Meet Ruth Bruno | Owner of Ruth Pilates Studio

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

Hi Ruth, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
When I started teaching pilates in 2017, I noticed there was a massive barrier of entry. It was so expensive that only a small, exclusive community had access to it. On a deep level that really didn’t sit right with me. Joseph Pilates wanted everyone to do his exercises, not just wealthy people. My inspiration behind RPS was to create an accessible and affordable on demand platform so as many people as possible can experience pilates at home without any expensive equipment. Many of my movements are inspired by the pilates apparatus like the reformer and wunda chair but all you need is you and a little space to move.

My mission is to show you that amongst all the chaos, you can have a fun and enjoyable practice at home that gives you control of your body, and helps you find control over other areas of your life too.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I fell in love with movement in the form of dance at 3 years old. My personal movement style is very much informed by my background in ballet, modern dance and choreography. Making my classes, programs reformer inspired flows satisfies me deeply on a creative level.

To be very honest, as much as I love dance, the toxic parts of the culture really damaged my relationship with movement. I struggled to feel like I belonged, I always felt there was something wrong with my body. I’m so grateful for what I learned, but it’s so important to me that no one ever feels that way when they take my classes.

While some instructors are very rigid and negative in the way they teach pilates, I approach every exercise as a moment to explore, play and have fun. Movement is safe, and should be pleasurable too. I teach you where form is important, give you permission to be messy, and how to make every exercise feel good on your unique body. I see movement as a celebration of what we can do, not a punishment for what we can’t.

In my classes you will laugh, sweat, learn, and find control and strength you didn’t know you had. My members often write to me how shocked they are to discover that they can feel the strongest and look the best they ever have all just from taking my classes at home.

Starting a business during the pandemic was terrifying. It was a huge risk to transition from a steady paycheck at a studio to starting my own online business. I doubted myself and if I was good enough. I made mistakes and learned so much along the way. What always gets me through the hard times are the relationships I’ve built with my members. They push through their fear and self doubt and show up on the mat for themselves every day. In turn, I am inspired to continue to show up for them.

Every day I receive the most powerful messages from my members who’s lives have been changed from taking my classes. It’s such an honor, and I am so lucky to be in this position.

Some things I’ve learned along the way are to take lots of messy action. Perfection is boring. Keep showing up for yourself, trust your gut. Speak up, ask for help, and keep it real.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bestie was coming to town, we would start the day with a long walk or hike at Griffith park with my dog Valentino. Then I would take them to get my favorite acai bowl from Da Juice Bar in Glendale. We would have to do some pilates in my home studio of course! At night we would go to a comedy show at The Comedy Store or the Laugh Factory. We would also have a relaxing beach day in Malibu or Will Rogers beach with a picnic and some music. And maybe some beach pilates too while we are at it!

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?
All of the clients who have taken my classes or privates in studio and are now loyal RPS members. I can’t thank you enough. You’ve made my dream come true. Thank you for supporting and believing in me from the start.

I also want to shoutout Joseph Pilates who created a timeless and genius system that changed my life and that I now get to share with others.

Website: https://www.ruthpilatesstudio.com/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ruthpilatesstudio/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ruthpilatesstudio?_t=8Z8t7Q99tOs&_r=1

Image Credits
Felicity Murphy