Introduction
I met “Jungle” Johanna Thompson (@junglejohanna) on a sunny day in the backyard of a home on the Venetian Islands during Art Basel Miami. We were both there to attend a mat Pilates class hosted by a trendy Los Angeles studio doing a pop up. I’d just finished my class when Johanna strode in with the next wave of clients, instantly making a bee line for me.
@azeezahgoodwin #CapCut ♬ Lisztomania – Phoenix
After she approached, we chatted a bit (I was already following her and she recognized me from some of my Pilates content) and she invited me to join the Black Girls of Miami WhatsApp group. She then told me about the teacher trainings for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) women she hosts in Miami and beyond, and how her goal is to get more BIPOC women Pilates-certified.
I was moved by her thoughtfulness and her desire to make me feel seen and welcomed, even in a space that she wasn’t leading. Johanna is a top Pilates instructor and teaches at some of the premier boutique studios in Miami. She is also an @alomoves instructor.
One of the reasons I was so excited to interview Johanna for La Vie de Zee is that she walks the talk. While others may speak about diversity and inclusion in the wellness space, Johanna actively works to make it so. Johanna has found that her lighter complexion and model looks have made it easier for her to navigate certain spaces, but uses her privilege to “lift as she climbs,” creating more opportunities for black and brown women to build careers in the wellness industry.
I’m excited to share my interview with Johanna below.
The Interview
1. Hi Johanna! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from and how long have you lived in Miami?
A: I’m originally from New Jersey. I have lived in Miami since 2010.
2. You were classically trained in ballet, correct? Is this how you got into Pilates?
A: Actually, I started doing Pilates because of modeling. I was considering “big” when I was modeling back in 2007, so I started Pilates to slim down.
3. Can you talk a bit about your professional background? You went from the nightlife industry to being a wellness leader, correct?
A: I have always been involved in nightlife modeling and wellness. I’m a hustler and I always felt that being in different industries would keep me successful and busy. I actually got fired from my club job at the end of 2022 and decided to go “ten toes” into wellness. Best decision I ever made.
4: What are your thoughts on mat Pilates versus Reformer Pilates?
A: You need mat Pilates for Reformer Pilates. I am certified in both. My thing is Classical Pilates versus Contemporary because there’s a lot of people just doing stuff on a Reformer that isn’t Pilates and a lot of people doing stuff on a mat that isn’t Pilates. I think all movement is wonderful but I think that as practitioners, we are responsible for labeling things what they are versus what they are not.
My thing is Classical Pilates versus Contemporary, because there are a lot of people just doing stuff on a Reformer that isn’t Pilates and a lot of people doing stuff on a mat that isn’t Pilates. I think all movement is wonderful but I think that as practitioners, we are responsible for labeling things what the are versus what they are not.”
—Johanna on the confusion around Pilates in the fitness industry
5: You’re one of my favorite fitness influencers on Instagram. Your content is so polished, yet you keep it real and share your vulnerable and funny side via Stories. What are you hoping to share with your community via your social media presence?
A: Thank you!!!! Honestly, I want to give hope to all women but especially women of color that they can have a connection to wellness. Pilates has somehow become a workout for thin white bodies which is crazy, because Joseph Pilates was teaching the exercises to sick people in prison. I just want to take the elitism out of wellness and make everyone feel welcome on the mat.
Pilates has somehow become a workout for thin white bodies which is crazy, because Joseph Pilates was teaching the exercises to sick people in prison. I just want to take the elitism out of wellness and make everyone feel welcome on the mat.”
—Johanna on teaching Pilates for everyone
6: Can you share with us where the moniker “Jungle Johanna” came from?
A: I actually stole it from a [Quentin] Tarantino move. There is a character named “Jungle Julia” and she was played by Sidney Poitier’s daughter.
7: I love how outspoken you are about increasing diversity in the wellness space, particularly regarding uplifting BIPOC women. Can you talk to us a bit about your Teacher Training Series and how you are making an impact?
A: My teacher training is probably the best thing I have ever done in my life. Each one gets better and I learn so much from my students. I have had three certifications so far – all sold out – and I offer one scholarship for black women in need of financial assistance. Not only do I get to see people become instructors, but I have made lifelong friends. It also has been such a spiritual experience for me. A lot of these people have been cast out of the wellness industry because of their skin color. It truly is an honor to uplift the community.
8: Where can readers find more information about your trainings, as well as ways to support?
A: My Instagram account @junglejohanna has all the things! My linktree in my bio can direct you to all my wellness offerings.
9: Where are some of your favorite wellness spots in Miami? Places to grab a healthy lunch, get a massage, etc.?
A: Flyfuel (@flyfuel) is my go-to for healthy snacks. Vice City (@vicecitybean) has the best matcha in Miami. Sea and Salt Spa (@seaandsaltspa) for all the wellness recovery, and she is brown!
10: What advice would you give black and brown women looking to make a mark in the wellness scene the way you have? Share any helpful tips!
A: Honestly, its really important to share that I did not always care so much about wellness diversity. I also have a look and aesthetic that is typically accepted by white brands and studios. I know that a lot of my students could never work in certain studios just off of appearances and that’s why I keep doing what I do. If you’re amazing at what you do, you can’t be turned away. Be the best pilates instructor and start your own s***. We need more students, instructors and studios of color. Start somewhere, stay consistent, and DM me! I’m here to help!
11: What is the legacy you are hoping to leave through your work?
A: I want to be known for creating and maintaining the black Pilates community in Miami and beyond.
