Check Out Gretchen Bosselmann-May’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Bosselmann-May.

Hi Gretchen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into Pilates began somewhat out of necessity. I had developed a chronic shoulder injury from years of playing tennis, and I was searching for something that would help me heal and regain strength without further aggravating the issue. That’s when I discovered Classical Pilates—and it completely changed my perspective on movement, injury prevention, and long-term body maintenance.

At the time, I was working full-time in accounting, but I became increasingly drawn to the method. It wasn’t just the physical improvement—it was the mental clarity and balance it brought into my life. That passion led me to begin formal training in through Power Pilates, earning my comprehensive certification in 2016 and my NCPT® certification in 2018. I’ve been fortunate to train under some of the most respected instructors, including completing Lolita San Miguel’s 160-hour Pilates Master and Mentorship Program (PMMP)—an honor, considering she was personally certified by Joseph Pilates himself.

In 2021, I was selected as one of only ten instructors worldwide to participate in Kathi Ross-Nash’s Professional Pilates Advanced Teacher Training (PPATT), which deepened my ability to apply the classical method with precision and purpose. And this past year I was one of 12 instructors who have completed the PPATT to complete the inaugural session of PPATT Part Two.

PPATT goes beyond just teaching the exercises—it deepens your understanding of how the Pilates Method functions as an interconnected system. It trains you to see what’s happening in a client’s body, to know what apparatus to use, and to thoughtfully build workouts that create balance and progression. It’s not just about how to teach the exercises—it’s about why, when, and where to apply them. As a result, I no longer see Pilates as a list of movements, but as a method with a clear thread that weaves through every exercise, every session, and every body.

I also train under Michael Fritzke, staying rooted in the traditional lineage of the Pilates method. Michael is one of the last individuals to have completed a true apprenticeship with Roman Kryzanowska, and he has studied extensively with many of the first-generation teachers who learned directly from Joseph Pilates. I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him—he generously shares his knowledge and experience with me, and this informal mentorship has become an invaluable part of my growth as a teacher.

This past year, I was able to open my own studio—TruForm Pilates in Scottsdale. My goal was to create a space where clients could receive truly personalized instruction rooted in the classical method. Every session is designed to meet the individual where they are, helping them build the strength, control, and understanding necessary to progress safely and effectively through the Pilates system. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide people through that journey—watching their confidence grow as their bodies become more capable, balanced, and resilient.

Balancing my ongoing accounting career with running a boutique studio has its challenges, but I thrive in that duality. And I owe a lot to the support of my husband and our French Bulldogs—they, along with my clients, remind me daily why I do what I do.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—and I think that’s true for most people who take a leap into something they’re deeply passionate about. When I first started practicing Pilates, I never imagined it would become such a central part of my life, let alone my career.

Balancing a full-time accounting career while going through rigorous classical Pilates training was one of the first big challenges. The program I chose was not easy. It is 600-hour comprehensive program involving multiple weekend workshops, practice teaching hours and observation hours. It took a lot of time and dedication, getting up early in the mornings to study and spending time at the studio after a full day at the office.

Opening my own studio was another major leap—and it came with its own set of struggles. From finding the right space, outfitting it with high-quality classical apparatus, and building a client base, every step required patience, persistence, and trust in the process. There are definitely moments of self-doubt, I constantly juggle logistics, finances, and teaching along with spending time with my husband and dogs and finding time for my own self-practice.

That self-practice, though, is absolutely essential. As an instructor, it’s where I stay connected to the work in my own body, which deepens my understanding of how to teach it to others. It’s easy to get caught up in giving everything to your clients, but if you’re not maintaining your own connection to the method, you lose a vital part of what makes your teaching effective. My time on the mat or apparatus is where I refine my skills, work through my own imbalances, and stay grounded in the principles of the classical system. It’s not just about keeping myself strong—it’s about continuing to grow as both a practitioner and a teacher.

But I’ve learned that the struggles are part of what shapes you as both a teacher and a business owner. They pushed me to grow, to refine my approach, and to stay rooted in my purpose: offering individualized, authentic Pilates that helps people connect more deeply with their bodies. And when I see the impact it has on my clients—that’s when I know every struggle was worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At TruForm Pilates, I specialize in teaching classical Pilates in its purest, most intentional form. My work is centered around helping clients understand the method as a complete system—not just as a series of exercises, but as a structured progression designed to build strength, control, flexibility, and balance over time. Every session is tailored to the individual in front of me, and my goal is always to meet people where they are, then guide them toward where they want to be—whether that’s recovering from an injury, improving athletic performance, or simply moving and feeling better in their bodies.

What sets me apart is my commitment to precision and education. Through years of training with masters instructors and completing the Pilates Professional Advanced Teacher Training (PPATT), I’ve learned to see the body differently—to assess movement patterns, choose the appropriate apparatus, and design sessions that address each client’s unique needs. I take pride in helping people connect the dots between exercises, so they understand not only how to move, but why they’re doing what they’re doing.

I’m most proud of creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Opening TruForm Pilates has been a dream come true and to see it now as a place where people come not just to work out, but to learn and grow in their practice, is incredibly rewarding. Whether someone is brand new to Pilates or has been practicing for years, I want them to leave each session feeling stronger, more aligned, and more confident in their body. I can confidently say that I change bodies—and if you visit my Instagram page, you’ll see the proof for yourself.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can connect and work with me. First and foremost, I welcome anyone interested in deepening their Pilates practice to come train at TruForm Pilates here in Scottsdale. Whether you’re brand new or have years of experience, I offer personalized, one-on-one classical Pilates sessions that are tailored to your body and your goals. I also work with clients recovering from injuries or managing chronic pain, and I love helping people discover how intelligent and transformative this method can be when it’s approached with care, intention and as Joseph Pilates intended.

For instructors or aspiring teachers, I’m always open to mentorship and collaboration—especially with those who are curious about the classical system and want to develop a deeper understanding of the “why” behind the work. I believe strongly in continuing education and the importance of community within our profession.

And if you want to support TruForm Pilates, simply spreading the word means a lot. Pilates is still something many people haven’t experienced in its classical form, so referrals, sharing our studio on social media, or just having conversations about the work all make a meaningful difference. Ultimately, I’m here to serve and support people on their movement journey—and I’m always happy to connect with those who are passionate about doing the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.truformpilates.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truformpilatesaz/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/truform-pilates-scottsdale

Image Credits
Sarah Hoag Photography
David May Photography