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Journey with us to the heart of Dripping Springs as we explore Quantum Pilates with Samantha Rubino Lloyd. Learn about her Italian roots, passion for Pilates, and the unique approach that sets her studio apart. 🌿✨ #HillCountryPodcast #CommunitySpotlight #HillCountryPodcast #PilatesJourney
In this episode of the Hill Country Business Podcast, host interviews Samantha Rubino Lloyd, an Italian-born former CEO of her family’s bookbinding company and a longtime professional ballerina who later found her path in Pilates. After closing the business in 2013, struggling to find work due to being “overqualified,” and grieving her mother’s death, she moved to the U.S., studied English and Pilates certification, and followed a long-held vision her mother encouraged. Samantha shares how she opened Quantum Pilates Studio in Dripping Springs in February 2024, her focus on anatomy, biomechanics, breathing, isometric work, injury prevention, and individualized assessment before group classes. She discusses differences between mat and reformer Pilates, who Pilates is and isn’t for, and the challenges and community support of starting a business in the U.S.
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:21 Samantha Intro
01:07 Italy Roots
01:39 Family Bookbinding
02:50 Growing Business
03:43 Ballerina Career
04:58 Injury Turning Point
07:45 Lessons From Dad
09:47 Overqualified In Italy
13:10 Finding Pilates Path
15:32 Moving To Texas
16:55 Opening Quantum Pilates
19:38 Pilates Philosophy
20:28 Breathing Basics
23:53 Modern Pilates Adaptations
25:53 Studio Experience
30:29 Personalized Training
31:29 Required One On One
32:34 Client Intake Screening
33:10 Posture and Muscle Testing
34:29 Mat Classes Over Reformer
36:01 Mat vs Reformer Debate
39:01 Building Strength and Breathing
41:11 Pilates Limits and Injuries
43:34 Men in Pilates Myths
44:18 Isometrics and Recovery Story
46:14 Specialized Certifications
47:53 Sauna vs Cold Plunge
48:57 Finding Your Right Teacher
51:56 Starting Business as Immigrant
55:44 Contact and Studio Details
56:32 Dog Mascot and Farewell
57:42 Podcast Wrap Up