Alisa was trained and certified by Pilates legend Romana Kryzanowska in New York where she ran a highly successful studio for a decade before moving home to Hermosa Beach, California. To hone her craft, she sought out training from those who were trained by Mr Pilates himself. She is a featured expert for Pilates Style Magazine and creator of a growing series of acclaimed DVDs. Between this, training elite athletes, top models and executives, Alisa, is kept busy teaching heavenly Pilates and yoga retreats all over the world!

 You have recently returned from teaching a Retreat in Sayulita, Mexico. It looks amazing! Tell us more.

All of the retreats I teach are incredible! I try to get away from my regular life at least 3 times a year and there is nothing like an active vacation to leave you glowing. I teach yearly retreats in gorgeous places like Italy, Mexico, Cartagena, Santa Barbara. Everyone comes home feeling slim,

exhilarated and with a fresh perspective on how to live a happy life. Getting away always helps me let go of the details in life that aren’t so important and enjoy the living instead.

 Over a decade ago, you left your high powered job in the corporate world to spread your passion for Pilates. W

as there a defining moment that encouraged you to take this leap?

 The defining moment came on a retreat! I was at a spa with my Mom. We ate dinner at a communal table and I shared with the other

guests that I worked in publishing but was just finishing a Pilates teacher training program. My publishing job was well-paid and interesting but it made me so much more excited to talk about the changes I’d seen in the bodies I’d been training for a year. Hearing my own excitement was the turning point--I quit the day I got home.

 What do you consider your greatest achievement?

 I can’t really call it an achievement but meeting my husband, Jack, has been the best thing that ever happened to me. We didn’t meet until I was 36

and I know it sounds corny but he’s my soulmate and I feel so lucky and grateful for our life together.

 Alisa Wyatt, you have one rockin’ hot body.  How much is genetics and how much is hard work?

 Thank you! I’m in my 40s and feel better than I ever have. I am blessed with good genes but that doesn’t mean I haven’t struggled with my weight and body image in the past. Pilates made all the difference, there was a huge shift from worrying about what I looked like to enjoying what I can do instead.

What is day in the life of Alisa Wyatt like? Give us a run down on how you eat and move on a regular day?

 Today I was up early for a shower before my 7am client at my home studio. I love drinking green tea while teaching my first sessions of the day. Breakfast after was eggs, avocado, sliced tomato and toast for lasting energy. Then two more hours of teaching, some email and phone calls and lu

nch with my husband who also made my breakfast for me. We split a salad and a turkey sandwich in the sun in our front yard. I had a 2pm Pilates session with my teacher, Jay Grimes, so I hopped in the car for the drive. I’m trying to keep the car a phone-free zone so I cranked up the tunes and dra

nk a ton of water. My water goal is 3 liters a day, which makes all the difference in how I feel. After a killer workout I came home looking for snacks and

ended up with a handful of raw almonds and several chunks of a chocolate bar. More computer time, a 45 minute break with a book on the couch and my last 2 hours of teaching finished my work day at 7:30pm. Dinner of steamed broccoli with olive oil and sea salt plus some leftover turkey meatloaf and a nice glass of wine and later ice cream while watching a movie snuggled up with my husband and Walker the cat.

 Are there any other names in the industry, past or present, that you hold in high regard?

 Romana Kryznowska, whom I apprenticed with and was certified by. She’s a legend in the Pilates world and and inspiration for a life filled with enthusiasm and vitality. For the last 3 years since my move home to California, I have studied with Jay Grimes, who worked in Joe’s studio and alongside his wife Clara and Romana for years after Joe’s death. Jay’s simple, straightforward teaching has me doing exercises I never thought I would feel comfortable with. The best thing that Jay and Romana have given me is a feeling of confidence when it comes to knowing my own body. They build you up and help you see that your body already has all you need, they’re just teaching you how to use it.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

Traveling for 2 months a year.

 Any vices?

 Mmmm, chocolate, ice cream, cupcakes. I love dessert!

 What really ticks you off?

 Teachers who point out ‘problems’ that need to be ‘fixed.’ Negative scare tactics are an awful way to get clients, and it makes people feel broken and helpless. My biggest goal is that my clients become more independent in their workouts because they know what they need.

At abi and joseph we’re pretty nutty about animals… Do you have a pet you’d like to mention briefly?

 Walker the cat is my buddy! He’s a large, orange fluffy cat with a long nose that makes him look like a miniature lion. His personality is more like a dog than a cat--he’s super comfortable around people, he’ll lay on the floor w

ith his belly up at a party. His quirkiest trait is that he loves water. Nothing makes him happier than hanging out in the bathtub drinking from the tap.

What do you look for in Pilates/Yoga clothing?

 There are very few days that I get to wear anything other than workout clothes, so comfort is a major factor. And then whether the clothing flatters my body and functions for what I do. I see a lot of wardrobe malfunctions when I’m teaching so I’ve learned what to avoid (too low waistbands with thong underwear, tops that fall in your face when upside down, I could go on and on!). 

Indulge us, what is your favourite abi and joseph piece and why?

Ooooh how to choose?! I absolutely love my camisole top in Mauve Mist. I can wear it anywhere and feel fantastic. From a dance class to a Pilates session and straight out to dinner. It’s super soft and comfortable and the color is gorgeous. I dress it up with my second favorite, the short sleeve ballet wrap top in Dusty Pink.

 Where would we find you on a Sunday morning?

 If I’m home and not traveling about teaching workshops or whatnot, I’m home in bed till as late as I can manage to sleep in. Then it’s surfing with friends, brea kfast at home or at our favorite neighborhood spot, the farmer’s market, a yoga class, bike ride, playing on the beach, a movie--whatever fits the day  and allows me to not be ‘on’ the way I am when teaching.

 NEED ANY MORE INSPIRATION?! TRY ONE OF ALISA'S WORKOUTS NOW >>>