Hidden Gems: Meet Crystal Ramirez of Amor De Pilates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Ramirez.

Hi Crystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My fitness journey began when I became a teen mom at 18 and I had just given birth to my daughter, not only navigating postpartum depression, also finding myself in an abusive and controlling relationship. At the time, I didn’t recognize it as abuse—I thought fear and restriction was normal.
So when an affordable gym opened in my hometown, I was excited to join as a way to help myself through postpartum depression. However, I was told by the partner I was with at that time, that I wasn’t allowed to go because there would be men there. Believing this controlling behavior was normal, I brushed it off and instead signed up for an all-women’s workout class—Zumba. That decision changed my life.
As I walked into Ritmo Positivo, led by Janet, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: safe, supported, and empowered. I was surrounded by women of all ages, backgrounds, and journeys, and for the first time, movement felt like freedom. I remember thinking that I wanted other women to feel what I was feeling in that room. I felt free, strong, and empowered.
Not long after, I found the strength to leave my abusive relationship. I packed both my daughter’s clothes and mine and left the next morning. That strength and courage was built through movement and the reminder that I was worthy, capable, and strong.
From there, movement & fitness became my anchor. I kept showing up—running marathons, taking classes, and moving my body in every way possible as a reminder that I could do hard things. That mindset eventually led me to Pilates, where I found not just physical strength, but discipline, connection, and peace.
At the time, I would drive all the way to the Dallas area to attend Pilates classes, but the distance and time commitment became difficult to maintain. I remember bringing my daughter with me to one of the classes, and on the drive home she said, “Why don’t you start Pilates in Greenville?”
That simple comment from my daughter gave me the confidence to start Amor De Pilates. Today, I teach with the intention of creating the same safe, empowering space that once changed my life—where people leave feeling stronger, seen, and confident in themselves. Amor De Pilates is more than Pilates; it’s community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Much of my journey has involved learning things the hard way—navigating motherhood at 18 years old, rebuilding confidence after leaving an abusive relationship at 20 years old, and figuring out who I was on my own. Along the way, I faced self-doubt, financial stress, and the fear that comes with starting something new without a clear roadmap.
In addition to building Amor De Pilates, I’m a full-time 3rd grade teacher in Texas and lead DREAMERS, an after-school program for young preteens on building confidence. Teaching today comes with intense demands—academically, emotionally, and administratively—and balancing those responsibilities while also being a mother and entrepreneur has been one of my biggest obstacles. There are long days, high expectations, and very little downtime, which makes time and energy a constant challenge.
Growing Amor De Pilates while managing those responsibilities has required discipline, sacrifice, and patience. However, those challenges have shaped how I lead and teach in every space I’m in. They’ve reinforced the importance of creating supportive environments—whether in a 3rd grade classroom or a Pilates class—where people feel seen, capable, and empowered.

We’ve been impressed with Amor De Pilates, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Amor de Pilates is where my journey as an instructor and community builder began. I created it as a heart-led space where women could fall in love with movement through accessible, supportive Pilates classes. Amor De Pilates is known for being inclusive, empowering, and intentional — meeting people where they are, whether they’re new to movement, returning after motherhood, or looking to deepen their practice.
What sets my work apart is the focus on creating a community where people feel seen, supported, and strong — and using movement as a way to give back through community-driven and donation-based classes.
As my passion and vision grew, I realized I was being called to create something even bigger. This next chapter is “Amor De Movement” and “Move With Crystal” — a personal brand that represents my full approach to movement, empowerment, and community. While Pilates will always be my foundation, Move With Crystal allows me to expand how I serve women through HIIT workouts, women’s run clubs, strength training through group workouts, and curated themed group fitness experiences that encourage women to challenge themselves in new ways.
What sets my work apart is my focus on community and long-term transformation over quick results. I’m most proud of building spaces where women feel safe, supported, and celebrated, while also using movement as a platform to give back through community-driven and donation-based events.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating spaces where women feel strong, supported, and seen. Movement changed my life — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally — and I want other women to experience that same transformation. Amor de Pilates was the beginning, and Amor de Movement is the expansion of that vision. At the end of the day, it’s not just about fitness — it’s about confidence, connection, and helping women step into their power.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amordepilates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Amor-De-Pilates-61575665993518/

Image Credits
Karen Perez Photography