We spoke to Claudia Matles, an instructor specializing in yoga, Pilates, and nutrition on the East End, in New York City, and in LA.
Tell us about your background and how you started in the wellness space.
I was a school teacher on Maui, then at a Performing Arts Magnet Elementary School for students in Los Angeles, and it was around this time I became fascinated with yoga and its eight-limb path. I was seduced by its ability to ‘be’ in the sweet spot… of not only every pose on the mat but, excitingly, every pose of life off the mat. I then started integrating wellness and yoga into my curriculum and was blown away by the impact it had on my students.
Back then, I was so disconnected to my body, my authentic self, the breath, and so much more, that finally dabbling with a tool that tethered my mind, body, and breath so I could feel strong but light, powerful but with grace.
Shortly after, I got certified and began teaching it in the classroom. Then, I moved to the Hamptons to teach all over the East End, New York City, and beyond!
My Pilates journey came next… how can you not be obsessed with Joseph Pilates’ teachings if you are a teacher of wellness? His method taught me that it’s not about conquering; it’s about the journey, and I have applied that in my teachings to hundreds of students, both physically and emotionally, as well as spiritually. Learning that the core starts at the fronts of the heels blew my mind.
Lastly, my certification with the Integrative Institute Of Nutrition out of Columbia validated my conviction that sustainable, whole organic foods very much nourish not only our bodies but our souls. This was also the final piece to my business, Claudia Matles Yoga & Pilates. My passion is to live a vibrant, healthy life, and I teach leading with love, intelligence, and presence. I am incredibly grateful for this beautiful journey of the last 20 years.
What should those who book a class expect from the experience?
I provide a peaceful and safe setting as my sessions are deeply personal and an enriching experience where calm washes over you. As we begin, each movement feels intentional and fluid. You notice how each pose flows into the next, a dance of body and breath that feels energizing and relaxing. You feel safe, and your mind feels clear with a sense of release and tension. It’ll be emotional, and you’ll not want to wait for the next session!
Please visit claudiamatles.com and email me at Claudia@claudiamatles.com to book!
What does your perfect day in the Hamptons look like? We’d love to hear about your favorite spots to visit.
I start every day the same: a 20-minute meditation before leaving bed, followed by hot water and lemon as I make breakfast. I’m then out the door for my morning private clients, which take me all around the Hamptons! Late in the morning, I pick up my pup, Julian, to walk Little Plains beach with friends and get sunshine to feed my soul. Then it’s off to more clients, followed by lunching at Provisions or Round Swamp, depending on my day. I will make time to pick out a few fun things at Veronica Beard or Tenet, and back to more clients!
Dinners are always fun to see my friends and family. I was just at the American Hotel with my dad, a true Sag local, and I always enjoy Nick & Toni’s and LuLu’s, too. But my favorites are dinner parties with friends at the house, healthy, fresh food, and a lot of laughter and connection. At night, I am back home to relax and prepare for the next day before more meditation, and then bed.
Now that I am building the Claudia Matles Experience in LA, I have a home in Santa Monica where this routine looks the same but with a few new places in between. I love my La La Land Coffee and sitting at the Proper Hotel before and after teaching. If you’re in LA… call me!
