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Meet Jennifer Yates of Studio Metamorphosis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Yates.

Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It was almost inevitable… possibly destiny that led me to be an educator of fitness. It all began before I was born. My mother, a famous fan dancer from Seoul Korea was teaching ballet classes while she was pregnant with me I consider my mother to be my first mentor and most influential teacher. As an adolescent, I studied classical ballet with the Chamberlain School of Ballet in Dallas, TX for almost 2 decades. It was there that my ballet teachers recognized my potential as a dancer. I was placed in the dance company at a very young age. At that point, I realized my body and mind were at its strongest when I was able to express myself through physical movement. My body learned physically how to dance and grow stronger through long hours of practice and training. My mind mentally became stronger as my Mom and my teachers taught me the importance of dedication, passion, confidence, and discipline.

10 years ago, I found my way from Dallas to Los Angeles working in the fashion industry and stumbled upon the Lagree Method at a local Pilates studio. I became fascinated with Pilates and the Lagree Method which is all too familiar with my dance background. The workout effectively combined strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core and flexibility in every move. After taking my first class, my body and muscle memory were stimulated (literally) and my addiction to Pilates and the Lagree Method was born. A year after that first class I became certified in Lagree Fitness and began teaching classes. Almost 3 years ago I opened my first boutique fitness studio, Metamorphosis. In the next month, I am expanding and opening the second location. Just as my Mother instilled in me the importance and my love of movement I try my best to teach that to my clients at Metamorphosis!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening a small business always has struggles along the way. Fortunately, I found my partner (my husband, Alex) when I was teaching at a local Pilates studio. He was a student and we became friends, started dating and recently became business partners. Alex and I looked for the perfect space for our first location. We were determined to find the best location even if the space needed many improvements.

We searched Pasadena for almost one and half years. Some of the locations we fought for would not approve us because we were a new business with no credentials to speak of. Finally, we found the perfect spot for Metamorphosis! Our current landlord trusted our vision and passion to rent his building. We turned an old, outdated Oriental Rug Store into a beautiful, bright happy fitness studio that radiates positivity! During all the struggles of owning a business, Alex and I are in it together and are able to power through the struggles together and keep each other smiling!

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Studio Metamorphosis – what should we know?
Metamorphosis specializes in hybrid workouts that combine cardio and strength elements. We offer Run (group fitness treadmill classes), Ride (group cycling classes) and Shred (Pilates-inspired Megaformer) classes. We are known for classes that are intense, effective and motivating. We pride ourselves in knowing every client’s name and catering to them even though the classes are in a group atmosphere. I am the proudest of the community that we have built at Metamorphosis. The staff, trainers, and clients are a tight knit community that supports one another with open arms and open minds. We all help each other learn, become stronger and be the best versions of ourselves! The clients have coined the studio as “Morph is My Happy Place.”

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel being authentic is the most important quality I possess and has contributed to my success. When I am transparent as a teacher/leader my clients and staff are able to connect with me on a human level We then form a bond of trust and can become stronger as a teacher, as a student, and as a team.

Pricing:

  • First Class – “New Timer” $15
  • Devotee – $149 month (8 classes in 30 day period)

Contact Info:

  • Pasadena Address: 676 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Eagle Rock Address: 2104 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock , CA 90041
  • Website: studiometamorphosis.com
  • Pasadena (626) 219-7000
  • Eagle Rock (213) 784-5151
  • Email: info@studiometamorphosis.com
  • Instagram: @studiomorph
  • Facebook: studiometamorphosis
  • Twitter: @studiomorph
  • Yelp: Studio Metamorphosis

jennifer_cycle screen_shot_2016-11-22_at_9-01-35_pm screen_shot_2016-11-22_at_9-03-15_pm screen_shot_2016-11-22_at_9-04-35_pm screen_shot_2016-11-22_at_9-10-37_pm screen_shot_2016-11-22_at_9-19-28_pm
Image Credit:

Trami Ngo
Tai Kerbs

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