Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Lal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nicole, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I was raised by a strong, independent Hispanic mother who always encouraged us to do what felt right for us. She let us figure things out on our own, guiding us from a distance and only stepping in when absolutely necessary. Because of that, confidence was instilled in me at a young age, and it grew naturally as my curiosity led me to explore different experiences.
Through working in various environments, I learned that sticking to my passions and what feels authentic to me has always been the key to maintaining confidence. In Pilates, my self esteem grows through my dedication to the work. Other instructors often ask if I know of other studios or teachers, but honestly, I don’t pay much attention to that. I focus on what I love teaching, which allows me to refine my skills in ways that make sense to me. I prefer to learn through my own process rather than being influenced by what others are doing. That approach has helped me develop both confidence and a strong sense of self in my career.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi, my name is Nicky Lal. I’m the founder of Fuerza Pilates, a Pilates studio in Los Angeles, CA, that specializes in training professional athletes and Pilates instructors.
My journey into Pilates started unexpectedly. I was working as a graphic designer in the fashion industry, using Pilates as a way to stay active and, honestly, to beat the insane LA traffic. But over time, my passion for movement grew stronger than my love for design, and I decided to take a leap. I pursued my Pilates certification, diving headfirst into the fitness industry with the goal of helping others move better and feel stronger.
What excites me most about my work isn’t just the physical transformation. I love the personal connections I build with my clients. Working with professional athletes has been incredibly rewarding, not just because I get to help them move better, but because I get to truly know them. I spend time learning about their positions, understanding the demands of their sport, and figuring out how to support their bodies in a way that keeps them playing at their best. Over time, these relationships go beyond training sessions. I become invested in their careers, their wins, their losses, and their journeys. Many of my clients have become close friends, and that personal aspect of my work is what keeps me passionate about what I do.
Beyond athletes, I also train Pilates instructors, which is something I deeply care about. Teaching movement is so much more than just cueing exercises, it’s about understanding people, their fears, their goals, and their bodies. I work closely with instructors to refine their teaching techniques, build their confidence, and help them feel prepared to work with high performance clients. Working with fellow Pilates instructors is just as fulfilling as training athletes because I get to watch other instructors grow into incredible teachers who can make a real impact.
Right now, I’m expanding my reach beyond Los Angeles. I’m leading workshops internationally, continuing my mission to bring purposeful and functional movement to athletes and Pilates professionals worldwide.
At the core of everything I do, my goal is simple, to make Pilates accessible, effective, and empowering. Whether you’re a pro athlete, a coach, or just someone looking to move better and feel stronger, I want to help you understand your body, feel good in it, and do what you love for as long as possible.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities have had the biggest impact on my journey: adaptability, genuine connection, and continuous learning.
Pilates, like any industry, is constantly evolving. Whether it’s staying up to date with new research on movement, working with clients who have different needs, or navigating the challenges of running my own studio, being adaptable has been crucial. My advice? Be open to change. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, try new approaches, and learn from every experience good or bad.
I know this is easier said than done for a lot of people. I’ve always been the type to dive in and learn by experiencing things firsthand. But one piece of advice I find myself repeating often is this:
“If you’re stuck in a situation that makes you unhappy and you have an idea for something new, why not try it? You might be unhappy there too, but at least you’ll know. If you’re already thinking about a change, it means something inside you is ready for it. So try the next thing and if that doesn’t work, try the next.”
Like in many industries, building relationships has been the heart of my career. I don’t just teach exercises, I take the time to understand my clients, whether they’re professional athletes or new instructors, because that’s what truly makes a difference. It’s not just about how someone moves, it’s about who they are, what they need, and how I can support them beyond the session.
If you’re early in your journey, focus on people first. Listen more than you speak, be present in every session, and remember that trust is built over time. The stronger your relationships, the greater impact you’ll have.
No matter how much experience I gain, I never stop learning. In fact, I recently started my master’s in kinesiology at the University of Florida because I want to keep deepening my knowledge of movement, injury prevention, and performance. I challenge myself daily, not just as a teacher, but as a mover.
My advice? Stay curious. Never assume you know everything, because the best instructors are the ones who remain students for life.
For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to try everything. Experience only comes from experience, and success definitely doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on improving your skills, building strong relationships, and staying open to new opportunities you never know where they’ll lead you.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve realized that it usually falls into two categories, things that are in my control and things that aren’t. The tricky part is that both can feel equally stressful in the moment. When I overwhelm myself with my schedule, it’s usually because I’m moving at a million miles an hour, stacking too much on my plate, and pushing through exhaustion. I lose sleep, I feel drained, and then I have to remind myself, none of this is “necessary”. I choose to do these things, and if I created this schedule, I can also adjust it.
When I reach that point, I try to step back and reset. I make lists, set priorities, and take things one step at a time. If I stay organized, I can keep myself sane but let’s be real, that’s not always the case. I know I overwhelm myself, so I’ve learned that the best thing I can do is pause, be present, and remind myself that not everything needs to happen all at once.
My advice? Pay attention to when you’re heading toward burnout before you actually hit it. Step back when you need to, even if it’s just for a deep breath or a walk. Prioritize what actually needs to get done and let go of what doesn’t. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Overwhelm happens, but you don’t have to stay in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pilatesfuerza.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilateswithnickylal
Image Credits
All images taken by Michael Rhine his IG is @michaelxrhine
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
