Our Story

Soma Lux est. 2020

Soma Lux Pilates was born from Mary’s vision of creating Pilates retreats that combined movement, education, and community. She officially founded Soma Lux in March 2020—just days before the world shut down with the onset of the pandemic. Travel restrictions halted her original plans, but with the encouragement of family, friends, and clients, Mary pivoted and opened the Soma Lux studio in June 2020.

What began as a way to “flatten the curve” for a few weeks became one of the most fortunate turns of events: during an isolating time, people needed Pilates and mindful movement more than ever. Despite the obstacles of those early years, the Soma Lux community grew, expanded into larger spaces, and evolved into the thriving, educational, and supportive environment it is today.

Our name—Soma Lux, Body Light—reflects the belief that the body is more than a machine to “work out.” It is a source of strength, resilience, movement, and spirit. Through small group classes, private sessions, workshops, and community events, we continue to create opportunities to care for the body and nurture both confidence and connection. And as Soma Lux looks ahead, we’re excited to return to our original vision by offering retreats that bring movement, learning, and community together in inspiring settings.

We are thrilled to be serving the Dripping Springs community and look forward to meeting each person who walks through our doors.

Meet our team below!

MARY L.

Founder & Lead Instructor

Teaching style: playful, educational, accessible

Mary was introduced to Pilates in 2008, and like many others, was hooked immediately as she experienced her posture, strength, and body awareness being transformed. She started teaching mat Pilates in 2011 and completed her comprehensive certification through Balanced Body's 520 hour Pilates training program.

As a  trainer, Mary is excited about helping her clients develop more body awareness and strength, so that the exercises become foundational for informing and transforming everyday movement. She believes that movement can and should be both fun and functional, and that core value is reflected in her sessions and workshops. Mary has worked with all ages and fitness levels, including children, seniors, those rehabilitating from surgeries, expectant mothers, athletes, and those with degenerative conditions.

Mary’s additional background in healthcare and spirituality help inform how she approaches movement and wellness.  She believes the body can be a surprising and effective way to reach the deeper parts of ourselves. Mary has additional training in the following areas: Pilates Athletic Conditioning, Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise, Barre Endurance, Osteopathic & Structural Techniques for Pilates,  Pilates for Neurological Conditions, and Animal Flow Level 1.

KATIE P.

Certified Pilates Instructor

Teaching style: encouraging, energetic, fun

Katie has a love for Pilates dating back over 15 years, and enjoys sharing this passion with clients while helping them achieve their mind and body goals. Katie grew up in Maryland and studied at Georgia Tech University. She worked for the federal government while pursuing her graduate studies at Johns Hopkins, where she received an M.A. in Government Security Studies. Soon after, Katie relocated to the west coast in 2013 and found her way to the renowned EHS Pilates studio in San Francisco. She received her comprehensive certification from Balanced Body.

Katie was always active and started sports at age 7. She played competitively at the collegiate club level; this mindset influences her teaching style. She can be challenging, but encouraging, and always wants clients to have a goal to work towards. Katie is married with children and enjoys exploring Austin on the weekends. She has a passion for good coffee, travel, and unique cuisine. Her love for life and health is centered by a healthy and balanced mind and body.

AMANDA P.

Certified Pilates Instructor

Teaching style: balanced, technical, creative

Amanda started her Pilates journey in 2013 by taking her first class, having no idea what Pilates entailed.  Within the first week, she was hooked.  Prior to this, long distance running and yoga were her main forms of exercise.  She found that Pilates added countless benefits not only to her running, but her overall life, and she wanted to share this with others.  In 2015 she began her formal Pilates training through a local studio, and then went on to complete her training through STOTT (Merrithew). 

By day, Amanda is a full time statistical programmer for medical drug trials, and teaching Pilates allows her to use creativity with her technical skills to help clients.  She loves working with clients throughout their own Pilates journey, helping them discover their strength both in and out of the studio.  She likes and appreciates how Pilates can mean something different to each person, meeting her clients at both a place of comfort and also guiding them through challenges.

MEGAN S.

Certified Pilates Instructor

Teaching style: charismatic, approachable, fun

Megan started taking Pilates as a hobby during her summers in college, and it gave her the tools to achieve her wellness goals, as well as some insight into the fitness & Pilates industries. Megan’s weekly Pilates classes soon developed into a community of creative, driven individuals, and this motivated her to make these classes a priority in her schedule. She’d always had the desire to step into a career where she’d be able to combine culture, leadership, and serving others. While she never thought being a Pilates teacher would be a career in her future, once she began to explore the possibility of what a Pilates instructor could accomplish, she realized that she could establish a community with an inviting atmosphere that produces a lifestyle of comfort and wellness. 

By incorporating what she learned in college at Sam Houston State University and through her 500-hour comprehensive Pilates teaching program, she is now excited to tailor programs to help clients achieve wellness goals and maintain healthy lifestyles. Through her training, she also developed a passion for prenatal and postpartum Pilates and hope to create a beneficial Pilates program that helps mothers with different stages of pregnancy.

Megan shares, “I am thrilled to have joined Soma Lux and excited to further developing my teaching voice during my time here. Hope to see you all in class!”

HEATHER L.

Certified Pilates Instructor

Teaching style:

Heather was introduced to Pilates in 2005 and has been teaching since 2011. She is certified in Mat and Reformer through Balanced Body and has additional Reformer, Chair and Barre certification through Marie-Jose Blom and the team at Wundabar Pilates and Long Beach Dance Conditioning.

Heather has genuine love for helping people achieve their full potential through Pilates. Each session is an opportunity to strengthen from the inside out. Whether you’re taking group classes or private lessons, she offers an individual experience focusing on technique and form to support your unique needs and goals. She is experienced in training all levels and backgrounds, including those with injuries and throughout pregnancy/postpartum.

In her free time, Heather enjoys exploring the city with her husband and two pups, gardening, and restoring furniture. You can almost always find her reading up on all things health + wellness or deep into a mystery book.