Meet Nora Pearlman | Corrective Exercise & Pre and Postnatal Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nora Pearlman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nora, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Without a doubt, the most important factor behind my success are my clients. I love my work and I love the people I work (out) with. I believe that it is my intention to guide my clients in their physical strength and I know that also enhances their mental and spiritual selves. Many of my clients are pregnant or new mothers; and I feel a responsibility to make their time away from their babes and as they prepare for parenthood to be energy fueling and a form of self-care.

I view my classes as a form of community building. In a time where many of our interactions are done through a screen, having person to person connections are so important and I want my clients to view our sessions not just as a workouts. I am motivated by the fact that my clients are putting their trust in me to guide and support them with their bodies and in movement. Having their trust to means I cannot let them down. I want to show up prepared and ready to give them all my support and energy when things get challenging.

Additionally, the success of my business has come from the referrals my clients have given. It motivates me and I feel a sense of accomplishment when a new client contacts me because their friend who is a currently works with me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey in teaching fitness is not typical. I do not have a fitness background, I was not a dance nor an athlete. For me I fell into fitness as a form of stress management. Because I never saw myself as a “fitness professional” I did not allow myself to fully view myself as a trainer or a fitness specialist until after I became a mom and made the commitment to myself and my child to practice what I was teaching him–to be brave and go after your passions. My goal is to give that same feeling of bravery and strength to my clients whatever stage of life or journey in parenthood they are on.

I have been teaching Pilates based exercise for over seven years and transitioned into prenatal and postpartum fitness three years ago when as a pregnant person myself found how little modifications/ safety considerations were available for me in a group fitness class. The pandemic allowed me to continue to train clients on the east coast virtually and from there I was able to build out a physical space for clients on the west coast. I now work with clients to help them prepare for the physical demands of motherhood and for the physical demands of life in general. Have a body awareness and knowing your personal strength gives you the power to take on the challenges that come up throughout the day.

When I first started teaching part-time I called it “something just for fun” and held onto my full time job as what my profession actually was. Looking back now I know I did that because I was afraid of what people might think of me or what judgements they would pass. Imposter syndrome is something I still have to check myself for because it is so easy to fall into old habits of thinking. I am grateful for this experience because I pride myself on leading with grace. I remind my students that every time you show up to the mat is a different experience because it is literally a different body. Have patience and believe in what your abilities are because it will guide you through the rest.

The biggest challenges for me are getting over my ego and self doubt. In my experience the fitness community is extremely supportive. I remember a big moment when I first started teaching was when I finally got the courage to ask a very popular Pilates based studio in West Hollywood if I could teach. The ease in which they said yes and the support I received from them immediately showed me much of my concern about teaching was in my own head than in reality. I call on this experience when starting with a new client for both myself and also for my student to know that they are well beyond capable.

A life lesson I have learned and continue to learn in my professional career is take each day as it comes. We are all working towards goals and personal achievements but life happens–we are never going to have the perfect experience replicated so having that sense of patience and awareness allows us to enjoy the moment we are actually in and find pride and confidence in what we are able to accomplish.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am an Angeleno through and through. I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and after a stint in West Hollywood and New York I am back living in Studio City and I forgot how much the areas has to offer.

For weekend breakfast with the kids Hank’s Bagel in Sherman Oaks is perfect. The bagels are amazing and their vegan bagel sandwich has the yummiest aioli. Sunday’s are for the Studio City farmers market. The produce is great but the prepared vendors are incredible. The pickle guy, “Completely Pickled” has a tumeric ginger kraut that you will actually put on everything you eat it is so good. After the Farmers Market Fryman Canyon is a perfect hike. The parking can be tough but the hike is great and it connects to Tree People which is another amazing space if you want to be in nature.

For a full day activity driving to Malibu is my favorite. I grew up going to Malibu almost every weekend so it feels really familiar and cozy. John’s Garden at the Country Mart has one of my favorite salads and I love that you can grab it and take it with you to the beach. I also love Taverna Tony’s–the food is amazing and it’s a fun vibe for lunch or dinner.

Thai food is one of my favorite types and Anajak Thai is so great for dinner. The menu is amazing and the wine selection is really a trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to KJ Zayon and Carrie Minter. They were both one of the first trainers I took while falling in love with Pilates based workouts and they both encouraged me and supported my journey in teaching.

I am forever grateful to Joanie Johnson who encouraged me to get my prenatal and postpartum certification through Fit for Birth while I was 9 months pregnant with my son Ari. Having her support and guidance gave me the confidence to be able to teach at a studio outside of Pilates. I also know I would not be teaching with a focus on prenatal and postpartum exercise if it was not for Fit Pregnancy Club–that studio, the people, the clients and the experience are a moment in time I hold extremely dear to me.

Website: norapearlman.com

Instagram: fitbynora

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGkNxk-Z_RUdwqj0CWKiPYg