Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Sandoval.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s funny, I never dreamed of becoming a Pilates instructor or running my own business. I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communication and Political Science, and I entered the workforce with the intention of pursuing a career in public relations.
It wasn’t until I had gotten engaged and moved to San Diego that I was first introduced to Pilates. My friend convinced me to try a class with her and I’m so glad she did, because I was hooked immediately. I had been looking for a way to get in shape for my wedding and, at the time, I didn’t have any sort of regular workout routine. What I loved about Pilates was how it made me feel. After each session, I felt stronger, leaner, energized, and less stressed. As a former dancer, I was thrilled to be getting my “ballet body” back. I was also a fan of the mind-body-spirit connection that Pilates employs. You have to be mindful in your movements, and that intense concentration is helpful for blocking out all of the white noise (i.e. stress) of your everyday life.
It was a series of unexpected events that launched me into a career in fitness. I was laid off from my job at a start-up company and, frankly, it was a big blow to my confidence. I wasn’t feeling great about myself, and so Pilates became something positive in my life that I could look forward to. About a month later, my husband was offered a promotion in the LA area. It wasn’t until after we had moved and settled in a bit that I began to seriously consider getting my Pilates certification.
The decision to become a Pilates instructor wasn’t an easy one for me to make. I wondered whether it was smart to pursue a career in a field that I hadn’t gone to school for. I had so many doubts and questions. Would I like teaching? Would I be good at it? Would I be able to support myself and make a living? The thought of undertaking something so unlike what I had done before was terrifying. Luckily, I have a very supportive husband who encouraged me to research certification programs before making a decision. Ultimately, I decided to go for it. I began the certification process that fall and I’ve been teaching Pilates ever since.
I opened the Ready Sweat Go studio in Monrovia with the goal of creating a welcoming environment where people could receive quality workouts from attentive and encouraging instructors.
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 the studio has been a lesson in perseverance. There was a lot I didn’t know about starting a business and, though I did a lot of research and tried to prepare for everything, I definitely hit a few bumps in the road. I learned something new about the process almost every day—and I’m still learning.
Securing the location for Ready Sweat Go was probably the biggest struggle. There were several times I thought we had found the perfect spot, only to be told the location wasn’t zoned for a Pilates studio, or the landlord wasn’t interested in having a gym, or the city would require a special permit and hearing. I spent over a year searching for a studio space, in several different cities, before finally landing in Monrovia. Finding a location, getting permits and approvals, negotiating the lease, these were all challenging things that needed to get done in order to open the doors.
Overall, I’ve been very fortunate. I have a large support system that I can rely on and, so far, nothing has been insurmountable. I truly believe that each obstacle brought me closer to where I was supposed to be, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and give back to my community.
Ready Sweat Go – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Ready Sweat Go, we offer Pilates in private (1 student, 1 instructor), semi-private (2 students, 1 instructor), and small group settings. What sets us apart from other studios or gyms that offer Pilates is that we’re form focused, meaning that we take the time to explain the Pilates method and principles to our clients. We do our best to educate them on proper body mechanics and moving with intention, so that they can reap the full benefits of the Pilates method. Group classes are limited to 4 people because we want our clients to get the attention and quality instruction they deserve.
Clients that come to our studio know that they’re in good hands. They know that we’re going to give them the modifications or variations their bodies need. Our goal is for each client to receive a full-body workout and to leave their session feeling better than when they came in. Nothing makes me happier than when I hear clients say that a workout with us is the highlight of their day.
We recently added Zumba classes to our schedule, and I’m excited to see how our clients respond. It’s so different from Pilates, very high-energy with really loud music. It feels more like a dance party with your friends than a workout, and I hope people love it as much as I do.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The day we opened the doors to the studio was pretty incredible. I remember feeling so happy and excited—and nervous! It took a lot of hard work to get the studio open, but I knew that the real work had just begun. I had to get clients to come in and, more importantly, to come back. It wasn’t until I had made my first month’s rent in sales that I could really breathe. That was a proud moment. Knowing that this could actually work, that I could do what I love and share my passion for Pilates with others, and that I could be successful at it. It felt fantastic.
My clients make me proud on a daily basis. Nothing beats seeing a client master an exercise that previously seemed impossible and knowing that you were a part of that process. It’s so exciting and rewarding to see the strength and the confidence that Pilates can build. I love it.
Pricing:
- New Client Special! 3 Private Pilates Sessions for $135
- New Client Special! 10 Group Reformer Classes for $200
- Single Zumba Class $10
Contact Info:
- Address: Ready Sweat Go
945 W. Foothill Blvd.
Monrovia, CA 91016 - Website: www.readysweatgostudio.com
- Phone: 626-701-4711
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @readysweatgostudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/readysweatgostudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ready-sweat-go-monrovia
Image Credit:
Tommy Sandoval
Ready Sweat Go
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