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

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

After moving to America from living in Asia for nearly 9 years it took me a while to discover what I wanted to do with my life in Los Angeles. Luckily for me, I had an answer in the fall of 2022. After sitting a a 10 Day Vipassana course I realised that I needed to create a space for myself and for others to be seen within the Pilates community. I’m a very shy person despite my dashing instructor persona- so taking the leap of faith for me to be consistent online has been a huge deal. Big changes require courage and that’s why I decided to do- to have courage for myself.

Sazón Pilates is fueled by wanting to create representation, accessibility, and problem solving for the a population of people within the Pilates community. Historically, the pilates industry had been a practice mostly available to those with privilege both financially and aesthetically. It’s not until recently and through social media that we can see inclusion in the practice of pilates. The internet allows us to find a community of Latinas, Asians, Black women and even men. There is also a rising lgbtqi pilates community on the web. Despite all of these efforts we are still underrepresented. The number of minority instructors or classes in other languages within Los Angeles is very limited to those who can afford private classes. Los Angeles is a cultural hug and it leads me to believe that if we are lacking in these things it might be same nationwide.

Sazón Pilates aims to provide visibility to my culture as a Guatemalteca and Central American woman. In our class we hear music in my native tongue, Spanish; Latina culture is emphaised from wearing Nike Cortez, hoop earrings, to speaking with an accent. The participants and I have created a safe space that promotes, Latinahood. Nothing makes me happier than having a room full of women who like the music that I play and can connect with me instantly. My success is due to their presence.

Today, I am working closely with the Goddess Mercado which happens every second Saturday of the month at the east Los civic center from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. There, I offer free 30 minute mat pilates classes to the heart of our community in East Los Angeles. Sazón Pilates believes that keeping the classes free keeps pilates accessible to all- the aim is inclusion and charging for the class could prevent some from coming. While the numbers are intimate with a few participants I know that more awareness and word of mouth numbers will increase.

I am also working with BellaTec, an all women’s gym in the heart of DTLA, where I was given the opportunity to teach Pilates Reformer in Spanish! Our first Reformer Spanish class will be 8/17 at 9:30 and 10:30 AM. This will become a regular occurrence for BellaTec members and non-members. I am beyond grateful to BellaTec for providing the space to teach pilates en español. To the best of my knowledge this is the first time large group classes are being taught 100 in español in the city Los Angeles.

In addition to partnering with these incredible locations- I am also working on stickers, and other fun things to come in the near future!

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 pilates career was born when in 2018 while living in Guangzhou, China. I got stuck in Vietnam during COVID and taught some mat classes there. After repatriating back to Los Angeles my career began with Club Pilates. I worked really hard and created a position for myself as Regional Pilates Teacher Training Coordinator. It was a probably the hardest job I’ve ever had- it required so much of my time and energy; there were so many learning curves. I once had a husband come into the studio to shout at me! Despite all of the obstacles that I hurdled I broke records for the company. Earlier this year, our district had 27 teacher trainees; the second largest cohort for the Club Pilates corporation.

This position taught me the importance of following your dreams. My role was very special- I was the first point of contact for people who wanted to pursue their dreams by becoming a pilates instructor. There is one special woman that changed my life-she helped me realise that I was spending all of my time on others and not my goals. I recently resigned as Teacher Training Coordinator and my focus is now on instructing and Sazón Pilates.

Sazón Pilates is about building strength and confidence with every move as we develop self-love through Pilates. Perreo, Pan, y Pilates para todos! Fuerza y Positividad con cada movimiento.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Friday- Start the mid morning with cafecito and pan dulce in Highland Park at Delicias Bakery follwed by a Lagree class at Motivate. After moving we would make our way to the Norton Simon Museum to look at one of the best curated art collections in Los Angeles. Lunch at Salaya Plant Based Kitched and a sunset hike at Griffith Park. We would take this to an evening dinner at Clifton’s and dancing at La Cita.

Saturday- Rise early in the AM and drive to Ventura for cafecito and pan at Butter and Fold. Visit the Mission before we Make our way to Ojai for a day trip of antique shopping, art galleries, and second-hand books. Lunch at Hip Vegan for the ashram bowl and a Vietnamese coffee. Head back to Ventura for the slice of the day at Fluid Sate Beer Garden and dance at a local bar.

Sunday- Catch a class at Pilates Lab before driving to LA and visit Butter and Fold again! We’d get brunch at Guatemala Bakery, hit some thrift stores, and catch the sunset at Malibu beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Goddess Mercado which happens every second Saturday of the month at the Civic Center in East Los Angeles. I was given the opportunity to offer a community mat pilates class and serve as a wellness resource. The women behind scenes and Vendors are mentors; their stories, bravery, and collective energy have allowed me to believe in myself more.

BellaTec, a women’s only gym in the heart of downtown los angeles that’s changing women’s fitness. The owner, Bella has created a safe space for women to grow. Currently, we are starting the first ever Spanish only group Reformer Pilates classes in all of Los Angeles! Join us 8/17 for Reformer in Español. I am excited to serve my community and share the benefits of Pilates with non-english speakers. Pilates is for every BODY.

Instagram: @sazonpilates

Linkedin: Michelle Myra

Image Credits
BellaTec, Club Pilates Little Tokyo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.