From Marvel studios to Pilates studios

My journey from the bustling halls of Marvel entertainment as a Marketing Executive to the world of Pilates was a journey from work that I loved, to work that fills my soul. While my years in the entertainment industry were exhilarating, I longed for something more meaningful.

Pilates entered my life as a hobby—a respite from the demands of the corporate world. Yet, it quickly blossomed into a passion that I couldn't ignore. I found solace and strength in the fluid movements, and before I knew it, I was opening my first Pilates studio in my hometown of LA.

Despite the financial challenges—I vividly remember having a mere $217 left in my bank account when I opened my second studio—I forged ahead, driven by a vision to share the transformative power of Pilates with others. With little more than determination and a scrap of paper filled with sketches I took it even further and created my own Pilates machine and a totally new approach to movement. Inspired by Pilates, and to create movement for the future.

It was daunting to leave behind what I had known, but it was also liberating. I discovered a newfound sense of purpose in helping others discover the healing power of movement.     

Inspired by my love for Pilates it wasn’t long before I sought to bridge the gap between traditional pilates and creative dynamic, high-energy workouts that became WundaBar Pilates. With each new studio opening, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to pursue work that not only paid the bills but felt much more meaningful.

In the WundaBar approach, we take anatomy and biomechanics seriously and at the same time we set our classes to music and infuse them with fun. We teach from the inside out, guiding clients to understand not just how to move, but why each movement matters.

What sets WundaBar apart is our emphasis on functional movement—exercises that translate directly to real-life activities. Whether it's lifting groceries or chasing after children, our clients leave feeling empowered and equipped to tackle whatever life throws their way.

Expanding the WundaBar Brand

The journey to expand WundaBar Pilates from a single studio to a nationwide phenomenon wasn’t without its challenges. From building a team of dedicated Educators to navigating the complexities of scaling a business, each step required perseverance and adaptability.

One of our key challenges has been growing our Educator team to meet the demand for our classes. We've implemented rigorous training programs and mentorship initiatives to ensure that every instructor embodies the WundaBar ethos of excellence and empowerment.

Even with the hurdles, our commitment to delivering exceptional workouts and fostering a sense of community has propelled us forward. With each new city and each new client served, we're reminded of the profound impact of our work.

At the heart of every WundaBar Pilates class is the WundaFormer. The WundaFormer combines four Pilates apparatuses into one machine. It incorporates a ballet bar, a jump board, a reformer and a Wunda Chair in one. Clients rave about the versatility and effectiveness of it making easy transitions between exercises. From the top to bottom, every component is thoughtfully designed to maximize the benefits of each movement.    

Our classes are a symphony of motion, flowing seamlessly from one exercise to the next. With the WundaFormer as our centerpiece, clients leave our classes feeling energized, empowered, and our Educators play a pivotal role in bringing the WundaBar experience to life.     

In addition to the WundaFormer, I also invented the WundaCore Resistance Ring. Drawing upon years of teaching and feedback from our community, I set out to design a versatile tool that would elevate every aspect of the workout. It feels and functions so much better than a ball between legs to align knees and feet for core function or an old Pilates Ring under your hand that flops and distracts. Its unique design allows for endless variations, from targeting the core in every move to improving alignment and stability. Truly teaching clients to find the best results in every exercise.     

While our roots may be in Los Angeles, our reach extends far beyond the USA. With the launch of Wunda On Demand, we've brought the WundaBar experience to a global audience.

At the end of the day what drives me to innovate and push boundaries is a simple belief: Movement heals. If you have that entrepreneurial spirit in you, like me, then you’ve got to lean into what you love and what you believe in. I’ve learned one thing from all these years of building my business – balance is absolute B.S. Build a schedule that allows for focused blocks of time and that reflects a deep understanding of the importance of prioritizing tasks and managing energy levels. In my view, multi-tasking will slow you down. So learn to focus, say ‘no’ when you need to, so you can say ‘YES’ when opportunities to achieve your goals present themselves and have fun.

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Amy Jordan, a visionary Pilates entrepreneur and inventor, transformed her Hollywood career in 2012 to create WundaBar Pilates, home to her first invention, the patented WundaFormer. Known as a “body genius” in the industry, she entered the fitness equipment space in 2022 with her newest patented invention, the WundaCore Resistance Ring. Stay tuned for a home model WundaFormer coming in 2025.

WundaCore - US Patent No. D1038290.

WundaFormer - U.S. Patent no. 8,602,953.

U.S. Patent no. 8,602,953.