Original article by:
Otiena Ellwand Jan 13, 2020 from Merrithew blog- Grow, Re-opening Resources for Studios.
Liana Levi never planned for her personal Pilates studio to become a flourishing business during a pandemic – not to mention a destination for LA celebrities, models and influencers – but after training a few of her close friends on her new Merrithew Reformer, there was no going back.
“My friends then told their friends, and soon enough I decided to transform my ‘personal studio’ into Forma Pilates LA,” she says.
“Ceiling high windows provide full view of trees bringing the outdoors in, yet keeps privacy. Exercise accessories at the ready on nearby wall organizer.”
“It has been tough with the pandemic, but Forma has become such a safe haven for so many of my clients, a place where people can see each other, share human connection, and some normality.” Liana Levi
This Pilates studio is a referral-based only, so all of Liana’s clients are connected in some way. This helps her maintain a safe, private and intimate atmosphere for her clients, appealing to those who are higher profile.
“I love making people feel good, it is truly the most gratifying feeling and I take a lot of pride in it. It’s been very empowering growing this business organically; it keeps me motivated and moving every day,” Levi says.
Discover your natural passion for Pilates
Mirrors at just the right height provide visual feedback for proper form.
Liana played sports and danced for most of her life, so when she tried Pilates for the first time, it “automatically clicked” for her.
She started doing Pilates a bit over 10 years ago and instantly became addicted to the feeling she felt after each class, not to mention the way Pilates transformed my body. It was like nothing she had experienced in any other workout.
The uniqueness of Pilates— its ability to help people maintain strong, lean and agile bodies— is what she thinks makes it appealing to so many different demographics— from elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts, and top models and actresses looking to shape and tone their muscles before shoots and shows.
“People really enjoy working muscles they never knew they had. The greatest part of doing Pilates is watching your body transform. Everything feels tighter and stronger, your muscles wrap around your bones, your posture improves, you feel taller, your chest is lifted, your shoulders aren’t hunched over, your neck is longer, your arms become more defined, but most importantly, your core becomes a powerhouse. It really is such a life-changing practice”
— Liana Levi
Staying true to her ‘personal studio’ roots
When Liana decided to purchase her first Reformer in March, she knew it would be a Merrithew V2 Max Plus™ Reformer – the same type she’d trained on at Natural Pilates in Beverly Hills.
“All I know is Merrithew – and to me it’s the best and also the most luxurious equipment. I call Merrithew Reformers the Rolls-Royce of Pilates equipment.” says Liana.
Once her personal studio became a professional studio, she added another V2 Max Plus Reformer and Cardio-Tramp® Rebounders.
Based on the huge interest and success she’s seen, in January, she opened her second studio location in West Hollywood with three V2 Max Plus Reformers. Later this year, she’ll launch online training options to cater to people beyond her referral network. She will be able to provide virtual classes for those with reformers at home.
Small Classes with Big Impact
“Form is such an important factor in Pilates. I’m big on making sure my clients have the correct form since each movement in Pilates is so targeted and precise, one small adjustment makes a world of a difference.”
— Liana Levi
This article comes from a new Merrithew blog called GROW. A resource to help studios re-open and flourish. https://www.merrithew.com/blog/grow. I have added design comments next to each studio photo. Mirrors help students see how they are holding themselves and how a small adjustment can make a difference. Natural light with filtered sunlight not direct is best for workouts. I’ve always said Pilates is like billiards, a small change in angle can make a huge difference.
If you’d like to start your own studio contact Samantha. I am a re-seller for Merrithew. Pilates Equipment Shop, Honolulu provides home fitness kits, design inspiration and custom Merrithew Pilates Equipment that come in 10 standard colors and 75 designer colors.
Article added to PilateOn Blog 1-28-2020
Samantha T. Reed-Omick B.P.H.E. Comprehensive Pilates Instructor
Therapeutic Pilates & Recreation LLC. Honolulu, HI http://www.PilatesEquipmentShop.com
Your studio looks fabulous. Love the tree filled windows!