Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Bloom.
Erika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first began practicing Pilates to heal injuries during my time as a professional dancer. I went on to explore many different movement and body work modalities and also alternative therapies such as meditation, Chinese medicine, and healing nutrition. I felt there should be a place where this knowledge could be accessible and coordinated, so that there wasn’t a rigidity to the thinking about how to approach the body and where wellness and fitness were not thought of as separate. I wanted to create a studio where clients had guidance in their healing journey, where they were being addressed for their whole self and for their unique self. I also have a love for interior design and beautiful spaces and was inspired to create environments that I wanted to work out in. I create each studio as a beautiful haven where one can become strong and beautiful but also healthier in every way.
Has it been a smooth road?
I began teaching in 1999 and opened my first studio in 2003. It was before the time when people really knew what Pilates was. I grew through Pilates becoming mainstream and then through the fitness world transforming in to a boutique group class landscape. Through all of this, I simply remained true to my original mission: to offer truly personalized private holistic fitness and wellness sessions, the absolute best instructors with high levels of education and knowledge, and methods that were evidence based and eschewed trends. I kept my focus on client care and teacher education and beautiful, luxury spaces. Holding on to this integrity and following my joy was the right path as we have had nothing but growth and happy clients.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Erika Bloom Pilates story. Tell us more about the business.
Erika Bloom Pilates is known for a holistic approach to fitness and a sincere dedication to the individual experience. We are more than just Pilates studios. Our instructors are well versed in biomechanics, anatomy, and a variety of movement and alternative wellness modalities. We specialize in private sessions that are customized to create change and balance no matter your state. The way we read the body and integrate our deep knowledge in to our teaching is unmatched in the Pilates and fitness world. It will shift how you feel, how you look, and how you move. Our difference begins from an unwavering dedication to education. Our instructors come from movement backgrounds and then do additional training of at least one year. We continually stay abreast of new research and information and intelligently apply it to each client. Our knowledge breadth spans issues from back pain, osteoporosis, prenatal, diastasis correction, sports injuries, to postural correction, and more. Truly understanding the body inside and out allows us to affect real change and improved health.
We’re opening our sixth studio this year in Los Angeles and we’re so happy to be bringing our method to L.A. This studio will have our signature customized sessions and our amazing Erika Bloom method Pilates instructors.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think that people have realized that health and wellness should be their priority. As people become more experienced with exercise they’ll continue to gravitate towards mindful, intelligent exercise, like Pilates, that works the body in healthy ways, creates longevity, and helps not just the outer body but the brain, the organs, and the whole inner self.
Last, but definitely not least, do you have any favorite places in LA that you’d like to share with and recommend to our readers?
1.Credo Beauty – for beauty essentials. It’s great to have a place that already vets beauty products to make sure that they meet the same safe, sustainable and organic standards that I always look for.
2. Tenoverten and Basecoat Nail Salon– for natural manicures and pedicures. These nail salons offer nontoxic polishes in beautifully designed spaces.
3. Malibu Farm Restaurant – for healthy, gluten-free food with a view. Enjoy vegetable-driven choices using organic ingredients while dining on a pier with a view of the ocean. We pop over to the children’s playgrounds on the beach near there afterwards for fun-filled, healthy, family day.
4. Alo Yoga– for comfortable, high-quality workout apparel. I choose the simple designs in earth tone colors, which reflects my minimal style, and I’m able to mix and match.
5.Moon Juice – for daily nourishment and a pick-me-up snack. Adding one of their powders or taking one of their tonics helps to nourish my body and brain, making me feel more beautiful and focused.
6.The Butcher’s Daughter – for local, organic, fresh food in Venice. Their Macro Butcher Bowl, wellness teas and elixir shots are some of my favorites.
7. Anine Bing in West Hollywood – for timeless basics. I love to have outfits that can take me from a meeting, to running around with the kids, to going out. Their silk cami’s, boots and jeans are versatile and luxurious.
8. Isabel Marant on Melrose – for go-to wardrobe essentials. Clothing wise and design wise, this store offers a beautiful shopping experience.
9. Broken English at Brentwood Country Mart – for beautiful, unique jewelry. In addition to the stunning jewelry selection, I love the community feel of shopping at the Brentwood Country Mart; which is why we chose to open our studio nearby.
10. Farmshop at Brentwood Country Mart – for the best food, snacks, entertaining gifts, trinkets and more. I love having this so close to the studio to pick up something healthy in between clients or run a quick errand.
11. Malia Mills – for boutique swimwear and clothing. Malia has a special eye for sourcing hard to find brands and creating her own designs that make simple and minimal pieces have an edge.
And a few from growing up in Pasadena:
12. Huntington Gardens and the Arboreteum – for meditative walks. Taking a walk among exotic plants and huge gardens allows me to connect with nature and take in fresh air while unwinding and moving.
13. Hiking in the San Gabriels – for a secluded hike. Escaping the city to emptier trails like the San Gabriels is a relaxing way to exercise and enjoy the views.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11611 San Vicente Boulevard, 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (opening late Summer)
New York City, the Hamptons (Watermill and East Hampton)
Greenwich, CT,
Turks and Caicos at Amanyara - Website: www.erikabloom.com
- Phone: 2122883410
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Chris Fanning
