From South Florida to the Peloton studio, the popular at-home fitness platform has added a new instructor, and she calls Miami home.
Motivational, charismatic and unapologetically herself. Johanna Ricouz lives in Miami and has been a well-known Pilates instructor for more than a decade. The low-impact workout focuses on core strength, flexibility, and controlled movements.
“Honestly, in true Miami fashion, [Peloton] slid into my DMs,” Johanna told NBC6.
Pilates is having a moment, and Peloton is stepping into that space, too. Johanna says the company was drawn to her social media presence and her work in the community.
“I just knew I wanted to bring more brown and Black people to the mat,” she said. “It started with my certifications, and I think the way that reached people on TikTok and Instagram and social media is what brought the eyes of people like Peloton to my page.”
But for Johanna, it is about more than social media followers. She says it is about bringing everyone to the mat.
“There’s a barrier to entry. There’s a huge price point to sign up for these classes. Studios are in certain areas. Certain people are not feeling safe on the mat,” she said.
That includes prisoners at the all-female Homestead Correctional Institution, where she has taught through the nonprofit 300 Letters, which works with families impacted by incarceration.
“I just kind of wanted to remind people where Pilates came from, that it was always about accessibility, and it wasn’t about an aesthetic moment. It was really about healing,” she said.
Johanna, who has a dance background, says she hopes to bring Miami’s spirit and energy to her classes.
“I play the music I want to play. I wear all my jewelry. I can’t wear some of it because it makes too much noise. But I do my nails. I play Trick Daddy. I play Cardi B,” she said.
And as she steps into the Peloton spotlight, she hopes people walk away inspired, not just by the workout.
Johanna is still living in Miami and traveling to New York City to film workouts for the platform.