Inspiring Conversations with Samantha Lippert of Club Pilates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Lippert.

Hi Samantha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey with Club Pilates in 2020 during a season of my life where I was working hard, dreaming big, and still trying to figure out exactly who I wanted to become. At the time, I was in college, balancing two jobs while pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Rehabilitation Studies. I was also working as a physical therapy technician, gaining hands-on experience and preparing for what I believed was my lifelong path toward becoming a physical therapist.

Helping people has always been at the center of who I am. As long as I can remember, my greatest dream was to support individuals through injury, pain, or physical limitations and help them rediscover their confidence. I wanted to be someone who could remind others that their bodies were capable, strong, and worthy of care. More than anything, I wanted to help people feel empowered enough to enjoy life with their loved ones again—to feel purpose, joy, and independence.

When I applied for the Experience Coordinator position at Club Pilates, I truly believed it would be temporary. I saw it as a small stepping stone—something that would give me exposure to the fitness and rehabilitation world while I worked toward my future in physical therapy. I knew very little about Pilates at the time, but I understood its rehabilitative qualities and trusted that it would support my long-term goals.

After interviewing with the owner, Nichole Wagganer, and being offered the position on the spot, I said yes without hesitation. What I didn’t know then was that this “yes” would quietly become one of the most important decisions of my life.

From my very first days in the studio, I felt something different. Nichole and Ashlie (Studio Co-Owners) didn’t just see me as an employee—they saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. They welcomed me, supported me, and believed in me in ways that went far beyond my job description. Over the years, they took me under their wing and poured into my growth, both professionally and personally.

They never pushed me to succeed for the sake of the business alone. Instead, they taught me how to be confident, resilient, disciplined, and self-aware. They listened to my dreams, noticed my strengths, and even recognized my insecurities. They shaped my roles and responsibilities in ways that aligned with who I was, helping me grow without losing myself in the process.

When I struggled—and there were moments when I did—they never responded with criticism. They responded with patience, understanding, and guidance. They helped me identify why I was struggling and showed me how to move forward with confidence. That kind of leadership changed me. It taught me that growth doesn’t come from fear—it comes from support, trust, and encouragement.

The community within our studios became my second family. It is a space where people genuinely care for one another, celebrate each other’s milestones, and lift each other up during difficult seasons. Being part of that environment showed me what it truly means to work somewhere that values people first.

I started as an Experience Coordinator and gradually stepped into roles as Assistant Studio Manager, Regional Trainer, and Regional Manager overseeing four locations. Each new position challenged me in new ways and pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Along the way, I earned my bachelor’s degree and found myself at a crossroads.

I had always planned to pursue physical therapy, but something inside me had shifted.

Through my experiences at Club Pilates, I realized that my passion for helping others had expanded. I wasn’t just interested in rehabilitation—I had discovered a love for leadership, mentorship, community-building, and entrepreneurship. I saw the impact I could make through empowering teams, supporting members, and creating environments where people could thrive. Choosing to change my path was not easy, but it felt honest and true to who I had become.

In January 2023, I began teaching Pilates, and that chapter transformed my relationship with this work even more.

Being on the reformer with clients, guiding them through movement, and watching them grow stronger week by week reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. Seeing someone walk in unsure of themselves and slowly gain confidence is incredibly moving. Watching members overcome pain, fear, and limitations is something that never gets old. Every breakthrough—no matter how small—feels like a victory we share together.

Those moments fuel me. They motivate me to continue learning, improving, and showing up fully for every person who walks through our doors. They remind me that my purpose has always been about people.

Looking back, it’s emotional to realize that what I once viewed as a “college job” became the foundation of my career and personal growth. Club Pilates didn’t just give me opportunities—it gave me mentorship, belonging, confidence, and clarity. It helped me find my voice, trust my instincts, and believe in my ability to lead and inspire others.

This journey has taught me that success isn’t always about following the original plan. Sometimes, it’s about being open to where life is guiding you, trusting the process, and having the courage to grow into versions of yourself you never expected.

Today, I’m proud of the leader, instructor, and woman I’ve become. I’m grateful for every lesson, every challenge, and every person who believed in me along the way. Most of all, I’m thankful that I get to wake up every day and do work that allows me to serve, support, and empower others—because that has always been my greatest dream.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest internal struggles I faced was learning to believe in myself as a leader. As I stepped into management roles at a young age, I constantly felt pressure to prove that I deserved to be there. I worried about making mistakes, disappointing others, or not being “ready” yet. I didn’t want to be a people-pleaser, but I cared deeply about earning my team’s trust and respect. Learning how to balance empathy with accountability—when to coach, when to correct, when to step back emotionally, and when to lean in—was incredibly challenging. Navigating those situations took time, maturity, and a lot of self-reflection. I had to learn that strong leadership isn’t about being liked by everyone—it’s about being honest, consistent, and supportive, even when conversations are uncomfortable.

Another unexpected challenge was learning how emotionally present leadership truly is.

Working with so many passionate and driven young professionals meant that, over time, many of them trusted me with more than just work-related concerns. I’ve had team members come to me in tears over the loss of loved ones, struggles with anxiety and depression, fears about their future, and deeply personal life challenges. Carrying those moments with them was something I never anticipated when I first stepped into leadership. At first, it felt overwhelming. I wanted to help, but I didn’t always know how. The owners taught me early on the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment, but learning how to truly hold space for someone—to listen without judgment, offer comfort without overstepping, and remain professional while being compassionate—was something I had to grow into.

When I first started, I wasn’t very in tune with my own emotions. I had learned to push my feelings aside and present myself as “strong” at all times, especially at work. I believed that being emotional meant being weak. So learning how to reconnect with my own emotions, allow vulnerability, and still lead with confidence was incredibly difficult. There were moments when I felt unsure of myself, emotionally drained, or afraid of saying the wrong thing. But over time, I learned that empathy is not a weakness—it’s one of the greatest strengths a leader can have. Learning how to bring emotional awareness into difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism became one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed. It allowed me to support my team not just as employees, but as people. And in return, it strengthened trust, loyalty, and connection within our studios. Today, I’m grateful for those challenges. They taught me how to lead with both heart and integrity. They helped me become someone my team can rely on, not just for guidance and direction, but for understanding and support.

At the same time, one of the most personal and difficult challenges I faced was deciding to change the career path I had spent years building.

From a young age, I had committed myself to becoming a physical therapist. I invested thousands of dollars into my education. I completed clinical hours, internships, coursework, and hands-on training. Every decision I made in college was focused on that future. My identity was tied to that goal. So coming to the realization that I might not pursue PT after graduation was terrifying. It felt like I was standing at a crossroads, questioning everything I had worked for. There were moments when I wondered if all of that effort had been for nothing. I struggled with fear, doubt, and guilt. I worried that I was wasting my education or walking away from something “safe” and traditional. Choosing to finish my degree but not take the next step toward physical therapy was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.

At the same time, I was discovering a growing passion for leadership, entrepreneurship, and building meaningful spaces through Club Pilates. I realized that I didn’t want to just work in rehabilitation—I wanted to create environments where people felt seen, supported, and empowered. I wanted to build something lasting that could impact lives on a larger scale. That meant stepping into the unknown. It meant accepting that I now had to grow in entirely new ways—learning business operations, leadership at scale, long-term planning, and vision. It meant starting over in some ways and trusting that my skills, work ethic, and heart for people would guide me forward. Letting go of the original plan wasn’t easy, but it was honest.

Today, I’m incredibly excited about the future I’m building. My dream is to one day open my own space—one that is welcoming, inclusive, and rooted in compassion. A space where every person feels like they belong. The Club Pilates motto of being “for everyBODY” is something I carry with me deeply. I believe that Pilates and fitness should never be limited to the young, the strong, or the “perfect.” Movement should be accessible to every person, regardless of age, body type, ability, or disability. Everyone deserves to feel strong, confident, and capable in their own way. That belief continues to guide every decision I make. Through leadership challenges, emotional growth, and major life decisions, I’ve learned that true success comes from listening to your purpose and having the courage to evolve. None of it has been easy—but all of it has been worth it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Club Pilates?
At its core, our organization is about far more than fitness—it’s about people, community, and transformation.

Club Pilates offers a full-body, low-impact workout rooted in classical Pilates principles, designed to improve strength, mobility, balance, and overall quality of life. What makes our approach special is that it is truly accessible. Whether someone is brand new to movement, recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or looking to challenge themselves at a higher level, our programming meets them where they are.

We specialize in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every member feels seen, valued, and capable. Our studios offer a variety of class formats and levels, allowing each individual to progress at their own pace while feeling encouraged and supported along the way.

What truly sets us apart, however, is our culture. From the moment someone walks through our doors, they are welcomed into a community that genuinely cares. Our team prioritizes connection, education, and encouragement. We take the time to understand each member’s goals, limitations, and motivations so we can support them in a meaningful way. This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach to fitness—it’s personalized, thoughtful, and rooted in empathy.

As a leader, I’m especially proud of the environment we’ve created for both our members and our staff. We focus heavily on developing confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable team members who feel empowered to grow. When our team feels supported, that energy naturally flows to our members, creating a positive and uplifting experience throughout the studio.

Our brand is deeply aligned with the Club Pilates mission of being “for everyBODY,” and that’s something I am incredibly passionate about. We actively work to challenge the idea that Pilates or fitness is only for certain body types, ages, or ability levels. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and physical capabilities, and we celebrate progress in every form.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way our studios become safe spaces for people. Members often come to us feeling unsure, intimidated, or discouraged by past fitness experiences. Over time, we watch them grow not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. They gain confidence, resilience, and belief in themselves—and being part of that transformation is incredibly meaningful.

We are also known for our strong emphasis on education and quality. Our instructors are highly trained, our programming is intentional, and our standards are high. We are committed to delivering an experience that is both effective and safe, ensuring our members feel confident in the care they receive.

Beyond classes, we strive to be active, positive contributors to the communities we serve. Whether through partnerships, events, outreach, or simply showing up consistently for our members, we aim to build relationships that extend beyond the studio walls. What I want readers to know most about our brand is that it is built on heart. Every class, every interaction, and every decision is guided by the desire to help people feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in their own bodies. We are not focused on perfection—we are focused on progress, consistency, and empowerment.

I am incredibly proud of the culture we’ve cultivated, the lives we’ve touched, and the teams we’ve developed. Our work goes beyond workouts—it helps people reconnect with themselves, rediscover their strength, and realize what they’re truly capable of. And that, to me, is what makes our organization special.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is genuinely helping people and helping them believe in themselves.

In a world that often feels heavy with negativity, division, and constant comparison, I believe in creating spaces where none of that matters. It doesn’t matter where you come from. It doesn’t matter what you look like. It doesn’t matter what your background, beliefs, or past experiences are. What matters is that you showed up for yourself—and that alone deserves to be celebrated. I want every person who walks into our studio to feel seen, respected, and valued exactly as they are. I believe movement and wellness should feel empowering, not intimidating. It should be a place where people feel safe enough to be insecure, safe enough to feel nervous, and safe enough to try something new—because they know they are supported.

For me, it’s never just about exercising for the sake of exercising. It’s about doing something for yourself that feels meaningful. It’s about choosing yourself in a world that constantly asks you to put everyone else first. So many people pour everything into their children, their spouses, their families, and their careers, and they forget that they matter too. I’ve learned that you cannot truly take care of others if you don’t first take care of yourself. Prioritizing your health—physically, mentally, and emotionally—is not selfish. It’s necessary.

My background in physical therapy has shaped this belief deeply. I’ve worked with individuals who are amputees, living with disabilities, or facing limitations that affect their daily lives. I’ve seen people fear that they won’t be able to walk their child down the aisle, pick up their grandchildren, or fully participate in moments that mean everything to them. Watching someone feel disconnected from their body and their future is heartbreaking. That’s why what I do matters so much to me. Sometimes it starts with a small victory—a little more strength, a little more balance, a little more confidence. But over time, those small wins add up. Suddenly, someone can lift their grandchild for the first time. They can get down on the floor and play. They can move through life with less fear and more freedom. Those moments are everything. Helping people rediscover what their bodies are capable of—helping them feel hopeful again—is my purpose.

More than anything, I want people to feel worthy of caring for themselves. I want them to know that they deserve to feel strong, confident, and capable. I want them to feel proud of showing up, even on the days when it’s hard. What matters most to me is creating spaces where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. Spaces where progress is celebrated, vulnerability is respected, and every person is reminded that they are capable of more than they think.

At the end of the day, it’s not about titles, numbers, or achievements. It’s about helping people feel better, live fuller lives, and continue moving forward with confidence, hope, and purpose. And that will always matter most to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clubpilates.com/location/parkwaycentral
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubpilatesdenton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clubpilatesparkwaycentral/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/club-pilates-arlington-2

Image Credits
Gina Hibbs Photography