Today we’d like to introduce you to Banks Cooney.
Hi Banks, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Banks Cooney. I was born in Alabama and moved to Austin ten years ago to dance with Ballet Austin’s professional company. After a year of dancing, I made the decision to go back to school at St. Edward’s University, where I studied kinesiology.
I fell in love with Pilates when I was young — I used it as cross-training for ballet and credit it with helping me get through my professional dance career without any major injuries. Originally, I thought I wanted to study physical therapy, but during school I started teaching Pilates and never looked back.
One of the things I love most about Pilates is how versatile it is. There are so many different avenues you can explore with it — from clinical rehab settings to boutique studios and large gyms. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, from those recovering from injury to athletes and everyday movers, and each experience has shaped my perspective.
Pilates has also been a deeply personal journey for me. It’s helped me build self-love through mindful movement. I love that it’s not focused on aesthetics, but rather on how you feel — on tuning into your body, your breath, and your intuition. That philosophy has become the foundation of the methodology we use at Haus of B Pilates.
At Haus of B, we blend dance-inspired movement with Pilates fundamentals, breathwork, mindfulness, and community. Our classes move to the beat of the music and focus on building strength and awareness in a way that supports the nervous system and the whole person. It’s about feeling grounded, empowered, and deeply connected — to yourself and to the people around you.
Austin has given me so much. Over the past decade, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible trainers and build a team of people who inspire me every day. I feel incredibly grateful to be creating something meaningful and aligned with my purpose — and to call this city home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not — but every challenge has shaped who I am and how I show up for others.
One of the hardest parts of my journey was stepping away from ballet. It had been my identity for most of my life, all the way through my mid-twenties. Letting that go meant I had to redefine myself — not just in terms of what I wanted to do, but who I wanted to be.
Along with that transition came deep struggles with body image. I had to learn how to love and appreciate my body, rather than constantly trying to change it. Those personal battles have become a big part of my why — why I teach the way I do, why I create the kind of movement experiences I offer, and why I care so much about creating a space where clients can feel empowered, supported, and safe in their bodies.
When I first left ballet, I coped by overworking out and likely undernourishing. I was running my body into the ground — mentally and physically — and I learned the hard way that sustainability, balance, and self-compassion are non-negotiable. That’s what always brings me back to Pilates. It’s the mindful movement that reminds me to slow down, to connect with my body, and to move with purpose.
Those lessons inspired me to dive deeper into anatomy, physiology, and the science behind movement so I can truly educate and support my clients. I want people to understand that movement doesn’t have to be punishing to be powerful. That slow, steady consistency — not burnout — is what builds true strength, resilience, and confidence.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Haus of B Pilates ?
My business is a Pilates studio that offers both reformer and mat Pilates, as well as mindful movement experiences like meditation and breathwork. While we’re rooted in Pilates, what we really offer is so much more than just a workout.
What I’m most proud of is the energy and leadership of our instructors. They are true experts in the field, with years of experience, and they show up with heart. That energy resonates through our entire community — and our members bring it right back. There’s this beautiful exchange where everyone is feeding off each other in the best way. It’s a space where people feel truly supported, both physically and emotionally.
We specialize in athletic Pilates. All of our instructors are incredibly intentional with their programming — they teach to all bodies in the room. Inclusivity is a major part of our mission. We’re mindful of our language, we always offer modifications and progressions, and we’re committed to making sure every person in class feels like they’re getting the best possible workout for their individual body.
Our classes have the feel of private training within a group setting. You’ll leave each class feeling stronger, more grounded, and more connected to yourself. That’s because we combine powerful, effective movement with nervous system support — offering breathwork and meditation before or after class to bring you back to your center.
The pillars of our brand are what we call high-vibrational Pilates — where movement, mindfulness, and community come together. It’s about building strength, both physically and emotionally, and leaving class feeling better than when you walked in.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the Open app — especially their 21-day nervous system reset. It’s been my go-to morning routine, and honestly, it’s the only thing that can get me to sit still before 9 a.m. Breathwork, meditation, and just a little moment to breathe before the chaos of the day — it’s a game changer.
When it comes to reading, I’m totally that person who’s halfway through four books at once. I love a good self-help or mindfulness book — right now I’m re-reading The Power of Now and Be Here Now (clearly, I’m trying to be… here now). But I also fully believe in balance, so you’ll also catch me binging romcom novels on my Kindle like it’s a personality trait. Give me something with witty banter, a chaotic female lead, and a love interest who has no emotional intelligence at the start — and I’m in.
I also love podcasts like On Purpose with Jay Shetty or Expanded with Lacy Phillips when I’m walking or driving — they always leave me feeling inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hausofbpilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausofbpilates/
