Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Bond Williams.
Hi Laura Bond, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I own Mat Pilates ATX, a fitness coaching business teaching people of all ages and abilities how to get moving, keep moving and feel better mentally and physically. I coach students in group classes and private/semi-private sessions in person and online.
I do this work because I know the journey from having an anxious and self-critical relationship with your body to a relationship that’s compassionate and confident. I started that journey in 2008 when I began taking dance classes at Ballet Austin Community School; 18 years later, I’m still dancing and have performed on dozens of stages in Central Texas and beyond. When I returned to dancing as a hobby, I began having a lot of low back and leg pain; what I though were strained muscles were weak muscles and an irritated sciatic nerve from my back down my leg. After a round of physical therapy, I asked my PT if I had to do the exercises for the rest of my life — and she said yes, if you want to keep dancing — or you could do Pilates. So I added mat Pilates to my routine, then learned to use Pilates equipment (like the reformer) in a south Austin studio that opened in 2013 (and closed in 2022). I began Pilates teacher training a year later; it’s an empowering system of exercises that helps us have a better, stronger relationship with our bodies so that we can do more of the things we love to do.
In 2021, I changed my career from public relations to coaching and fitness to explore new possibilities and recover from career burnout. For several years, my Pilates teacher training helped me work on myself and feel better and stronger in my own body. I helped launch and began teaching group classes at a new Pilates studio in 2019, B Pilates, which is going strong.
Mat Pilates ATX launched in 2022, but it’s not my first business venture. From 2008-2020, I co-owned a small public relations and marketing business; my business partner of 12-years and I worked with dozens of great clients — artists, experts and entrepreneurs in areas women and children’s health, social services, real estate, law and financial services. These business and nonprofit leaders influenced me in many ways and still inspire me today.
My Pilates students live in south Austin and beyond — from Buda and Dripping Springs to Pflugerville and Georgetown, even out of state. When I’m not teaching fitness, I coach and mentor clients on life and work decision making. I’m a great coach for smart people who feel stuck about what to do and want to get moving in a new direction.
As owner and lead teacher for Mat Pilates ATX, I teach four group fitness classes a week in person and via Zoom and private/semi-private Pilates three days a week. I also life coach and mentor young professionals and executives two days a week, focusing on skills to feel better, set new goals, and make confident personal and professional decisions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Obstacles are everywhere and come in all sizes. I’ve learned to right size my response to them and understand my choices, then do the next thing. My biggest struggle was overcoming unhealthy perfectionism and people-pleasing habits. Every time I start something new, those familiar habits hover nearby. Separating my personal struggles from my professional ones created space to make better decisions and take care of myself. The first skill in self care is healthy self-talk. How we talk to ourselves about our work, responsibilities, bodies and feelings determines whether we prioritize exercise — or not.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mat Pilates ATX?
Mat Pilates ATX is community-based fitness for every body who wants to feel better in their bodies or improve how they move, whether you’re recovering from injury, getting back into exercise, working out regularly, or training for a specific sport or activity. There are two ways to work with me: in a group class or my private Pilates studio. Our group mat Pilates classes are at Circle C Community Center on Tue and Thur at 7:30 a.m.; I also teach a strength class on Zoom and one at DanceXplosion in Escarpment Village on Friday mornings. In my private studio, I see students one and two at a time, and we use Pilates apparatus including the reformer, chair, and wall unit called the springboard. Everyone learns mat Pilates exercises, too.
I love teaching beginners and coaching people to have a better relationship with their bodies and what they can do. We don’t have “bad” knees, backs, shoulders. We have bodies with imbalances, preferences, habits, and Pilates exercises teach us to improve how we move.
I’d like to be known for being a compassionate “straight shooter” when it comes to exercising and creating a positive relationship with your body and movement. We exercise to feel better, and when we feel better, we keep going. To “do Pilates,” we learn Pilates, and learning Pilates means staying curious and compassionate about your own body. There’s no good place for self-criticism in a healthy exercise routine. It’s a lot more fun when we stay curious and get to see how our bodies change in both subtle and noticeable ways.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
We can always be more present. Distractions are inevitable; they are internal and external. Staying present especially while exercising cares for your mental and emotional health. The benefits of exercise are more than physical; it’s essential for our well-being.
Pricing:
- First Group Class is Free
- Group Class packages start at $199.
- For a limited time, 2026 Group Class Pass is $1,000 for mat and strength classes.
- Private Pilates Session, $110
- Pilates Duet with Reformer / Equipment Session, $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.matpilatesatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matpilatesatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mat-Pilates-ATX-100092574991104/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabwilliams
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraBondWilliams/
Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit: Gosia Domas / GD Artistry
Other Photos: by Laura Bond Williams
