Today we’d like to introduce you to Christiana Magneson.
Hi Christiana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a Central Coast native, I’ve always had a passion for movement, learning, and spending time outdoors in nature. Growing up surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and open spaces fostered a deep appreciation for both the natural world and an active lifestyle. That passion led me to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in the Biological Sciences with a focus on marine biology. During that time, I developed a regular yoga practice and discovered how important movement was to my overall well-being.
After graduation, I pursued a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education at Cal Poly, SLO because I knew I wanted to become an educator. Teaching allowed me to combine my love of science, learning, and helping others grow. Throughout my life, I’ve also been determined to stay active despite challenges. I underwent spinal fusion surgery in middle school due to scoliosis and was told there were certain activities I should avoid, including skydiving and horseback riding. While I always respected my health, I was determined not to let those limitations define me and eventually did both.
After teaching various areas of science for several years, I felt drawn toward entrepreneurship and dreamed of creating a business centered around fitness and women’s health. That dream became even clearer after starting my own family. Following a difficult pregnancy and birth, I discovered Pilates during my postpartum recovery. The experience was transformative and inspired me to take the leap and open my own studio, Pilates by Christiana.
Today, I specialize in personalized one-on-one mat and reformer Pilates sessions, along with small group classes. Drawing on my years of teaching experience, I strive to create a welcoming environment for people who may not feel comfortable in a traditional gym setting and are looking for a more individualized approach. My goal is to help clients build strength, confidence, and a positive relationship with movement. Every body is welcome, and I look forward to welcoming you to my studio soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been challenges along the way, and I changed my mind more than once about what I wanted my business to look like. However, I’ve learned that every setback creates an opportunity for growth, improvement, and change.
One of the biggest challenges was becoming a mother while also pursuing entrepreneurship. Balancing family life and business ownership is not always easy, and I’ve come to realize there is no universal definition of “work-life balance.” It looks different for every person and every family. For me, the key has been finding work that energizes me and aligns with my passions.
That is exactly what I found when I transitioned from education into founding Pilates by Christiana. I was able to combine my love of movement, teaching, and individualized instruction into a career that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
Another challenge has been building a small business in an industry dominated by larger Pilates studios. While larger studios can serve many clients at once, they often don’t have the capacity to provide highly personalized programming. My goal has always been to create a sustainable business where I can focus on each client’s unique needs, goals, and abilities. I believe that individualized attention creates better outcomes and a more welcoming experience, and that philosophy continues to guide my business today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pilates by Christiana?
Pilates by Christiana was founded from a desire to combine my passions for movement, education, and helping others live healthier, more confident lives. After earning degrees in Biological Sciences and Agricultural Education from Cal Poly, SLO and spending years as a science educator, I realized I wanted to create something that allowed me to make a more personal impact on people’s lives.
What sets Pilates by Christiana apart is the individualized approach. Unlike larger fitness studios, I focus on personalized lesson plans designed around each client’s unique goals, abilities, injuries, and lifestyle. Whether someone is recovering postpartum, returning to exercise after an injury, building strength, improving mobility, or simply looking for a welcoming place to move their body, every session is tailored specifically to them.
As someone who underwent spinal fusion surgery at a young age and later navigated the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and postpartum recovery, I understand firsthand that movement looks different for every body. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable, encouraged, and empowered rather than intimidated.
Beyond Pilates, I hope my story encourages others to pursue the things they are passionate about, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in life come from taking a leap of faith and trusting your instincts. Starting my own business allowed me to create a career that aligns with my values while helping others feel stronger, healthier, and more confident.
What I am most proud of is the community that has grown around Pilates by Christiana. Seeing clients gain strength, overcome limitations, and discover confidence in their bodies is incredibly rewarding. Every body is welcome, and my mission is to help clients move well, feel well, and enjoy the journey along the way
What makes you happy?
Happiness for me comes from the people, places, and purpose that enrich my life. This Includes time spent in nature, being with my family, supporting my community, and doing meaningful work. I have always been a nature enthusiast and enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, paddle boarding, camping, and exploring the beautiful Central Coast with my husband, son, and our two doodles. Being outside helps me recharge, stay active, and appreciate the simple things in life.
I am also incredibly grateful for the small but supportive community of family and friends that surrounds me. Having grown up on the Central Coast, I feel especially fortunate to live, work, and raise my family in the same community that helped shape who I am today. Those relationships and connections have been one of the greatest contributors to my overall happiness and well-being.
Giving back to the community is another source of fulfillment for me. Whether through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or helping others achieve their health and fitness goals, I enjoy being an active member of the community that has given so much to my family.
Professionally, one of the most rewarding parts of owning Pilates by Christiana is watching clients gain confidence in themselves. Seeing someone become stronger, move without pain, accomplish a goal they once thought was impossible, or simply leave a session feeling better than when they arrived brings me genuine joy. As an educator at heart, I love helping people learn, grow, and realize what they are capable of.
Ultimately, happiness comes from living a life aligned with my values including family, health, learning, service, and meaningful connections. I feel fortunate to have built a career that allows me to combine those passions while helping others improve their quality of life through movement. My hope is that every client who walks through my studio doors feels supported, empowered, and inspired to invest in their own health and well-being.
Pricing:
- Private Pilates Instruction
- Small group classes
- Personalized lesson plans
- New client introductory session available
- Visit PilatesByChristiana.com for current pricing and offerings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pilatesbychristiana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilates.by.christiana/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576739143133
Image Credits
Capture & Connect Photography
