Welcome to the World of Bala. We’re on a mission to empower everyone to move; through creativity and self-expression. Together, our growing community of #BalaBabe(s) are redefining what it means to be fit. And looking absolutely fabulous doing so. You’re in great company – tag #BalaBabe to join the movement!
#BalaBabe
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Ambitious, Confident, Positive
Favorite pre-natal pilates move?360 Breathing for SURE! You can do it anywhere, anytime and it’s insanely effective. Tutorial HERE 🙂
Go-to post-natal pilates move?
360 Breathing – again, it’s a miracle worker. But another just for fun that is amazing too: supine (on the back), alternating toe taps from tabletop with pilates breathing is insanely effective for showing your core lots of love! Place a Bala Pilates ball underneath your tailbone for a bit more of a challenge when you’re ready and it works wonders for targeting the deep core and pelvic floor.
Best part of motherhood so far?
Getting to know my baby girls and seeing them interact with each other hands down! I also feel like I’m in a whole new era of my life – one that has given me so much clarity on what is important and what’s not, and that’s been a huge game changer.
One secret wellness tip you can share with us?
That finding what works for YOU, owning your own bio-individuality and being ok with this changing as you evolve and grow is key!
Go-to snack when you are on-the-go?
Travel almond butter packets and an apple or banana – super simple!!
Favorite piece of Bala pilates equipment?
How can I choose?! I’ll narrow it down to two, lol. The play mat because it’s SO supportive and cute, too & the ball because it’s so fun to level up any movement.
—Alysia (Pope) Ehret
@purelypope
Highlight/best part of owning and teaching at Hot Pilates?
My community! Helping others achieve their fitness goals is priceless.
Any advice you can share with instructors who are just getting started in their careers?
Stay committed to learning. The journey never stops.
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Adventurous, passionate, loving
One secret wellness tip you can share with us?
Recovery is just as important as the workout!
Go-to snack when you are on-the-go?
I’m not a big snacker, I prefer the full meal lol. BUT if I need something on-the-go I love a smoothie.
Favorite pilates move?
Kneeling side-kick series, it’s challenging and works every part of the body.
Favorite piece of Bala pilates equipment?
The Pilates ball helps me engage my core and glutes for that extra burn
—Shannon Nadj
@shannonnadj
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Movement, Energy, Creative!
What’s your favorite way to move?
I began practicing yoga about 10 years ago as a family activity with my parents, when I lived back home. While it only was a physical practice, I always felt inside of me like there was something about it that I really enjoyed, and that would keep me always going back to my mat.
Your go-to Bala product + color and why?
I’d have to say the bala bangles – and of course rainbow ones. I wear them for my weight workouts twice a week and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t get a comment about the colors and just how aesthetically pleasing and mood uplifting they are – these bangles make you smile bigger.
Favorite Yoga Pose?
My favorite yoga pose I think could be malasana or garland pose – such a great release for tension in the hips – I think it’s a pose I make sure to include in every class, no matter the intensity or level of it.
How are you celebrating National Yoga Day this year?
I celebrate and honor my practice and this sacred practice every single day of my life – so I think i’m just going to celebrate national yoga day by stepping on my mat and showing up for myself and for you, like I always do
—Annie Movies
@annie.moves
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Funny, assertive, passionate
What’s your favorite way to move? (hiking, strength training, etc)
Pilates of course 😉
Your go-to Bala product + color and why?
2lb Charcoal Bangles for versatility and wardrobe matching
How do you stay motivated?
I use the power of visualization to stay committed instead
Favorite forms of self-care?
Sauna, champagne and silence
Favorite Pilates Move?
Neck pull
—Teneice Bowie, Matte Pilates
@matte.pilates
How do you describe yourself in three words?
SC: Heart-led, compassionate, and driven!
SB: Grateful, passionate, and communicative
What’s your favorite way to move?
SC: A mix of pilates & strength training workouts!
SB: Pilates, strength training, and long walks in nature!
What are you most excited about Spring?
SC: Spring brings a fresh energy! Almost like a fresh start, spring cleaning, fresh air, and more time outside!
SB: I GET MARRIED, ahhhh what is life?!!!?!!!
Your go-to Bala product + color and why?
SC: Bala ankle weights in sea!!
SB: My Bala Bars are my best friends! Love how they elevate every workout. The sand color is also v chic.
Current favorite snack?
SC: My protein balls!!
SB: I dream about Siete Churro Chips at all hours of the day
#1 Wellness tip or hack you can’t go a day without?
SC: Journaling!! It helps me return to gratitude & connect to myself!
SB: Start your day with movement that energizes you & leaves you ready to conquer your day!
—FORM’s Sami Clarke & Sami Bernstein
@samiclarke
@samiberns
@FORM
How are you celebrating International Women’s Day this year?
Hosting a free Zoom class in celebration of all of the inspiring women in my fitness community!
Who is a female figure that you look up to and why?
My mom. She is also an entrepreneur, and she has taught me how to lead with fearlessness, compassion, and grace.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given from a female?
Start even if you don’t know how, and don’t be afraid to get messy along the way.
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Vibrant, ambitious, creative.
Your go-to Bala product and why?
Bala Bangles, because they add an extraordinary level of spice to any exercise. I feel naked if I’m not wearing them in class!
Your favorite workout jam?
Don’t Be so Hard on Yourself – Jess Glynne
—Savannah Simon
@sweat.with.sav
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Smart, disciplined, warm.
Your go-to Bala product?
I use the Play Mat (Sand) every single day, whether I’m stretching or taking a class at home. I also love the classic Bangles (Sand) and Bala Bars (Sand) when I’m shadowboxing. I can’t wait to try out to new jump rope as well!
Tell us about your work with ACTIV-ISM?
ACTIV-ISM is an anti-racism wellness company. Our goal at ACTIV-ISM is to educate, empower and uplift marginalized folks and create an ongoing practice of accountability, instruction and exploration for their allies. Founded by myself and Kira West in 2020, ACTIV-ISM offers a wide variety of resources and programs with the fight for racial justice at the center. Most recently, we wrote a book called “ACTIV-ATING: Your Vocabulary” which is for sale on at activ-ism.com. In “ACTIV-ATING: Your Vocabulary”, we breakdown terms and demystify concepts, empowering you to feel a little more knowledgeable and a little more articulate when you have challenging dialogues.
How do you stay motivated?
Planning my day and setting my intentions the night before is the best way for me to get motivated. When I have a great morning, I know I always have a great day, so waking up with a purpose is my go-to to start motivated.
Your Favorite Part of Bala NYC?
The entire space is BEAUTIFUL, but I especially love the chair shaped like a Bala Bangle!
—Taylor Almonte
@ taylorraealmonte
Photo credit: @laceylynnseymourphoto
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Honest, competitive, detail oriented.
What’s your favorite way to play?
My favorite way to play is an outdoor workout. A hike or a boxing session on the beach.
Your go-to Bala product?
The 2LB Bala Bangles in Sand.
How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by mixing up my workout routines so my body doesn’t get used to one routine or a specific set of muscle groups. I also like to challenge myself and take classes that I’m not familiar with or confident in.
Your favorite workout jam?
I love a shuffle playlist across many different genres that keeps me on my toes. Literally! If I’m working out at the end of the day, I prefer a classical artist that calmly winds down the day, both physically and emotionally.
—Maria Sharapova
@mariasharapova
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Ambitious, Confident, Positive
Favorite pre-natal pilates move?360 Breathing for SURE! You can do it anywhere, anytime and it’s insanely effective. Tutorial HERE 🙂
Go-to post-natal pilates move?
360 Breathing – again, it’s a miracle worker. But another just for fun that is amazing too: supine (on the back), alternating toe taps from tabletop with pilates breathing is insanely effective for showing your core lots of love! Place a Bala Pilates ball underneath your tailbone for a bit more of a challenge when you’re ready and it works wonders for targeting the deep core and pelvic floor.
Best part of motherhood so far?
Getting to know my baby girls and seeing them interact with each other hands down! I also feel like I’m in a whole new era of my life – one that has given me so much clarity on what is important and what’s not, and that’s been a huge game changer.
One secret wellness tip you can share with us?
That finding what works for YOU, owning your own bio-individuality and being ok with this changing as you evolve and grow is key!
Go-to snack when you are on-the-go?
Travel almond butter packets and an apple or banana – super simple!!
Favorite piece of Bala pilates equipment?
How can I choose?! I’ll narrow it down to two, lol. The play mat because it’s SO supportive and cute, too & the ball because it’s so fun to level up any movement.
—Alysia (Pope) Ehret
@purelypope
Highlight/best part of owning and teaching at Hot Pilates?
My community! Helping others achieve their fitness goals is priceless.
Any advice you can share with instructors who are just getting started in their careers?
Stay committed to learning. The journey never stops.
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Adventurous, passionate, loving
One secret wellness tip you can share with us?
Recovery is just as important as the workout!
Go-to snack when you are on-the-go?
I’m not a big snacker, I prefer the full meal lol. BUT if I need something on-the-go I love a smoothie.
Favorite pilates move?
Kneeling side-kick series, it’s challenging and works every part of the body.
Favorite piece of Bala pilates equipment?
The Pilates ball helps me engage my core and glutes for that extra burn
—Shannon Nadj
@shannonnadj
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Movement, Energy, Creative!
What’s your favorite way to move?
I began practicing yoga about 10 years ago as a family activity with my parents, when I lived back home. While it only was a physical practice, I always felt inside of me like there was something about it that I really enjoyed, and that would keep me always going back to my mat.
Your go-to Bala product + color and why?
I’d have to say the bala bangles – and of course rainbow ones. I wear them for my weight workouts twice a week and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t get a comment about the colors and just how aesthetically pleasing and mood uplifting they are – these bangles make you smile bigger.
Favorite Yoga Pose?
My favorite yoga pose I think could be malasana or garland pose – such a great release for tension in the hips – I think it’s a pose I make sure to include in every class, no matter the intensity or level of it.
How are you celebrating National Yoga Day this year?
I celebrate and honor my practice and this sacred practice every single day of my life – so I think i’m just going to celebrate national yoga day by stepping on my mat and showing up for myself and for you, like I always do
—Annie Movies
@annie.moves
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Funny, assertive, passionate
What’s your favorite way to move? (hiking, strength training, etc)
Pilates of course 😉
Your go-to Bala product + color and why?
2lb Charcoal Bangles for versatility and wardrobe matching
How do you stay motivated?
I use the power of visualization to stay committed instead
Favorite forms of self-care?
Sauna, champagne and silence
Favorite Pilates Move?
Neck pull
—Teneice Bowie, Matte Pilates
@matte.pilates
How do you describe yourself in three words?
SC: Heart-led, compassionate, and driven!
SB: Grateful, passionate, and communicative
What’s your favorite way to move?
SC: A mix of pilates & strength training workouts!
SB: Pilates, strength training, and long walks in nature!
What are you most excited about Spring?
SC: Spring brings a fresh energy! Almost like a fresh start, spring cleaning, fresh air, and more time outside!
SB: I GET MARRIED, ahhhh what is life?!!!?!!!
Your go-to Bala product + color and why?
SC: Bala ankle weights in sea!!
SB: My Bala Bars are my best friends! Love how they elevate every workout. The sand color is also v chic.
Current favorite snack?
SC: My protein balls!!
SB: I dream about Siete Churro Chips at all hours of the day
#1 Wellness tip or hack you can’t go a day without?
SC: Journaling!! It helps me return to gratitude & connect to myself!
SB: Start your day with movement that energizes you & leaves you ready to conquer your day!
—FORM’s Sami Clarke & Sami Bernstein
@samiclarke
@samiberns
@FORM
How are you celebrating International Women’s Day this year?
Hosting a free Zoom class in celebration of all of the inspiring women in my fitness community!
Who is a female figure that you look up to and why?
My mom. She is also an entrepreneur, and she has taught me how to lead with fearlessness, compassion, and grace.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given from a female?
Start even if you don’t know how, and don’t be afraid to get messy along the way.
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Vibrant, ambitious, creative.
Your go-to Bala product and why?
Bala Bangles, because they add an extraordinary level of spice to any exercise. I feel naked if I’m not wearing them in class!
Your favorite workout jam?
Don’t Be so Hard on Yourself – Jess Glynne
—Savannah Simon
@sweat.with.sav
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Smart, disciplined, warm.
Your go-to Bala product?
I use the Play Mat (Sand) every single day, whether I’m stretching or taking a class at home. I also love the classic Bangles (Sand) and Bala Bars (Sand) when I’m shadowboxing. I can’t wait to try out to new jump rope as well!
Tell us about your work with ACTIV-ISM?
ACTIV-ISM is an anti-racism wellness company. Our goal at ACTIV-ISM is to educate, empower and uplift marginalized folks and create an ongoing practice of accountability, instruction and exploration for their allies. Founded by myself and Kira West in 2020, ACTIV-ISM offers a wide variety of resources and programs with the fight for racial justice at the center. Most recently, we wrote a book called “ACTIV-ATING: Your Vocabulary” which is for sale on at activ-ism.com. In “ACTIV-ATING: Your Vocabulary”, we breakdown terms and demystify concepts, empowering you to feel a little more knowledgeable and a little more articulate when you have challenging dialogues.
How do you stay motivated?
Planning my day and setting my intentions the night before is the best way for me to get motivated. When I have a great morning, I know I always have a great day, so waking up with a purpose is my go-to to start motivated.
Your Favorite Part of Bala NYC?
The entire space is BEAUTIFUL, but I especially love the chair shaped like a Bala Bangle!
—Taylor Almonte
@ taylorraealmonte
Photo credit: @laceylynnseymourphoto
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Honest, competitive, detail oriented.
What’s your favorite way to play?
My favorite way to play is an outdoor workout. A hike or a boxing session on the beach.
Your go-to Bala product?
The 2LB Bala Bangles in Sand.
How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by mixing up my workout routines so my body doesn’t get used to one routine or a specific set of muscle groups. I also like to challenge myself and take classes that I’m not familiar with or confident in.
Your favorite workout jam?
I love a shuffle playlist across many different genres that keeps me on my toes. Literally! If I’m working out at the end of the day, I prefer a classical artist that calmly winds down the day, both physically and emotionally.
—Maria Sharapova
@mariasharapova
How do you describe yourself in three words?
Ambitious, Confident, Positive
Favorite pre-natal pilates move?360 Breathing for SURE! You can do it anywhere, anytime and it’s insanely effective. Tutorial HERE 🙂
Go-to post-natal pilates move?
360 Breathing – again, it’s a miracle worker. But another just for fun that is amazing too: supine (on the back), alternating toe taps from tabletop with pilates breathing is insanely effective for showing your core lots of love! Place a Bala Pilates ball underneath your tailbone for a bit more of a challenge when you’re ready and it works wonders for targeting the deep core and pelvic floor.
Best part of motherhood so far?
Getting to know my baby girls and seeing them interact with each other hands down! I also feel like I’m in a whole new era of my life – one that has given me so much clarity on what is important and what’s not, and that’s been a huge game changer.
One secret wellness tip you can share with us?
That finding what works for YOU, owning your own bio-individuality and being ok with this changing as you evolve and grow is key!
Go-to snack when you are on-the-go?
Travel almond butter packets and an apple or banana – super simple!!
Favorite piece of Bala pilates equipment?
How can I choose?! I’ll narrow it down to two, lol. The play mat because it’s SO supportive and cute, too & the ball because it’s so fun to level up any movement.
—Alysia (Pope) Ehret
@purelypope
Lex is a mover at heart. She began her career in the dance world, professionally performing for years which then led her to the wellness world. Movement is her therapy. It's her medicine and allows her to express her creativity. She is thrilled to be joining the team to share her love for movement with everyone.
Lex's favorite Bala products are The Power Ring, the Bala Pilates Ball, and Bala Bangles.
Camai B. is an LA based pilates and yoga trainer with 800+ hours of teaching & training in studios & private instruction. Camai’s results-based teaching style has been described as disciplined, dedicated & supportive as she infuses creativity into each class. She champions diversity in the boutique fitness space, creating an environment for her clients of all backgrounds to reach their personal goals.
Camai's favorite Bala products are Bala Bangles, Bala Balance Blocks, and Bala Bands.
Danny Saltos of Train With Danny is a LA based personal trainer with over a decade of experience. Train With Danny is a culmination of his journey to provide genuine self-assurance through nutrition, exercise, and complete wellness, which allows each of his clients to enjoy a tailored personal training experience. Danny's workouts are also available via his TWD App, where a community of thousands are on a journey together to their best self yet!
Danny's favorite Bala products are the Bala Beam, Bala Bars, and The Power Ring.
Grayson believes that we have the ability to move beyond any binary - that we can find strength within grace, and power within stillness. Based in LA, Grayson helps his group and private clients discover and new movement paradigm.
Grayson's favorite Bala products are the Bala Beam, Bala Bars, and Bala Bangles.
Aubre Winters is a female entrepreneur and the founder of the fitness concept and app, Sweat Sessions. Aubre’s multifaceted label provides women with the tools, workouts and life lessons for unlimited confidence, inspiration and motivation. Aubre’s lifestyle brand helps support her community in reaching their big dreams - whether you are starting your own business, looking for guidance on your fitness journey or just want to be that confident bish.
Aubre's favorite Bala products are Bala Bangles, Bala Bars, and The Play Mat.
Jailyn is a pilates based holistic fitness instructor with a love for nature of all kinds. She believes Pilates is a necessary part of maintaining a strong supple body, and recommends it as the base of any exercise program. She further trained in pre/post natal fitness, back injury prevention, fitness for older populations, and is TRX certified. She is also EMT licensed, working as a set medic. Her favorite activities are roller skating, hiking, beach volleyball, and she was also a professional model for 27 years.
Jailyn's favorite Bala products are Bala Bangles, Bala Ball, and The Hourglass Roller.
Ridge Davis has been keeping Hollywood’s elite trimmed and toned for over a decade. The PUMA endorsed athlete prides himself on the fundamentals of fitness: eat clean and train dirty. Recently, Ridge has partnered as trainer with Halle Berry’s wellness platform, RĒ•SPIN. Ridge is also a featured instructor with Fabletics, SELF, and Glo. Ridge is NCSF certified and regularly published as a celebrity fitness expert in GQ, Men’s Health Livestrong, Men’s Journal, and Hollywood Life.
Ridge's favorite Bala products are Bala Bangles, Bala Bars, and Bala Beam.
Marie Grujicic aims to empower you to strengthen mind, body, & soul. To reconnect with the child within, to play and cultivate self-compassion and loads of fun. Catch her teaching, Yoga, Recovery, Meditation & breath work. From dancing professionally around the world, creative directing for Cirque du Soleil, and acting alongside the likes of Ryan Gosling and Heidi Klum, Marie's skill of beautiful performance defined her global career. After discovering yoga, her passions turned to her Awespire community, empowering people online, in-person, and on global retreats to strengthen mind, body, and soul in pursuit of a life well-lived.
Marie's favorite Bala products are Bala Bangles, The Floor Kit, and the Bala Pilates Ball.
Renee Noa Harris is an Aussie Yoga and Meditation Teacher currently living in Los Angeles. During a busy career in fashion and international business Renee found refuge in her mindfulness practices and shifted course, studying extensively with some of the industry’s most renowned teachers across many modalities. Bringing together her knowledge of yoga, meditation, breathwork, and personal-development, Renee facilitates classes, wellness retreats and teacher trainings around the world. Her classes are intentional, powerful, grounding, and uplifting, and she inspires her students to do the work of the practice both on their mat and in their lives.
Renee's favorite Bala products are The Play Mat, Bala Balance Blocks, and Bala Bangles.
