Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Vernor.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began teaching Yoga in 2002, later certifying in Classical Pilates and soon after in the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods. I was drawn to the depth of these practices and the way they connect mind and body with a precision and integrity that transcend trends.
In 2009, I opened Somaspace, which has since grown into a destination for those seeking more than just a workout. Over the past 16 years, I have had the privilege of working with everyone from beginners to professional dancers, athletes, and teachers-in-training. My goal has always been to create a space where quality, lineage, and authenticity remain at the forefront.
Most recently, I was invited into the GYROKINESIS® Master Trainer program, an honor that came after years of dedicated study. This milestone reflects not only my own journey but also the trust and support of the community that has made Somaspace their studio home, with many clients remaining with me since the very beginning.
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?
The Austin fitness scene has exploded over the past decade. While it has been exciting to witness, it has also meant competing for attention in an increasingly saturated market. From the beginning, I made a conscious decision not to chase trends. Instead, I invested in preserving the integrity of the Classical Pilates lineage that my studio represents—Romana Kryzanowska, protégée of Joseph Pilates—and the GYROTONIC® method.
That choice has not always been the fastest or easiest path to growth. There were times when it would have been simpler to follow the crowd and expand offerings in ways that might have been more commercially appealing. But staying true to my vision has allowed Somaspace to carve out a distinct identity as a studio that values authenticity, depth, and lasting results over the latest fitness fads. Looking back, the challenge of holding that line is also what has built the most loyal community around the studio.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Somaspace?
What sets Somaspace apart is our commitment to the roots of these methods. For over 16 years, we’ve created a space where clients and instructors can engage with the work at its highest standard.
We specialize in Classical Pilates and the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methods, offering private sessions, duos, and small groups. Just as importantly, we serve as a destination for education and mentorship, hosting teacher training programs, continuing education, and private mentorship for instructors who want to deepen their expertise.
Our brand has always been defined by quality over quantity. Sessions are deliberately kept small and personalized so that every client feels seen and supported. That approach is intentional because it builds long-term trust and allows us to maintain the integrity of the methods we teach.
What makes me most proud is that Somaspace has become known for consistency, professionalism, and rigor. Clients know they can rely on us for thoughtful instruction, and teachers know this is a place to advance their craft with guidance grounded in experience.
For those unfamiliar with us, I would say this: Somaspace isn’t about quick fixes or chasing the next fitness trend. It’s about cultivating practices that last — whether that means a client strengthening their body for life or a teacher refining their skills for a long and meaningful career.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Austin fitness and wellness industry has grown at an incredible pace, and that expansion will likely continue. With so many new modalities and concepts competing for attention, the challenge will be distinguishing what’s built to last from what’s simply trending.
One misconception I often hear is that systems like Classical Pilates and the Gyrotonic Method are too rigid or limited because they follow set repertoires. In reality, those frameworks are what make the work endlessly adaptable. The deeper you study them, the more you see how they can be applied to a wide range of bodies and needs, whether you’re working with an elite athlete, someone recovering from injury, or a client simply wanting to move with more ease and comfort.
Far from being restrictive, repertoire provides the structure for creativity. Each exercise can be adapted, combined, and deepened depending on the client in front of you. This depth is why these methods continue to serve people across generations.
Looking ahead, I believe the studios and teachers who will stand out are the ones who hold onto that depth and integrity while meeting clients where they are. That combination of honoring tradition and staying responsive is what will allow these methods not only to endure but to remain transformative in the years to come.
Pricing:
- New Clients: 3 Privates for $285
- New Clients: 3 Classes for $125
- Community Class with Apprentice Instructor: $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://somaspacepilates.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/somaspace
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/somaspace
