Leila Cunningham, Owner/Certified Pilates Instructor

I believe once you start with Pilates, it lives in your body forever. My goal is to have all my clients achieve their fitness goals through Pilates, to have fun and feel great!”

Pilates Place

1221 Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach | 310-372-0444 | pilatesplacehb.com | facebook.com/pilatesplacehb

In 2003, Leila Cunningham left the corporate world and obtained her Pilates certification, with more than 1,000 hours of extensive training. In May 2007, she opened Pilates Place, a classical Pilates studio featuring a dynamic yet relaxing environment. The highly-trained, professional instructors design progressive programs to meet individual needs and fulfill specific goals for each client. Leila continues to seek professional growth by attending instructional conferences regularly. She continues her education under the direction of world–renowned master teacher Jay Grimes, who studied with Joseph Pilates, founder of the Pilates method.

What’s most rewarding about your work?

“When clients tell me that Pilates changed their lives. They feel stronger, healthier, sexier and happier, and they love it. That is a great feeling.”

What will new clients like about your unique approach to fitness?

“It is balanced. It is grounded. It is real. I trust the Pilates method, and I want every client to experience how it can benefit them.”

How do you educate your clients to take good care of themselves?

“I really believe it’s essential to take time for yourself and enjoy life as much as possible, so I always promote balance in life.”

Do you teach clients about the mind/body connection?

“Absolutely! I am passionate about it, and I believe it is essential for everyday life.

While developing your body, you can be developing your mind by focusing your concentration on what your body is doing. Pilates founder Joseph Pilates said, `Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.’”

How do you maintain your own health and fitness?

“I do Pilates every day. I love being outside, and living in a beach community keeps me active. I also try to embrace healthy eating habits and believe a home-cooked meal is always the best option.”

How do you give back to your community?

“We host Pilates for Pink classes, raising money for breast cancer awareness. We donate free classes to school auctions and support the Hermosa Beach Firefighter Association via donation. I guest speak at local Mommy and Me classes, educating moms about post-natal fitness.”