Tell us a little about your business. – BODYBAR Pilates (bodybarpilates.com) is a modern, high-energy take on Pilates that combines traditional Pilates movements with strength, balance, flexibility and functional movement. If you’ve been doing Pilates the movements will feel familiar, but the workout is going to be something exciting you have not experienced. We offer a variety of class formats, so there’s always something a little different, but everything is focused on helping people move better, feel stronger and have fun doing it. We’re big on creating a welcoming, supportive community where people can come as they are, get a great workout and leave feeling better.

How did you get started in the business? – Like many people around my age, I was getting to a point in my corporate career where I was successful and accomplished, but also left feeling like there’s something more I can be doing – something that would fill my soul and make a difference in the community. My husband and I came across BODYBAR and really loved the concept—the workouts, the energy, the brand and especially the focus on community. The more we learned about it, the more we felt like it was something that would be a great fit for our area.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My biggest professional achievements are the moments I see my team of employees achieving their own personal goals. Knowing that our hard work provides the promotion to someone that then leads them to buy their first house, or take their wife on the anniversary trip or just to have the work-life balance they need to be fulfilled outside of work – these things are better than any award or certificate I could hang on my own wall.

Tell us a little about your family. – Paul and I together have three adult sons and three dogs. Our children are 28, 22, and 19. Kefi is the newest dog to join our family – he is a 1 ½ year old chocolate lab with an incredible joy for life and lots of energy!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Several years ago we had a series of events in our family that really brought into focus what is important, and just how short life is. These moments also showed us the support we had in our family, friends and community and brought us closer in faith.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I really like figuring out how things work and solving puzzles – especially the ones it seems no one else can figure out. I often get caught up in conversations with someone who’s just trying to service my air conditioner because I want to know how it all works, and why it works that way.

Who inspires you? – Much of my current inspiration comes from the time I spend with my young nieces and nephews. Seeing the world through their eyes and the simplicity of what makes them happy is really grounding to me.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Never mistake activity for achievement.” I believe the quote comes from a former basketball coach, John Wooden. So often I think we confuse being busy, having a full calendar, or checking off things on our list is what defi nes our achievements. The better question is are we accomplishing things that make a difference?

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – My favorite local restaurant right now is Kinaara. The food is amazing and we’re always so well taken care of!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Email to Jennifer.Helms@bodybarpilates.com or call (402) 500-1089.