Meet Aida Estiz: Pilates Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aida Estiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aida, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed a bilateral mastectomy as part of the treatment. At the time I had a very demanding high-level corporate job and my three kids were very young. Once I was able to restart physical activity I chose Pilates as an integral part of my workout routine. Pilates helped me regain mobility, general strength, and flexibility and was key in helping me regain stamina, confidence, and an overall sense of well-being. In that moment I knew that I wanted to learn Pilates to be able to teach and help others experience the benefits the method has to offer for healing processes like the one I personally experienced. The transition from corporate director to studio owner was a process of a few years which led to the opening of Alma Pilates in Doral in September of 2016, at the five year mark of being cancer free! Alma Pilates is Contrology taught from the soul, the classical method, the authentic Pilates as the creator Joseph Pilates intended it. The studio environment is calm yet strict to honor the discipline, ideal for those seeking personalized attention whether recuperating from injuries, living with chronic conditions or simply seeking a partnership in a well-rounded classical Pilates program. 

What should our readers know about your business?
At Alma Pilates we partner with each an every student taking into consideration their personal goals and needs. With that purpose in mind every new client starts with an intro package of a few private lessons before joining group classes. In those first 1:1 sessions the student not only learns the basics of the method but also an important partnership is born. Our private sessions and small group classes are designed to develop strength, flexibility, and balance while addressing each student’s past injuries or surgeries and general fitness levels and goals. Students of all ages and abilities progress at their own pace and learn to interpret and incorporate the principles of Pilates in all other aspects of life outside the studio, thus contributing to achieving an overall improved well-being. The most essential part of our long term success and what sets us apart is our genuine commitment to our clients’ best interests. That purpose is the north star which guides every decision. Alma Pilates’ success relies on making our students fall in love with Pilates and its benefits so they want to come consistently. We do not “bind” our students to contracts or memberships which might create a sense of obligation. Our students come to Alma Pilates happy to train, heal, and find their personal space. They come because they love to, not because they signed a contract for a certain number of months. They know that they will always be greeted by name, the instructors will know their story and needs, and they will always leave the studio a little bit better than when they stepped in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely recommend Sunny Isles Beach if they want beautiful beaches with a city flavor. On a typical leisure day I would start the morning with a cafe cubano at El Tropico and then spend a couple of hours at the beach. For a casual lunch, I would give a big shoutout to El Tayta for their delicious Peruvian dishes including their Pisco Sour cocktails. A long walk in the afternoon through Collins Ave going north to Golden Beach – a little jewel between Sunny Isles and Hallandale Beach. For dinner don’t miss out on Baires Grill. Ask for outdoor sitting at the terrace and enjoy top notch Argentinian food and wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves a lot of credit for the success of Alma Pilates. My husband and kids are the true champions in this story, they unconditionally supported my transition from a well-paid full-employment job to the entrepreneurship world. It required adjustments both financially and in work hours to plan and materialize the project of opening the studio. Without them Alma Pilates would not have happened.

Website: www.almapilatesdoral.com
Instagram: @almapilatesdoral
Facebook: @almapilatesdoral

Image Credits
Aida Estiz @almapilatesdoral