Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Houdek.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my Pilates journey in 2023, just by taking a class. About one year later I lost my job in marketing and ultimately decided I didn’t want to go back to the office.
So, I started researching how to become a Pilates instructor, found a reputable online course, local mentorship and never looked back. I started by working at a studio in Bend and couldn’t help but think how crazy it was that Redmond didn’t have one Pilates studio. It felt like a huge opportunity.
At the time, I didn’t have the financial ability to lease my own space. I had pretty much drained my savings starting over, so I had to get creative. Eventually, I connected with Liz at Love Bird Yoga. We spent a few months working through the details and figuring out how to share a space, and honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am without that opportunity.
Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky. I had a group of women that had no idea who I was, have never taken Pilates before, but were excited for Pilates to come to their community and purchased a package before I opened my doors. Many of those women are still clients today.
Now, only six months in, the business has grown much faster than I anticipated. I added another reformer and expanded class offerings just three months in.
It’s been really special to build something like this in the community, and I’m excited to keep expanding the business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road.
There have been both “good” and more challenging growing pains. On the positive side, classes are often waitlisted, which is amazing, but it also means it’s been difficult at times to accommodate new clients. I’ve had to think carefully about how to expand; whether that’s adding reformers, more class times or eventually moving into my own space. That’s still a bit of a challenge since, from a landlord’s perspective, the business is very new.
On the more difficult side, I’ve had to learn how to set and enforce boundaries as a business owner. Things like package expirations, requests for exceptions, or people asking for free classes can be tough, especially when you care about your clients and community. I’ve also had to navigate software limitations and systems that don’t always feel intuitive.
But overall, those challenges have really helped me grow, not just the business, but also my confidence in running it. I’ve learned how to problem-solve, communicate clearly, and make decisions that support the long-term success of the studio.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a certified Pilates instructor specializing in contemporary reformer Pilates. I’ve also continued my education in areas like jump board, working with common injuries, and pre- and postnatal clients, which allows me to support a wide range of people safely and effectively.
In my classes, I focus on creating workouts that are both challenging and accessible. I want clients to feel pushed, but never intimidated, whether it’s their first class or they’ve been coming for months.
What I’m most proud of is the progress I see in my clients. Watching someone start with zero experience and grow stronger and more confident over time is incredibly rewarding.
I truly believe the community we’ve built is what sets the studio apart. Clients come in excited, they know each other by name, and they genuinely support one another. It’s not just a workout, it’s an environment people want to be part of, we have fun, and that’s something I’ve been very intentional about creating.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Pilates has been around for over 100 years, and is incredibly popular right now. Although the practice has evolved, the core principles have stayed the same for a reason, they work. It’s one of those forms of movement that people continue to come back to because it supports long-term strength, mobility, and overall body health.
Looking ahead, I think we’ll continue to see Pilates positioned as part of a more well-rounded fitness routine, alongside strength training and cardio, rather than as a standalone trend.
That being said, I do think the current surge in popularity may level out over time, and we’ll see class formats and delivery evolve- whether that’s through more specialized classes, hybrid models, or different studio experiences- but I don’t see Pilates going anywhere.
If anything, I think the industry will become more refined, with a stronger emphasis on quality instruction, client experience, and community.
Pricing:
- Welcome Class Pack: 3 Classes for $60
- Welcome Privates Pack: 3 Private Sessions for $225
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westformpilates.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/westformpilates
- Other: hello@westformpilates.com
