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Meet Nika Eshetu of Atomic Pilates and Fitness in North Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Eshetu.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had been aware of Pilates for a while but started getting really involved after my kidney transplant. I was pretty weak because of the medications and the toll it took on my body. Additionally, the medications added to side effects such as high blood pressure. I decided that I needed to get stronger, and try to control the side effects as much as possible. I started taking Pilates regularly. I lowered my blood pressure, reversed my Osteopenia and transformed my body and I had renewed energy. I was inspired to help others become empowered through fitness, so I decided to become a Pilates instructor. I believe in knowledge and consistent growth in order to be able to help people as much as possible. In searching for the latest information and educational tools to create the most comprehensive programs possible, I became a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Fitness Professional, K-Vest Certified, a Master Instructor for the Evidence Based Fitness Academy (EBFA), and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer.

My kidney transplant and health has continued to motivate me to help others feel better through fitness.

I knew I wanted to have a fitness space that was centered around community, knowledge, growth and hope., while still getting an amazing workout. Atomic Pilates and Fitness has continued to evolve into these concepts year after year. We strive to take people from where they are to where they want to be and show them that their goals are achievable regardless of ability, injury or age.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, I’ve been very lucky that my business has maintained a solid core group of clienteles. Just like any other business, we go through cycles of when we are busy and when we get very slow. The goal is always to minimize the slow times, but some of it is just inevitable. I’ve used these times to add new programs or test out new options in the studio or as a good time of year to leave town for additional continuing education since my schedule isn’t very busy when it has happened. I always try to see a way to turn something that looks like a struggle, into an opportunity. Using these times to leave town for continuing education has allowed me to bring back vast amounts of new knowledge to apply to my teachings as well as expand our program offerings.

Please tell us about Atomic Pilates and Fitness.
Atomic Pilates and Fitness specializes in injury prevention, sports fitness, and having a variety of challenging, fun workouts.

Our current sports fitness program is focused on golf fitness. We use TPI assessments and K-Vest biofeedback and analysis to learn what movement patterns a golfer may be limited in that is necessary for their golf game. Utilizing this information, we create a fitness program geared specifically towards their needs.

In January 2017, we finished our studio remodel and added the Bodhi Suspension System to our studio offerings. We are the only studio in the LA area offering circuit style group classes utilizing this system along with traditional Pilates apparatus. It has added to our class options and allows the benefit of multiple points of suspension to train from. Utilizing this, you’re able to have more varied movements, higher core engagement, and new challenges that keep your body consistently working and adapting to get stronger, more stable, and gain mobility.

I’m most proud of the community of the studio. It was always important for me to have a space where everyone felt comfortable and had the ability to enjoy fitness without any apprehension. In the studio, everybody is welcoming, people have become friends with one another, and everyone is encouraging and positive. Pilates has always been about the mind and body. Having a positive, fun, enjoyable environment while you are able to work on your health is the ultimate combination.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have waited until I had more money saved to create the studio I wanted from the beginning. When I started, everything was done without taking out any loans. With the exception of what went on credit cards, everything was out of pocket. I was so eager to get started, so I had to be very conscientious about where the money went. It wasn’t until this year, with the studio remodel, that the space and all of our offerings finally reflects the dream I had when the studio first opened.

Pricing:

  • $99 Risk Free Trial, 30 Days Unlimited Intro Classes

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Nina Junger

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