonderful compliment to your life.
Presently, I teach private sessions out of Caren Lieberman’s Physical Therapy office at Physical Therapy Studio City, as well as over Zoom. If you are in chronic pain, or searching for a physical therapist who will get to the bottom of your struggles, she is truly unparalleled. Her kindness and understanding of the human body is unmatched.
My private practice currently has a waitlist, so I knew it was time to develop a way to share Pilates on a greater scale. I also wanted to make Pilates more accessible and affordable to those who are outside the Los Angeles area. Because of the pandemic, I had to learn how to teach effectively online, and through recorded classes. With that new skillset, I developed my online Pilates company: SoCal Pilates, LLC.
I’m truly excited to see where this carries me next! Movement is such a gift, and one that I love to share.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a long road filled with speed bumps, potholes, and the occasional sinkhole. To put it mildly, running a small business has its challenges, and you are forced to wear many hats. It is not for the faint of heart, but I have always had an entrepreneurial mind, and an incredible group of friends that I can lean on for support. Despite the struggles, I have built a community of friends, movers, and students that feel like family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
SoCal Pilates Co. is an online Pilates studio platform. My goal is to make quality Pilates classes available to the world. Pilates classes can be very expensive, and getting equipment at home isn’t always an option. I want everyone to benefit from movement and the gift of Pilates. Creating a safe environment for people with a positive (and goofy) attitude is my specialty. With encouragement and a little consistency, you will feel better after every class you take.
Pilates has many benefits including:
– Improves balance
– Improves posture
– Mind-body connection
– Comfort in your body
– Confidence in yourself
– Flexibility
– Breath control and the tools to calm your body and mind
– Strength building and lean muscle tone
The list goes on, and you can also laugh at my unfiltered anecdotes, occasional animal interruptions, and bloopers. I like to keep it all in there – we are only human.
There are dozens of classes available already, and you can expect a studio class experience that offers new options to move every week. From short and focused classes, if you are short on time, to full length studio class flows. There is something for everyone! It’s wonderful not to be constrained by parking, time, etc. You can work out in your pajamas if you want to, and with your cat meowing at your feet. You get to do you and feel better in the process!
As a thank you for reading this far, I’d love to offer the Voyage LA readers a discount!
To get your first month for $5 enter the code: VoyageLA in the checkout.
If you’re on the fence, sign up for my newsletter, and get access to some free classes to try out.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
For Pilates, I often reference an app called Human Anatomy Atlas. It’s an incredible tool I use to understand or explain certain muscle functions or placement in the body.
If I’m out of town, it’s always fun to check out a local Pilates studio, or try a different form of movement.
When I need a boost of inspiration, I love The Mel Robbins Podcast, or the Gabby app. The Chani app gets my woo-woo side.
I’m always looking for ways to improve and optimize my life. Whether it’s through seeing live music, hikes, or spending time with friends, I find unplugging is a good way to get perspective and unwind.
As an avid reader, I like to balance a self-help/improvement book with something fun or fictional.
Music helps me through my day and motivates my mood me. I also write music as a way to keep my creative outlet alive (my band is called My Lovers).
Pricing:
- $35 a month – for unlimited access to classes on SoCal Pilates Co.
- $360 a year – for unlimited access & extra savings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socalpilatesco.com
- Instagram: @socalpilatesco
Image Credits
All Images taken by: Dima Otvertchenko
