Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Vasquez.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t grow up an athlete. Actually quite the opposite – I was very into the arts (choir, plays, dance). Dancing is very athletic but I didn’t stick to it as long as I wanted. I didn’t even start exercising until high school, where I fell in love with group fitness. The teamwork mindset really helped me push through some of my toughest days and I always looked forward to how I felt post class.
Group fitness stayed in my life until post grad; when I started my job as a full time Operating Room nurse in 2018. I stopped exercising pretty much all together because I was so tired from working at the hospital. I worked through the pandemic when the world shut down – and neglected my own health even further to help others in need. I then became a travel nurse which was so much fun, and got engaged! When preparing for my wedding, fitness became a major pillar in my life again.
But it was not until post-wedding in 2023, that my eyes opened to how badly I had been treating my body. I gained 30lbs and never felt worse all together. I knew something had to change, mentally and physically.
I found group fitness again, but this time I chased low impact exercise: such as Pilates and Lagree. I fed my body healthy, whole foods every day. I went to therapy, cut back on my hours at the hospital, and made important doctors appointments. Slowly, I started feeling like myself again.
My first instructing job was teaching Lagree in Connecticut where I grew up. I loved how challenging it was! It never felt easier no matter how much stronger I felt. It was my first entry to teaching group fitness and I still practice the method to this day. When my husband and I moved to Miami for his residency, I knew I wanted to teach fitness and do nursing part-time again. I found a mat Pilates studio called Long Lean Pilates, very close to my apartment and quickly fell in love with how I felt post class. I felt challenged but in a different way than Lagree. I knew in my heart it was my next step; as I had practiced Pilates plenty of times before but this studio taught me how to breathe and control my movements in a way I’d not experienced before. It was here I got my mat certification by Master Trainer Christina Donato; and I am so grateful to have learned from someone so skilled in Pilates.
Fast forward to today – I’ve been teaching mat Pilates for 1.5 years now. I teach at 3 studios around Miami; and have my own brand called Lucky Girl Pilates where I host community events. I just recently hosted a Nurses Week event!
Lucky Girl Pilates is for the girls like me 3 years ago; searching for answers, community, consistency and conversations around self-love. The journey to finding self-love may be long, but it does not mean you need to do it alone. Through movement, I hope to bring that to anyone who is in my community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Finding myself again was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s like – being chained to the bottom of a pool. Future me was fighting for the girl under the water – carrying all of the heavy weight, negative energy, and bad self-talk. I wanted to be able to breathe again; and since I’ve found my way, I feel like I’m floating.
Living in Miami these past 2 years has been absolutely amazing. I have dove head first into the lifestyle and appreciate the sunshine so much. With all of the growth I’ve had business wise, I am now dealing with insane imposter syndrome. But that’s okay – because at the end of the day even if I don’t feel ready; at least I’m still in the room.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a registered OR nurse, currently specializing in neurosurgery. I have been a part of every kind of surgery you can think of – apart from cardio-thoracic. The hospital I am working currently has me on their neuro team; so think brain and spine surgery! My favorite kind of surgery to be a part of is Plastic Surgery; specifically reconstructive!
If you come to one of my classes – you can expect classical pilates with sculpty elements. My classes won’t leave you feeling defeated, but the opposite. You’ll feel accomplished, stronger and smiling – ready to come back again next week 🙂 I love playing Hugel, Bad Bunny, Rihanna and Drake.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family & friends. First and foremost, they have supported me the whole way. I couldn’t be where I am without their love, prayers and support. Life has gotten so busy, but keeping in touch with friends, visiting family out of state and spending quality time with my husband is always going to be a priority.
I’ll also say staying true to myself. There is a lot of noise out there; it’s important to me to not get lost in the chaos and stay on track for what’s best for me.
Pricing:
- studio drop in: $25-30
- lucky girl pilates events: $50+
- bachelorette parties: $300+
- 1:1 sessions: $80
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssavasq/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@luckygirlpilates
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/luckygirlpilates_/
