Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Betances.
Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started teaching Pilates because I experienced firsthand how powerful mindful movement can be — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Over time, my relationship with movement shifted from focusing only on exercise to understanding how movement can help people feel more connected, supported, and at ease in their bodies.
As I continued teaching, I noticed that many people were overwhelmed by fast-paced fitness environments or felt like they had to already be “fit enough” to begin. I wanted to create something different — a space where people could slow down, meet themselves where they are, and build strength in a way that feels supportive instead of intimidating.
That desire eventually led me to create CMB Pilates and develop my work around sensory-informed Pilates and nervous system support. Today, I teach both in-person and online, offering classes and programs designed to help people better understand their bodies through breath, intentional movement, and body awareness.
One of the biggest lessons in this journey has been realizing that people don’t just need movement — they need spaces where they feel supported, understood, and able to reconnect with themselves without judgment.
What started as a love for Pilates has grown into work that feels deeply meaningful to me, and I’m grateful to continue creating spaces where people can feel stronger, calmer, and more connected to themselves.
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?
Honestly, one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to build a business in a way that feels sustainable and authentic to who I am instead of trying to force myself into traditional ideas of fitness or entrepreneurship.
Like many business owners, I’ve experienced periods of self-doubt, burnout, financial uncertainty, and the pressure to constantly do more, post more, or be more visible online. There were times where I thought I needed to fit a certain mold in order to be successful, and I quickly realized that approach wasn’t sustainable for me or aligned with the type of experience I wanted to create for my clients.
Another challenge has been learning to trust my own voice and teaching style. My classes tend to be slower, more intentional, and focused on helping people feel supported in their bodies, which can feel very different from a lot of traditional fitness spaces. Early on, I questioned whether I needed to teach or market myself differently, but over time I’ve learned that the people who are meant for this work are often looking for exactly that kind of environment.
Balancing business ownership with everyday life has also been a learning experience. I wear many hats in my business, from teaching and creating content to handling scheduling, marketing, and behind-the-scenes operations. At the same time, I’m also a mom, and learning how to build my business in a way that supports both my work and my personal life has been incredibly important to me.
At the end of the day, I think the challenges have helped me create something that feels much more grounded and genuine. They’ve taught me to move more intentionally, trust the process more, and build slowly in a way that feels sustainable long term.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CMB Pilates?
CMB Pilates is a Pilates-based movement business focused on helping people feel more connected, supported, and at ease in their bodies through intentional movement, breath, and body awareness. While the foundation of my work is Pilates, the overall experience is designed to feel approachable, calming, and supportive rather than intimidating or performance-focused.
I specialize in sensory-informed Pilates and nervous system supportive movement. Many of the people who are drawn to my classes are looking for an alternative to fast-paced fitness environments. They want movement that helps them build strength and stability while also feeling grounded and more connected to themselves. My teaching style tends to be slower and more intentional, with a strong focus on helping people better understand what their bodies are communicating instead of simply pushing through movement on autopilot.
Accessibility is also a very important part of the way I teach. I typically introduce exercises in their simplest form first and then build from there, which allows clients to meet themselves where they are on any given day. Some days a person may need more support, while other days they may want more challenge, and both are welcome within the same class experience.
I currently offer small group classes, online content, and programs designed to support people at different stages of their movement journey. One of the things I care deeply about is creating an environment where people feel welcome exactly as they are, regardless of age, experience level, fitness background, or body type.
I think what sets my work apart is the overall experience people have when they enter the space. Clients often tell me they leave feeling calmer, more supported, and more aware of their bodies in a positive way. My goal has never been to create the most intense workout in the room — it’s to create movement experiences that feel sustainable, accessible, and genuinely supportive for real people living real lives.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that the business truly reflects the way I teach and the experience I want people to have when they move with me. Over time, I’ve become more confident in creating classes and programs that prioritize support, intention, and accessibility, and I think people can genuinely feel that when they walk into the space.
I want readers to know that movement does not need to feel punishing, intimidating, or exclusive in order to be effective. There is room within wellness and fitness for gentleness, curiosity, and learning how to better understand and support your body.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think one of the biggest things I want people to know is that movement does not have to be all-or-nothing in order to matter. You do not need to already feel confident, flexible, strong, or “fit enough” to begin reconnecting with your body.
So many people are carrying stress, overwhelm, and pressure in their daily lives, and sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply slow down long enough to listen to what our bodies need. That’s a big part of what I hope people experience in my classes and programs — not just movement, but support, curiosity, and space to meet themselves with a little more compassion.
I also want people to know that it’s okay for wellness and movement to look different for different people. There is no single “right” way to move, and I think there’s a lot of value in finding approaches that feel sustainable, supportive, and realistic for your actual life.
Pricing:
- Small Group Pilates Classes — $30 per class 50-Minute Classes Focused on Strength, Breath & Body Awareness
- Online Programs & Sensory-Informed Movement Content Available
- Serving the Reading/Wyomissing, Pennsylvania Area
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cmbpilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmb_pilates_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMBPilates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CMBPilates
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cmbpilates
