Meet Sonja R. Price Herbert | Founder/Creator of Black Girl Pilates®️

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonja R. Price Herbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonja, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I have been in the Pilates industry for 15 years and even as a Black woman I have never realized the amount of anti-Blackness and racism there is in this profession. As Black people we have been conditioned to believe that we are living in a post-racial society. 2020 was evidence that this is not true. There was a pseudo-white awakening after George Floyd even within the Pilates industry but that quickly died down after about two months. Black liberation is important to me which is part of my reason for founding Black Girl PiIates®️ – a collective of Black women identified Pilates instructors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I see myself as an instructor who does not just “teach Pilates but empowers my clients to experience it in their own bodies.” Pilates will look and feel different on different bodies. I want them to understand that. My job is not just teach them the exercises or continue the typical rote pattern seen in some classes and privates. Pilates is like a transformer, it is more than meets the eye but only if you go beyond the superficiality of the set exercises whether they are in traditional form or contemporary.

I “paid my dues” as most instructors typically do at the beginning. We work early hours, late nights, weekends, and with clients that are difficult and unforgiving. I learned a lot from that time and it has helped me to set clear boundaries with clients and studios. I do not work before 7am anymore and if I’m not comfortable with a particular client, no matter how much they like me, I ask to have them work with someone else. Mental health and safety are key for me in these later years of teaching. These boundaries are strictly because of the micro-aggressions and blatant racism I experience as a Black Pilates instructor.

I encourage new instructors, particularly Black instructors, that you do not have to prove yourself by accepting hours you do not want to work or clients that may be particularly problematic. That is not a sign of a “great instructor.” A great instructor is someone who can observe with their eyes and ears. They are genuine and caring in their approach yet challenging when they observe there is more to be experienced. They build a relationship with this person who is entrusting them with their bodies and teaches them how to set their own boundaries as well.

Whenever my time is up in this world, I want to be remembered as someone who cared deeply and fought for Black liberation within Pilates method.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am very new to the Atlanta, Georgia area but if my best friends were to visit me, I would take them to The Wellness Spot, a Black woman owned spa for a great massage, mani/pedi or a fitness class. Afterwards, we would enjoy a wonderful meal at Breakfast Boys, also Black owned, which is a few doors down from The Wellness Spot.

I also enjoy walking on The Beltline near downtown Atlanta. There are a lot shops and restaurants with a gorgeous view of downtown. You can even sit and enjoy the view if you do not want to just walk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who I want to recognize for being the inspiration and  encouragement for me creating Black Girl PIlates®️. Dyane Harvey-Salaam who first invited me to a group she had created with Sarita Allen, Marcea Daiter and Dallas Fuentes called Pilates Instructors of Color. Additionally, I want to dedicate this to my very first Pilates teacher, Cynthia Shipely and to my other mothers in Pilates, Wendy Amos and Dr. Jacqueline Sawyer. I am forever grateful and indebted to all of them for their support, love and encouragement.

Website: www.blackgirlpilates.com

Instagram: @blackgirlpilates

Image Credits
The picture with me alone doing pilates should be credited to Healthline. All of the other photos were taking by me.