Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Engelhorn.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
VYRTU, is really the embodiment of integrity—living and creating with high moral regard. The journey began with a vision: I wanted to build my own business, something that reflected everything I value—discipline, motivation, and helping others. I’ve always been someone who wants to empower people, and I realized I could do that through movement with VYRTU Pilates, and also through the broader brand, helping people see themselves, heal themselves, and believe in themselves.
Everything started with that vision, and I poured my heart into it. The name, the branding, the studio—every detail was intentional. From finding the perfect location to designing the color scheme, I followed my intuition rather than trends, trusting my gut on what VYRTU should be.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve hit roadblocks and walls along the way, but I never gave up. Perseverance, resilience, and gratitude have been my guiding forces, and I think that energy shows in the brand itself. VYRTU Pilates isn’t just a studio—it’s a space that’s welcoming and intentional, anchored in a life I’ve lived, lessons I’ve learned, and the values I hold dear.
Being local, born and raised here, and having my business near the ocean makes it feel even more special. What started as a vision has grown day by day, and this is just the beginning. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, and I’m excited for all that’s still to come with VYRTU.
And I am excited to also share that VYRTU is now officially a registered trademark!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Honestly, no—it hasn’t. Some of the struggles were actually my own resistance to fully believing in the dream, especially because I didn’t have 100% support from some important people in my life. But over time, I realized I didn’t need their approval—I just needed to keep my eyes on the road and keep building the business.
There were obstacles along the way, like listening to outside advice that didn’t feel aligned with my purpose—whether it was marketing ideas or other suggestions. When something didn’t feel right, I learned to trust my intuition and let it go. I’m deeply committed to my clients, learning their names, understanding their goals, and being loyal to them. That level of intention is a core part of the brand, and I expect the same loyalty in return.
Timing was another challenge—I didn’t get into the studio space as soon as I wanted, and I’ve spent money on things I now know weren’t necessary. But all of those experiences were lessons. Failing is part of the process; I don’t dwell on it, I take note, I adjust, and I move forward.
Not every decision will be perfect, and not every day will be amazing—but when you align your work with your purpose, the right people, opportunities, and paths show up. You learn what works, what doesn’t, and you keep building. That’s the beauty of doing something you truly believe in.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
VYRTU, isn’t like any other Pilates studio. I pride myself on following my intuition and doing what I know works—what’s authentic to me—rather than following trends or trying to fit in. Pilates is an incredible modality not just for your body, but for your mind and spirit. I’ve seen it in my clients and in myself: it can start your day, end your day, and leave you feeling almost euphoric. People walk out connected to their mind, body, and spirit in a way that transcends just movement.
At VYRTU, it’s about more than just the exercises—it’s about connection, community, and intentional living. We’re active locally, supporting organizations and being present in our community, because wellness extends beyond the studio walls. I’m building something lasting, intentional, and unique, just like Pilates itself. It takes time, but that’s the point: longevity, depth, and authenticity. I beat to my own drum, and that’s what I continue to honor every single day.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about the next steps for VYRTU. My immediate focus is on the studio and continuing to build something intentional and authentic, but the future is full of possibilities. One of the next big goals is taking VYRTU virtual—creating online classes so that people who can’t make it to the studio can still experience the movement, the connection, and the transformation from anywhere in the world.
After that, my biggest focus will be on teaching Pilates certification courses. I want to share everything I’ve learned with future instructors—tools that will not only make them great teachers but also help them create longevity and motivation in their careers. I have a background in teaching even before Pilates, and I’m excited to bring that experience into shaping the next generation of instructors.
Beyond that, VYRTU is officially a registered trademark now, and the sky really is the limit. I have so many ideas, but I’m learning to stay focused, take it step by step, and continue building this dream that’s come to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vyrtupilates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vyrtupilates/
Image Credits
Toby Ogden Photography
