Connect
To Top

Community Highlights: Meet Johannah & Lisa Thompkins of Pendulum Pilates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johannah & Lisa Thompkins.

Hi Johannah & Lisa , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our Story — Pendulum Pilates
Our journey with Pilates began during the pandemic. Lisa was searching for a form of movement she genuinely enjoyed—something that didn’t feel like a chore. Johannah had always been active, but Pilates was new to her. Around that time, Lisa was managing scoliosis and lower back pain, and Johannah was dealing with sciatic nerve pain. Both of us were looking for ways to feel stronger and more connected to our bodies.
When Lisa discovered a classical Pilates studio, everything changed for us – in the best way. We fell in love with the precision, control, strength, and awareness that Pilates cultivates. Over time, we each gained a new understanding of our bodies and how capable they truly are. What started as curiosity quickly became passion.
A few years later, we both pursued certification to deepen our practice and knowledge. That passion evolved into Pendulum Pilates—a classical boutique studio that brings Lisa’s long-time dream to life.
As sisters, we’ve always shared a close bond, and Pendulum is a true family affair. We’ve taken the love, support, and strength of our family and channeled it into a welcoming space that invites others to find themselves through movement.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No journey worth taking ever is—and ours has been no exception. As we move toward launching Pendulum Pilates and making it a reality for everyone, there have been plenty of challenges so far, especially since there’s no roadmap for opening a Pilates studio, but we are leaning into learning along the way.
What has made this experience so meaningful is doing it together and supporting each other. We each bring our own expertise and trust one another deeply. Lisa’s husband has spent countless late nights helping us refine business models and navigate logistics. Our sister Tatiana leads our marketing and design, ensuring the brand reflects who we are at our core.
There have been tough conversations, long nights, and moments of tension, but through it all, our shared passion for classical Pilates—and our belief that it’s for every body—keeps us grounded.
We lean on our village, laugh often, and keep coming back to our goal: creating a space where people can move, connect, and feel strong in their bodies.

As you know, we’re big fans of Pendulum Pilates . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What sets Pendulum apart is our commitment to intentional movement and true body awareness. In a world that often focuses on fast results or fitness trends that could lead to injury if not performed correctly, we take a different approach. Our goal is to help clients slow down, connect with their bodies, and build strength from the inside out. Pilates has changed the way we move, think, and feel, and we want others to experience that same transformation.
We’re most proud of the heart behind the brand. Pendulum is rooted in family, authenticity, and care—it’s a space designed to feel grounding and elevated at the same time. From the thoughtful design of the studio to the instructors we bring on board, every detail is meant to create a calm, welcoming environment where every body feels seen and supported.
We offer reformer and mat classes, privates and semi-privates, private events, and local community pop-up experiences that bring Pilates beyond the studio walls.
Our vision is to provide a space where individuals, regardless of fitness level, find strength in connecting with their center and achieve an elevated practice.
At Pendulum Pilates, we believe movement is more than a workout—it’s a way to reconnect with yourself. Our studio was created to provide a welcoming, supportive space where people of all backgrounds and fitness levels can experience the benefits of Pilates in its purest form, with a modern twist.
Our approach is rooted in the classical method, focusing on alignment, breath, and intentional movement. With thoughtfully designed reformer and mat classes, we guide you toward strength, balance, and flexibility in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.
We are passionate about building a community where you feel seen, supported, and inspired. Whether you’re just starting your Pilates journey or seeking to elevate your practice, our team is here to help you grow, challenge yourself, and embrace the joy of movement.

What does success mean to you?
For us, success is a lot like Pilates—it’s about showing up for yourself. It’s the commitment to keep learning, growing, and moving forward, even on the days when progress feels slow or unseen.
Success isn’t the absence of failure; it’s the willingness to reflect, learn from setbacks, and come back stronger. It’s about recentering, staying grounded in what truly matters, and trusting the process.
At Pendulum, we believe success is found in consistency, intention, and the courage to keep showing up—both on and off the mat.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories