Pilates Pero Make It Latina: 5 Latinas Bending The Rules And The Reformers
For too long, Pilates studios have felt like exclusive spaces for the rich, thin and white. But that’s changing. Across the country, Latinas are stepping into the Pilates world not just as clients, but as leaders, instructors, and studio owners and they’re bringing their communities with them.
These mujeres are creating welcoming, body-affirming spaces where Spanglish is spoken, Reggaetón plays during class, and wellness is no longer a luxury, but a birthright. Whether through culturally inclusive branding, sliding-scale pricing, or repping curvier bodies in their marketing, they’re making Pilates feel like we belong. And in doing so, they’re shifting what strength, flexibility, and representation look like in the wellness world.
Meet some of the Pilates mamis holding the door open for the next wave of Latina Pilates princesses to stretch, strengthen, and take up space:
1. Latina Pilates Club
Founded by Kristy Sauceda, owner of pilates por favor Pilates studio, the Pilates club based in Garland, Texas is a community for Latinas to gather and take Pilates classes in a space that feels like home. The club curates classes that play music we all get ready to like Bad Bunny, Karol G and Raw Alejandro making every class a vibe. What we love most about Kristy’s approach is that there’s also a do-good element. One June 21st, the Latina Pilates instructor is hosting Unidos On The Mat “a special Pilates class to uplift, unite, and give back” where proceeds will be donated to a Texas-based nonprofit organization to support migrant families. That’s something we’re willing to sweat for.
2. Pilates Jemima
Based in Orange County, California, Jemima invites Latinas in southern California to hop on a reformer with her while bopping out to reggaetón via her Pilates Con Sazón club. As the name of her Pilates club suggests, her classes are anything but bland. Jemima prides herself in creating a space in wellness for Latinas. Her Pilates Con Sazón classes are often more than just classes but a space for community featuring baile and vendors after the class ends.
3. Kassy Romero
Pilates enthusiast Kassy Romero isn’t just gathering Latinas for a sweat sesh. She wants to make sure when they attend one of her classes they feel they are in community. Kassy’s classes are an experience taken straight from a Pinterest mood board and the best part is she is inclusive of other community members even if they’re not participating in the class. If you’re in Chi town, check out one of Kassy’s Pilates classes and contribute to Chi town while strengthening your core.
4. Berenice Barraza
If you’re a Latina in Dallas and you don’t have a ton of friends, Berenice Barraza wants you to know her Pilates class isn’t just a workout class—it’s a place to connect. During Berenice’s classes you won’t have to worry about translating a Bad Bunny lyric to the person next to you because everyone just gets it. And as Berenice says, her goal isn’t just for you to get a good workout in, but to walk away with friends.
5. Kendrinha
Kenda doesn’t call herself a Pilates instructor, but a reggaeton advocate and that tells us everything we need to know about her style of teaching. She started The Lila Society because she needed it. She says she never saw a space that was for her where Latinas could do Pilates and blast Reggaetón. So if you’re in Los Angeles and you’ve been looking for a place to connect, grow or just be around other badass Latinas, as Kendar says, you are perfect for The Lila Society. Check out their monthly calendars y a bailar y a Pilatear (don’t know if that’s an actual word but you get it).
