Thriving and Driving Online Business with Jeni DelPozo

When Jeni DelPozo first found dance, she loved performing competitively and professionally, not realizing it was “exercise,” simply because it was so much fun. She appreciated the discipline, as well as the special connection to her body and alignment. Later on, that interest would transform into valuable skills for her Pilates and fitness clients.

Originally from Redondo Beach, CA, the Santa Monica-based DelPozo took a detour in apparel while studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. But her time there only cemented her desire to keep movement central in her life. 

So, she earned her Pilates certification at Equinox. Now, years later, she has her own app, JDP Fitness, offering everything from Pilates and barre to yoga and strength training both live and on-demand. Read on to hear why she loves her new focus on her online business, and which wellness areas she’s personally working on, too.

SBS: What's your unique flavor of Pilates and strength training?

Jeni DelPozo: I'm classically trained on all apparatus, and I love classical Pilates, adding in some more contemporary movements, as well. Cardio, weights, bands and stability balls can all be so much fun to add in and really help someone connect even more to their Pilates practice. I also make sure to truly watch the body in front of me and cue them to get the most out of their workout. It sounds easy, but it’s a skill that I'm most proud of.

SBS: What's your approach to online fitness and memberships?

JDP: I freaking love it! Online classes really gave fitness instructors their own platform to teach when they want to teach, how, and for the price they truly wanted to make. It gave instructors independence.  

I was lucky enough to film workouts before the pandemic, and I was able to launch my online platform in April 2020. Now, it's an app (JDP Fitness), and it's exciting to reach so many people around the world. 

I offer live and on-demand workouts, with over 250 workouts on-demand: Pilates, barre, yoga, strength training, cardio, recovery...I have it all for you! You can find it on my website, www.jenidelpozo.com, and sign up using code JDPVIP for 75% off for the first three months (less than eight dollars a month). I love putting together challenges for my members.

SBS: How has your COVID journey been? What were you doing before, and how has it shifted, both professionally and personally?

JDP: I stopped teaching group fitness classes before COVID and was solely doing private sessions and filming workouts. COVID taught me to slow down, to enjoy life more, and to be more business savvy for myself. I now work with incredible companies such as iFIT, where I get to teach cycling and treadmill classes live to hundreds of people daily. I still run my own platform, as well. I'm really thriving and proud of myself.

SBS: What's your own wellness practice? How has it changed?

JDP: I love routine...when it works for me. I love having my coffee in the morning and taking time for myself first thing. I'm better at teaching in the morning, and too late doesn't work well for me: I'm such a morning person! 

I love to listen to motivational speeches and podcasts (Eric Thomas, Brené Brown, Second Life Podcast, etc). I do yoga, Pilates, cardio, strength training, walks...all of it! I love fitness because of the endless education. There’s always something new to learn, and I'm open to it!

SBS:. What advice would you give to new instructors post-Covid quarantine? 

JDP: Know your worth, and add tax.

 SBS: What advice would you give to clients doing Pilates for the first time? What about via virtual gatherings?

JDP: Join my app! I will guide you through it and be there along your journey. Take your time. It's a practice.  Be patient with it, and stay consistent.

SBS: What's your approach to nutrition?

JDP: To be honest, I struggle. I'm healthy, but I indulge; I indulge maybe too much sometimes. I love celery juice, I love coffee and green tea, and I'm starting to work with an amazing nutritionist, Heidi Skolnik. She has been super helpful, breaking it down and helping me to not be so hard on myself.

The best, zaniest part of being Jeni: I see the good in every situation. Life is tough, and I just like to see the good.

Jeni’s SBS Mantra: Be Bright. In a world that can be dark, be the light that shines.

Jeni’s LA Faves:

Healthy Restaurant: Sweetgreen
Splurge Restaurant: Hillstones
Nightlife Spot: The couch
Yoga Studio: Hot 8 Yoga
Fitness Studio: Barry's Bootcamp
Fun Activity: Anything at the beach!
Calming Activity: Putting my feet up the wall! 
Online Resources: www.jenidelpozo.com
Books: Breath, The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight