February 6, 2017

Meet Conni Ponturo of Absolute Pilates Upstairs in Woodland Hills

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Conni Ponturo.

Conni, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in New York as a dancer and stopped dancing because of an injury. After that I became a massage therapist and an actor, I came to Pilates in 1998. I love what I do and I feel I am a motivational teacher. Getting clients back into their bodies and moving with joy. I have three other teachers that are all different and dynamic. We all love what we do and inspiring clients to be more flexible and stronger in their bodies. We have a small group and private reformer class. I also teach Yoga Nidra which is sleeping meditation. All of this work inspired me to write a book coming out in 2017. Falling into Joy Eight simple steps that allow your body to become your best friend. A simple book of my personal experiences and client stories, that allow you to live more joyously in your body.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think anyone in business today has a smooth time of it. I purchased the studio in 2007 and it was an existing yoga and Pilates studio. The world changed after 2007 with the market crash and it slowly crept into my business, as clients cut out the extras. In 2014 I downsized and cut out the yoga and made it just Pilates. That was the change I needed in my business. I am passionate about Pilates and how it can change and heal your body, getting it stronger and more flexible.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Absolute Pilates Upstairs – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Absolute Pilates Upstairs is a Pilates studio. We specialize in small group and private Pilates. My expertise is in working with clients in chronic pain, recovering from hip and knee replacements, and spinal issues. I work with doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists that recommend their patients to us. I am most proud of my team, all fantastic, committed, and dynamic teachers. I feel it is our commitment to excellence that makes us stand out.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The most important quality for success is the ability to be flexible. What I mean by flexible is your ability to deal with clients and to judge the flow of business, adapting whenever it’s necessary. Everyday will not be smooth but don’t get stuck in the little details look at the big picture. Take care of yourself first and breathe.

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