Pilates studio owner strives to create space where clients feel supported while they get stronger

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Jess Costa, owner of FreedomCore Pilates and a member of the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, to find out what makes her enjoy this area and everything it has to offer.

PWM: How long have you been a member of the Prescott Downtown Partnership?

Jess: I became a member in December 2020 when I started the journey of opening my business.

PWM: Tell me a little bit about what brought you to Prescott and the role you are in as far as employment.
Jess: My parents retired here about seven years ago. I came from San Diego, California, and I knew eventually I would want to move closer to them. There came a point when I knew my time in California was over, so I made the move to Prescott Valley. When I moved here, I not only wanted to be closer to my parents, but I also knew there wasn’t a group fitness presence at all, specifically here in Prescott Valley. Being a Pilates instructor in San Diego, I knew this community would benefit greatly from having a studio, so I am proud to be the owner of FreedomCore Pilates.

PWM: In the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce, what about the organization is different from others in the area, and what do you personally enjoy best about being a part of the Chamber?

Jess: I personally enjoy the relationship I have with the Prescott Valley Chamber. From the very beginning, (Prescott Valley Chamber CEO) Marnie Uhl was so supportive of my business. Even before my doors opened, she was sending people my way to sign up! I can’t express how grateful I am to Marnie for her support through the Chamber but also as a client. She is so uplifting and full of energy in class which is exactly what our studio is all about! It is so nice to be a part of such a close, tight-knit community where I feel close to the ladies at the Chamber.

PWM: Are you on the board or on a committee with Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce?

Jess: At this time I do not, but as my business grows and we hire more employees, it is my goal to become more involved, not only in the Chamber but also in the community in general.

PWM: Do you have family here, kids, other activities?

Jess: As I mentioned, my parents retired here. I’ve made lots of friends through FreedomCore, and my pup, Mia. We call her FreedomCore’s mascot. She is also the emotional support my clients often need throughout the class! I make working out at the gym a big priority, as it is my stress relief. When I have some time to spend there, I also get creative with workouts and bring some new things back to the studio to teach my clients. When I have downtime, I love going downtown and dancing!

PWM: How are you involved in the community?

Jess: Currently, I would love to be a part of more! My business opened in March of 2021, and it has just been and my dad Kevin teaching all the classes and keeping the place running as smoothly as possible. The two of us have support from my mom Mary, too! Overall, I have been keeping my head down and just working over the past couple of years. We are currently training seven wonderful ladies to (hopefully) become instructors at FreedomCore Pilates in the near future, which will enable me to get more involved in the community. I think my biggest involvement right now is being a part of Dancing For the Stars this season! I am overwhelmed with such joy to be involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs and to help raise money for the kids!

PWM: What else do you want to add that people might not know about you, or what you do/offer?

Jess: I love being a part of the Prescott Valley specifically! My mission when I moved here was to create a space for people to come and feel a sense of community. Group fitness is so underrated in my opinion. Working out, regardless of what you do or if you give half the effort, you’ll see results. But working out in a group and having a place to go at a scheduled time is so powerful for one’s mental health. I went through a very hard time in my life and personally, all that got me through it was group fitness. It got me out of my house and interacting with other people and eventually, I felt supported by the people at the studio I was attending. That is what I strive to create every day. I love watching strangers interact and I love watching my clients lift each other up and support one another. It brings me so much joy!

Learn more at https://www.freedomcorepilates.com, and follow FreedomCore on Instagram @freedomcorepilates and Facebook at FreedomCore Pilates.