Jennifer Ruggiero shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jennifer, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up, take my vitamins, drink a glass of water, eat breakfast, while eating breakfast I start checking work emails. I then either head to the studio to teach Pilates or if it is a day off from teaching, I head to my home office to work on administrative tasks and management tasks that need to be completed. At some point during the day I get a workout in. This can be anywhere from a 20 minute workout to a 90 minute workout depending on how much time I have available and my energy level. I eat dinner before 7pm and head to bed at 9pm. I do my best to get a full 8 hours of sleep each evening.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jennifer Ruggiero, and I am the owner of The Pilates Movement NYC and The Pilates Movement Tarrytown. I have been teaching Pilates for 25 years, and this January 2026, our NYC studio will proudly celebrate its 20-year anniversary.
At both studios, we offer private, semi-private, and small group sessions of up to three students, all rooted in the original Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. Our approach honors the classical method that has been passed down through generations, while thoughtfully integrating modern science to support strength, mobility, and long-term health.
What truly sets The Pilates Movement apart is our commitment to personalized attention. Every student matters to us, and we tailor each session to meet individual needs, goals, and abilities. We welcome all levels—whether you’re brand new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner—and strive to create a supportive, focused environment where everyone can move better, feel stronger, and connect more deeply with their bodies.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a ballet dancer. That identity shaped me from a very young age, and it stayed with me as I pursued ballet professionally, dancing until the age of 32. Ballet taught me discipline, artistry, resilience, and a deep connection to the body—lessons that continue to influence who I am and how I move through the world today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there were many moments when I almost gave up. The COVID shutdown in March 2020 was incredibly challenging, and that challenge lasted for years. There were times when I truly considered closing my business. Watching my income drop to zero overnight and then having to rebuild something I had spent so many years creating—from square one—was deeply difficult and emotionally draining.
That period tested me in every way, but it also led to unexpected growth. Out of that struggle came the opening of our second location in Tarrytown, NY, in 2023—a reminder that even the hardest moments can open the door to new beginnings.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get. I value authenticity and honesty above all else, and I strive to show up the same way in public as I do in my personal and professional life. Being real and transparent is important to me, and it’s something I carry into my work, my relationships, and how I lead my studios.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I am doing what I was born to do. I followed my passion for dance, which led me to Pilates as a way to heal my own body. That experience opened the door to teaching Pilates, and eventually to opening my own studio. Today, I have the privilege of helping many students through Pilates, and the honor of mentoring and supporting the teachers I work with. It feels like a natural evolution—one that continues to grow and deepen over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepilatesmovement.com or www.pilatesmovementnyc.com
- Instagram: @thepilatesmovement_tarrytown @the_pilates_movement_nyc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilatesmovementnyc and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556288404854
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pilates-movement-new-york?osq=the+pilates+movement+nyc
Image Credits
Megan Montgomery
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