PILATES IN THE HOOD

Though she’s trained many top stars, Kim Carruthers says she’s most proud of her work as the founder and director of a nonprofit bringing the method to underserved communities.

- Anne Marie O’Connor

KIM CARRUTHERS HAS WORKED WITH MANY CELEBRITIES AND STUDIO EXECUTIVES, BOTH AT PHYSICAL PERFECTION, HER PILATES STUDIO IN HOLLYWOOD, as well as on movie sets, but it’s the organization she founded, Pilates in the Hood, that she finds most fulfilling.

“In 2005, I was thrilled with the success of my business, but wanted to reach a broader, more diverse clientele,” recalls Carruthers, who started teaching Pilates in 1997. “I wanted to bring the benefits, my love of Pilates and wellness outside of the walls of my studio to those who would possibly never have the opportunity otherwise. So I founded Pilates in the Hood, a community-based program for adults and children who don't have the same options as others due to financial difficulties, exposure and geography. My inspiration was the prevalence of obesity, lack of healthy options and knowledge of mindfulness in the inner cities.”