Pilates In Hollywood: an interview with Jessica Luengo

Today’s edition of Real Women. Real Balance. is super fun for me. Jessica Luengo was an old friend of mine back in Colorado. We met at CSU (which seems like a whole lifetime ago) but both transferred to different schools during our college years so we eventually lost touch. Years later, when I began to pursue Pilates as a full-time career I noticed that Jessica was doing the same. We re-connected and now run similar businesses and have similar passions. I’m so honored to feature her here on The Balanced Life. She lives and works in Los Angeles, trains a wide variety of clients (including some you’d recognize from TV) and is a wealth of healthy information. If you have questions for her, be sure to post them in the comment section below.

1. So Jessica, what inspired you to start your Pilates business?

When I began training, I trained clients at my home studio and at a studio in Beverly Hills. Once I started to get too busy at my own studio to take more clients at the Beverly Hills one, I decided it was time to be on my own and cross my fingers. I was really lucky with the loyal clients I had and still have today.

2. What do you do when you’re not training clients?

Pilates! Ha! I practice what I preach and love the workout regime. Nothing makes me feel better in my body and clears my head like pilates does. When I’m not working – or working out – I’m usually writing healthy articles for my website, running to the grocery store and cooking in my kitchen! I also have 2 dogs and a wonderful husband who I spend as much time as I can with.

3. I know you have a website to share healthy information with your clients. What’s your favorite post?

I love the post about “how to get a flat belly” that I wrote a while back. It encompasses everything you need to know about your workouts, eating regimes and lifestyle to make healthy easy changes.

4. What does balance mean to you during your current season of life?

Balance means being about to take on multiple things at a time while still taking care of yourself. Most everyone either works a round-the-clock job, whether that’s at the office or home, so making time for your health is crucial. No matter what the excuse is as to why you can’t make time for yourself needs to stop now! YOU ARE IMPORTANT AND WORTH IT.

5. Who inspires you?

My family without a doubt. My husband, Joey, who is so supportive and loving toward me and everything I do. My parents, Rich and Kim, who have always encouraged me to make a difference and be happy. My sister, Jamie, and brother, Blake, who always tell me they’re proud of me no matter what.

6. What is your best tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the midst of a busy life?

Work out in the morning. It’s too hard to keep the commitment once your day begins – too many things come up- dinners, meetings, kids stuff, errands, etc. Get up early and don’t worry about your workout throughout the day. You’ll also eat healthier too!

7. What projects are you currently working on that we can keep our eyes open for?

I will be coming out with a cookbook this spring that I am so excited about and always wanted to do! It is geared toward newlywed couples (being a newlywed myself) and how to cook healthy together. It’s very easy to follow (5 steps or less) and is full of easy, delicious, nutritious and favorite recipes of mine that I cook at home for my own family! I am also going to be contributing two articles per month on health and fitness for a new online magazine launching this month by Pressed Juicery called “The Chalkboard Mag” – so look out for that! 🙂