Meet Grace Son of Soo Pilates PV

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Son.

Hi Grace, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Pilates became more than a career for me—it became a way to help people restore their bodies and improve their quality of life. I began my professional training in Pilates in 2008, building a strong foundation that has evolved into a refined, results-driven approach over the years. I believe Pilates is not just about exercise, but about retraining the body to move with awareness and restoring its natural balance.

My journey has been shaped by over a decade of hands-on experience, successfully operating Pilates studios since 2013 across Seoul and Chicago, with additional experience in Milwaukee, working with a wide range of clients at every stage of life. From children and athletes to pre- and post-natal women and seniors, I learned that intentional, well-guided movement can create meaningful, lasting change.

Along the way, I built a strong professional foundation through full Pilates course training at the University of Nevada and Balanced Body Pilates programs, along with over 32 advanced certifications in areas such as scoliosis, prenatal care, and therapeutic movement. This depth of training allows me to approach each client with both precision and adaptability.

One of the most defining aspects of my work has been seeing transformation firsthand—clients who once struggled with pain or imbalance gaining strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of control over their bodies.

These experiences eventually led me to Palos Verdes, where I founded Soo Pilates. Here, I’ve created a more refined, highly personalized approach through private and duet sessions, allowing for deeper attention to each individual’s needs and goals.

Today, Soo Pilates is more than just a studio—it’s a curated wellness experience that integrates movement, recovery, and lifestyle. Soo Pilates is designed for those who seek a more intentional, refined approach to movement and wellness. Moving forward, I aim to expand this philosophy beyond the studio through digital content and education, helping more people not only move better, but live better.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the most defining challenges in my journey was realizing that no two bodies respond the same way, yet many approaches in the industry tend to treat them as if they do.

Working with clients ranging from athletes to prenatal women, seniors, and those recovering from injuries made it clear that a one-size-fits-all method simply isn’t effective. This pushed me to continuously deepen my knowledge, investing in specialized trainings and earning over 32 certifications to better understand the body from multiple perspectives.

Over time, this challenge became the foundation of my work. It shaped my belief that real, lasting results come from precision, personalization, and a deep understanding of each individual body.

That philosophy is what defines Soo Pilates today—a space where every session is intentionally designed, not just as a workout, but as a highly personalized experience focused on long-term results and sustainable wellness.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Soo Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio based in Palos Verdes, specializing in highly personalized private and duet sessions designed to support long-term results and sustainable wellness.

What truly sets us apart is our philosophy. While much of the industry focuses on standardized routines, we approach Pilates as a highly individualized practice. We take the time to understand each body in depth—its patterns, imbalances, and potential—and design every session with precision, intention, and care. It is not just about movement, but about creating a more intelligent and efficient way of living in your body.

We work with a wide range of clients, from athletes to pre- and post-natal women, seniors, and those recovering from injury. However, what defines our clients is not their background, but their mindset—they are individuals who value quality, intention, and a deeper investment in their long-term health.

Soo Pilates is known for its attention to detail, refined approach, and commitment to truly personalized care. This is not a high-volume studio, but a curated environment where each session is designed to deliver meaningful, lasting results.

What I’m most proud of is the transformation our clients experience—not just physically, but in how they move, think, and connect with their bodies.

Ultimately, Soo Pilates is more than a place to exercise. It is a space for those who seek a more intentional, elevated approach to wellness—and who understand that true change comes from within.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
One piece of advice I would give to those just starting out is to focus on building true understanding, not just learning quickly.

Pilates has become increasingly popular in recent years, bringing more visibility to the industry—but also a wide range in the level of training and expertise. Many people begin Pilates without fully knowing what to look for, or what truly supports their body.

Because Pilates is deeply connected to how the body functions, practicing without proper guidance can lead to inefficient or even counterproductive movement patterns. This is why building a strong foundation and learning with intention is so important.

Looking back, I’ve learned that there are no shortcuts in developing a refined and effective approach. Every session, every client, and every challenge becomes part of that process.

For those starting out, I would encourage staying grounded in your purpose. Pilates is not just about teaching exercises, but about helping people move with awareness, feel better in their bodies, and build a lasting relationship with their health.

If you stay committed to that intention, your work will naturally grow into something deeper, more meaningful, and truly impactful over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: thesoopilates.com
• Instagram: @soopilatespv
• Email: [email protected]