Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Juras
Hi Meghan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I discovered Pilates in 2007 after driving by a studio daily and finally deciding to call them. I walked in blind, carrying just a yoga mat, only to be told to leave it at the door. I remember jumping on the reformer and immediately reconnecting with my ballet roots—I loved it. At the time, I was working in advertising, so I scheduled my private lessons right after work. Soon after, I was laid off, and the studio owner mentioned a certification program. I decided it was time for a change.
It took a year of dedication, including 700 hours of practice, observation, and teaching at that studio, as well as training with master instructors in NY/NJ and South Florida. In 2008, I became certified as a Classical Pilates Instructor.
I spent 15 years teaching at that same studio. During that time, I got engaged, married, and had three children. Pilates not only changed my life, but also provided a career that complemented my life at every stage. I could make my own hours, teaching private clients and adjusting my schedule to accommodate my young children.
Throughout those years, I had incredibly supportive clients, always asking when I would have a space of my own. In 2022, I felt ready to take that step. I opened Winter Park Pilates in 2023. The studio started in a small, somewhat hidden space, and before I even had enough equipment for myself and one instructor, I began getting calls every day—from past clients and new ones. Instructors I’d worked with for years were curious about what I was building and asked for hours.
I packed in as much equipment as I could into that small space, and two years later, we’re thriving. Now, I’m about to expand into a second, more prominent location right next door to where we currently are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel incredibly blessed that my clients have followed me, and new ones have found their way to me as well. Even though my studio currently has zero street presence, my strong marketing background and loyal client base have been key. Word of mouth and the reputation of both myself and my team have played a huge role in the growth of Winter Park Pilates.
That said, there are challenges. Pilates has become a very saturated market. The term “Pilates” isn’t trademarked, even though it’s named after its creator, Joseph Pilates, who developed the method (then called “Contrology”) in the 1920s. Winter Park Pilates is a Classical Pilates Studio, meaning we follow the original system, exercises, and order that Joseph Pilates created. With so many variations of Pilates out there now, and instructors often getting quick, weekend certifications, it can be difficult to educate the public on what true Pilates is. If someone tries a class at a modern, “one-size-fits-all” studio and gets hurt, it can make them hesitant to try “real” Pilates at all.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I teach pure, Classical Pilates, and there are only a handful of us in Orlando/Winter Park. What sets us apart is our training and dedication to teaching Pilates as it was created. Classical Pilates instructors are trained by those in a direct lineage to Joseph Pilates. My Teacher Trainers were certified by Romana Kryzanowska, who trained with Joseph Pilates and was chosen to carry on his legacy after his passing. We follow his systematic approach, mastering exercises from beginner to advanced levels, along with special cases and anatomy. We don’t alter his work or create new exercises—because his method simply works.
At Winter Park Pilates, we limit our class sizes to no more than six clients, ensuring personalized attention. We’re not a one-size-fits-all studio; we tailor our sessions to the bodies in front of us, adjusting for different levels and needs. What makes us unique as a Classical studio is that we use all of the Pilates equipment, both in private sessions and group classes. Our mission is to demystify Classical Pilates and make as much of the apparatus available to our clients. Whether in a private session or group class, we incorporate the entire system of Pilates—Reformer, Tower, Mat, Wunda Chair, Barrels, and more!
How do you think about luck?
Bad luck (being laid off) pushed me to take the leap and get certified as an instructor in 2008.
Good luck (karma, listening to the universe, and an army of supportive friends and mentors) guided me to opening my own studio.
Pricing:
- Group Class Drop In: $30
- Private Lesson (Single): $80-$90
- Packages available for both
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.winterparkpilates.com
- Instagram: @winterparkpilates
Image Credits
Michael Cairns
