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

Hi claudia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Claudia Matles redefines the art of yoga and Pilates by crafting deeply personalized, transformative sessions that go beyond the physical. Her approach is rooted in truly understanding each client’s unique body, goals, and vulnerabilities. Whether they’re recovering from an injury, managing stress, or striving for peak performance, Claudia tailors every movement, pose, and breathwork to resonate with their personal journey. Her intuitive ability to connect with clients on a deeper level allows her to create programs that not only challenge the body but also nurture the mind and spirit, leaving clients feeling empowered, balanced, and fully supported in their path to well-being.

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.
In a world where wellness trends come and go, I stand firm in my belief that the heart of yoga and Pilates lies in three essential principles: steady effort, diligence, and faith in the practice. These aren’t just words I preach; they’re the pillars of my life. I took a bold leap of faith, trusting my intuition to leave behind a conventional teaching career of ten years and dive into my passion for teaching yoga, pilates and nutrition. The moment I put myself out there, clients flocked to me like bees to honey, and it felt like I was destined to teach.

Fast forward over 20 years, and my journey has been a whirlwind of private sessions in New York City, luxurious retreats and in person lessons and workshops in the Hamptons, and globe-trotting with clients seeking transformation. Now based in sunny Santa Monica, my excitement for what I do rivals that initial spark. I embody a lifestyle of balance—meditating twice a day, practicing yoga and Pilates, and savoring organic, nourishing foods. My approach blends compassion with a strictness that keeps my clients accountable, reminding them that beneath the layers of joy, fear, and vulnerability, we are all intricately connected on this shared journey. I walk my talk, and I want the world to know that true transformation begins within, guided by the breath and the beauty of our shared human experience. Continuing to find strength in that place of grace and vulnerability as I am currently am rebuilding a clientele here in Santa Monica where I now call my home!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect day … We’d wake up here in Santa Monica and head to breakfast at Kreation on Montana, after which we’d stroll the Palisades Park. Needing some afternoon delight.. a yoga or pilates session taught by yours truly, me! Depending on our mood, we shop on Montana or go to Bergamot Station exploring all the fine galleries. Dinner may be The Little Door in West Hollywood, or Gjelina in Venice.
As the week goes on we’d definitely have matcha’s at the lounge at The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica and Drinks and dinner at the roof top there sometime during the week. Throughout the week, we’d go the Getty Museum, maybe LACMA, and see some live music in Venice. Love shopping on Abbot Kinney, eating lunch at the Polo Lounge, dinner at Dan Tana, flea market at Little Santa Monica Airport and Brentwood Farmer’s Market!
Yay!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The books by Pima Chorine, Steven Levine, BKS Iyengar and so many others inspired me as well as a teacher at Yogaworks about 25 years ago named Julie Kleinman in Santa Monica.

Website: claudia@claudiamatles.com

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Image Credits
Photographer Lauren Purves

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