This week, we sat down with Anj — a pilates instructor and founder based in NYC who is working to change the way we move. Scroll for the full interview — and as always, don’t forget to share and subscribe!
Anja: To kick things off, can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do?
Anj: I'm Anj! I’m a Pilates instructor based in New York City. I'm really focused on making Pilates more affordable—right now, group reformer classes typically run $40–$50, which isn’t accessible for a lot of people. I’ve started offering classes at around $25 in Flatiron to make it more accessible.
I also founded SQZ, which is the first ever weighted magic circle. It’s a 4-pound version of the traditional magic circle. You can still squeeze it in and out to engage your core, place it between your thighs/ankles and you can also use it in a bunch of other ways since it doubles as a weight.
Anja: That’s awesome. What inspired you to pursue both Pilates and your product, SQZ?
Anj: I actually started out teaching Pure Barre during COVID. At the time, I had a remote job, was living at home with my parents, and didn’t have a big community. I joined Pure Barre partly for the free membership and ended up loving the community and teaching. That’s when I decided to get serious about fitness. I signed up for a 600 hour pilates teacher training, while also working a 9-5 job to support myself. It took me around 14 months to graduate, and then I taught pilates while working full time as well.
When I moved to New York - I noticed that I couldn't find any drop ins for pilates under $40 - and this was definitely out of my price range. I figured other people were probably feeling the same way, so I decided to offer affordable classes.Surprisingly, it caught on quickly, especially through TikTok. I was able to ramp up my clients organically and have had $0 in ad spend and my classes all sell out thanks to my growing and supporting community and the power of social media.
As for SQZ, I was looking for a weighted magic circle myself back in early 2024. I searched everywhere and couldn’t find one—so I decided to make it. It took about a year to develop, and we officially launched in May 2025. It definitely was a huge learning curve, my parents knew nothing about developing products so I heavily relied on youtube and podcasts.
Anja: How are you selling SQZ right now—online, in-person, or both?
Anj: It’s all online for now, but I do host in-person events where people can try and buy it. Even then, most transactions happen through the site.
Anja: What does a typical day in your life look like?
Anj: I teach at Chelsea Piers Fitness and also host my own group and private classes—both reformer and mat. Usually I have early morning sessions, either traveling to peoples homes or teaching privates at the studio. Then from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., I work on SQZ—handling everything from website updates and social posts to packing orders. Then I’m usually back to teaching my group reformer classes in the evening.
Anja: Do you have any daily routines that help you stay grounded?
Anj: Morning coffee is a must. I also use an ice roller —that wakes me up. But honestly, I teach right away most days, so I don’t have time for an elaborate routine.
Anja: What kind of music do you play in your classes?
Anj: I love Afrobeats. I’ve been playing it a lot lately—probably should switch it up, but it just works. That said, I don’t focus too heavily on music. I was classically trained, so I tend to focus more on my cues and the bodywork itself. The music’s more of a secondary element.
Anja: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Anj: I love trying other fitness classes that I’m not teaching, and I love going to cafes in the West Village. I’ve been leaning into more simple, wholesome meetups lately! Just spending time with my sister, my boyfriend, or friends.
Anja: Any favorite coffee shops?
Anj: I don't have a favorite yet because I still have so many to try, but I recently tried Cafe Leon Dore and it was really good!
Anja: And what workout classes have you tried recently that really impressed you?
Anj: My favorite class right now is Holy Dog in Kips Bay. It’s a reformer class—intermediate to advanced. If you’re an instructor, it will definitely challenge you.
Anja: Are you originally from New York?
Anj: No, I was born in India but grew up in Jersey, so it wasn’t too far of a move. I’ve been in the city for about a year and a half now and see myself staying here for a while!
Anja: Where do you see yourself — and SQZ — in five to ten years?
Anj: I hope SQZ is in every studio and it's being recognized as a prop not only used in pilates but also other areas of fitness like barre, sculpt, and just strenght training in general. We’re in nine studios right now, and we just launched two months ago, so we’re off to a good start!
Personally, I hope to still be teaching—maybe even have my own studio by then. I definitely see myself in a city, hopefully still New York, but I’m open to where life takes me.
Anja: After teaching so many classes, how do you recover?
Anj: Sauna and cold plunge, if I’m brave. But honestly, sleep is the biggest thing for me. If I don’t get enough rest, I feel it immediately. A good night’s sleep makes all the difference.
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Thanks for sharing what you’re building with us, Anj! You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, or book with her directly.
Until next time!
-The Team at Arrival
love this!!