Certified Pilates instructor Cassey Ho found a way to harness YouTube to create a huge fan base on the Internet with her upbeat workout clips and Blogilates blog that features fitness, food and fashion tips. Now, she has created a DVD based on her popular POP Pilates YouTube series.
The "POP Pilates: Total Body Workout" DVD ($19.95) is a 60-minute full-body Pilates workout and also features:
- Interactive exercise library
- Printable workout
- Music on/off option
The DVD is available at ShopBlogilates.com, where you also can find Cassey's clothing and accessories line.
We talked with Cassey about the new DVD and how she got started with her burgeoning fitness empire.
Q. How did you get started in fitness?
A. I was actually training for a pageant when I was 16 and discovered my love for Pilates as I was figuring out different ways to tone up my body. I was so in tune with the practice and how wonderful it made me feel that I decided to take up teaching and got certified while in college. I've been teaching ever since. It's been nearly seven years!
Q. When did you first start posting to YouTube and how did that take off?
A. After college graduation, I moved from the West Coast to the East Coast for my first job and was devastated that I would be leaving my Pilates students. It's tough because when you build a deep relationship with the people you train every Tuesday and Thursday, you become a part of each other's lives. So I thought, "Hey, why not put up a YouTube video so that they can still work out with me!" I really didn't think anything of it. Then random people started commenting and asking for more. Eventually, I started to take things a little more seriously, I quit my job, and BAM -- the subscribers shot up like crazy!
Q. How much input do you get from viewers?
A. I get input daily, through Twitter, Facebook, my blog, Instagram, and of course YouTube comments. I read and reply to everything my POPsters (Blogilates fans) recommend, and I believe that the community is thriving because of that. I make videos for my students based on what they want. It's pretty simple.
Q. Who is your new DVD designed for?
A. The "POP Pilates" DVD is designed for anyone's who's looking for a bright, new twist on Pilates and core-strengthening exercises. It's perfect for travel too because there's no equipment involved! I love "POP Pilates" because the pace is quick, the music is fun and I talk the whole time, so it's like working out with your BFF! By the time we've completely "killed it" on the mat, your energy will be elevated and your muscles will be so sore. Perfect right?
Q. What else are you working on? Any more DVDs on the horizon?
A. Oh wow! This is a big question. Well, yes there will be more POP Pilates DVDs, like a beginner's edition plus some other routines that will incorporate more cardio and moves that will melt fat fast alongside the toning effects of Pilates.
I'm also working on new and exciting designs for my Blogilates clothing line, which you can see on ShopBlogilates.com. There's a social fitness community that's being developed at the moment, plus an app!
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