Instructor Spotlight: Laressa Mems

1.     Tell us a little about yourself and your Pilates background

Hi, I’m Laressa Mems! I’m a Lead Instructor with Club Pilates in the Metro Detroit area, where I’ve been proudly teaching since 2016. I also serve as a Corporate Master Trainer, supporting education across the brand, from leading Teacher Trainings to helping ensure consistency and quality across all Club Pilates studios. Originally from Oak Park, Michigan, just 20 minutes outside of Downtown Detroit—I’m passionate about building strong, inclusive communities through mindful movement and lifelong learning. Friends and colleagues often describe me as an “Epic Idea Generator,” a “Jack of All Trades,” and *“Organized in Chaos”—*and I happily embrace all of it! I’m passionate about helping others move with confidence, creativity, and strength, both in and out of the studio.

2.     How did you discover Pilates?

I first discovered Pilates in high school as cross-training while I was dancing, but I didn’t fully appreciate its power until college. After suffering a tailbone injury, Pilates became a key part of my recovery—helping me heal and allowing me to continue dancing for another 10 years. Ever since then, I’ve been in love with the practice and its ability to support the body through all stages of life and movement.

3. How do you keep learning?

I’m a lifelong learner and continuously expand my knowledge by attending workshops and seminars. I also love drawing inspiration from the amazing people I work with. Collaborating with peers—sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives, and learning from those with different areas of expertise—keeps me growing as both an instructor and a student of movement.

4.     The best advice you were ever given as a teacher…

Aside from the classic advice to ‘always remain a student,’ the best guidance I’ve ever received is to ‘state the obvious.’ This applies not only in the studio, but in everyday life. I’ve learned that what feels like common knowledge to me may not be common at all to someone else. Clarity is essential, and I make it a point to say the things I think someone knows because often, they need to hear it anyway.

5.      Is there something you try and instil in each of your clients?

I make it a priority to ensure my clients know they are in charge of their own bodies—and to help them feel empowered by what their bodies can do through movement. Every body is unique, and it’s important to me that each person I teach gains a deeper understanding of how their body functions and moves best.

6. The best Pilates course you ever did was…

One of the most impactful courses I’ve taken so far focused on using the foam roller to help release fascia. This stood out to me because it not only supports injury prevention, but can also help relieve a wide range of physical discomforts. Learning how everything in the body is connected—and how those connections affect us in everyday life—was incredibly eye-opening and has deeply influenced how I teach and care for my clients.

7. What’s your favourite piece of equipment to use with clients in studio and why?

My favorite piece of equipment to use with clients—whenever I get the chance—is the Cadillac. It’s an incredibly supportive and versatile apparatus that allows me to teach the mechanics and foundational principles behind nearly every exercise. Clients often leave feeling successful, confident, and more connected to their bodies after working on it.

8. How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by maintaining my own personal practice and giving myself permission to rest. I’m very involved in the day-to-day operations of our studio, so I’ve learned how important it is to take care of myself in order to show up fully for others. Prioritizing downtime helps me stay energized, focused, and ready to teach with intention and presence.

9. What makes you laugh the most?

My son, Evan, makes me laugh daily! He is such an inquisitive child, so there is never a dull moment or a boring question or statement.

10. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?

My son, Evan, keeps me laughing every day! He’s incredibly inquisitive, so there’s never a dull moment, just a steady stream of unexpected questions and entertaining observations. He definitely keeps me on my toes, and is the best part of my everyday.

11. How many pairs of grip socks do you own? Do you love or hate a stretch band?

I own so many grip socks. I truly believe you can never have too many! I keep them at home, in my work bag, and even in my car, so I’m never without a pair. I’m also a big fan of stretch bands; they’re fantastic for reaching deeper areas that need extra attention and care.

12. Does your family ‘really know’ what’s involved in your job? 

My family truly understands what my work involves. My son is always eager to join me or come to the studio, and my husband has even developed his own personal Pilates practice. I’m grateful to have a family that not only supports my goals and dreams but also learns and grows alongside me. I feel very blessed to share this journey with them.