Equilibrium in Motion
From her childhood love of swing sets to Pilates pioneer and international artist, Iwalani Kaluhiokalani embraces balance and identity to create space for others to thrive
When I first connected with Iwalani Kaluhiokalani, I was struck by the seamless way she wove together seemingly disparate threads - art and wellness, Europe and the U.S., structure and flow. As someone exploring my own Pilates journey, I was eager to understand how this biracial entrepreneur built a wellness empire while pursuing an international art career. What emerged was a story of intuitive wisdom, cultural richness, and the courage to follow unexpected paths.
Roots of Resilience
From a young age, Iwalani knew she was different. Growing up in a multicultural household, with Dutch-Indonesian and Scottish-Hawaiian heritage, she learned early on about embracing her unique identity and standing strong amid misunderstanding. Even the smallest challenges can help us build the confidence and strength to navigate life’s bigger obstacles, and this foundation of resilience has stayed with Iwalani throughout her journey, shaping how she interacts with the world and approaches her work in wellness and art.
“From a young age, I’ve always been in certain situations where I have to explain myself a bit more... I’ve always been used to standing up for myself and doing a little explaining.”
Finding Her Center
While studying art, Iwalani found Pilates—a practice that would profoundly impact both her physical and mental well-being. In Pilates, she found a place to center herself, a space for inner reflection, and a practice that mirrored her love of form and body alignment in art. This experience became the cornerstone of her wellness philosophy and business, where she now helps others find their balance. Through Pilates, Iwalani discovered that moving the body could become a way to quiet the mind, grounding her daily routine in a newfound mindfulness.
The Swing Set Prophet
Long before she became a wellness pioneer, young Iwalani was captivated by her backyard swing set. This childhood fascination foreshadowed her future calling - creating spaces where adults can explore movement, find balance, and reconnect with their playful sides. Today, her studio resembles an adult jungle gym, filled with Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment that allows clients to stretch, hang, and rediscover their bodies' natural rhythms.
“Anyone who knows me and comes and visits my studio and sees all the Gyrotonic® and Pilates equipment, things that you can lie on, hang off of, stretch over, climb up, they know it looks like an adult jungle gym. And it is.”
Body as Territory
Drawing from her Hawaiian heritage, Iwalani approaches wellness through a cultural lens where the body is one's personal territory - a sacred space to be honored and explored. This philosophy infuses both her teaching and her art, creating a unique bridge between physical practice and creative expression. For Iwalani, movement becomes a form of meditation, a way to center oneself in an increasingly chaotic world.
“There’s an element in Hawaiian culture where, where your body is your land. Your body is your territory. And there is a saying that, if you leave the islands, it’s okay because your body is your center and whatever other spaces around you become part of where you belong.”
An Unexpected Leader
For Iwalani, becoming a leader wasn’t something she consciously set out to do—it was something others saw in her before she saw it in herself. This awakening began with small affirmations from friends, students, and colleagues who recognized her strength and passion. Over time, Iwalani came to see herself not just as an instructor but as a mentor, realizing that her journey had equipped her to inspire and empower others. Her leadership style, rooted in intuition and humility, has created a nurturing space where clients and team members can thrive. Iwalani’s story highlights the quiet yet powerful ways that others can help us see our true potential.
Guiding Others to Their Own Strength
In her Smartbody Movement studio, Iwalani has cultivated a community where wellness is more than just a workout; it’s a way of life. By teaching clients to listen to their bodies, Iwalani empowers them to find their own balance and strength. She’s created an environment that encourages teamwork, consistency, and self-investment, helping people prioritize wellness and, ultimately, themselves. Iwalani’s approach to Pilates and GYROTONIC® is about fostering a mindset of growth, resilience, and respect. Her philosophy of wellness reflects her belief that self-care is foundational to living a fulfilled, balanced life.
We talked about some of the issues facing women today in the context of wellness. She noted making ourselves and our health a priority, and being able to establish a solid routine. As she emphasizes, “You gotta plan, you gotta create a routine, and if you cannot, it's not going to make change.”
Creative Sanctuary
Iwalani’s art studio is her sanctuary, a place where she can fully immerse herself in her imagination and creativity. In art, she finds a space for personal reflection and expression, away from the daily demands of running a business. Her art, deeply rooted in the body, reflects her ongoing exploration of form, movement, and the human experience. Each piece she creates serves as a testament to her journey of self-discovery and to the joy of getting lost in one’s passion. For Iwalani, her studio isn’t just a workspace—it’s a place to rediscover herself.
“With my art, it’s more about me...it’s my dream space. It’s my imagination space.”
The Art of Human Connection
At the heart of Iwalani's success lies a profound appreciation for human connection and ongoing dialogue. Whether teaching Pilates or creating art installations, she approaches each interaction with deep curiosity and openness. This constant exchange becomes a source of endless inspiration, grounding her work in authentic human experience. As she explains, “That constant curiosity about other people, it's the thing that I can get lost in with the Pilates and Gyrotonic stuff. I can just keep going deeper and deeper with learning more about another person and understanding what they need and helping them with it.”
Redefining Success
Over time, Iwalani's definition of success has evolved from achievement-oriented goals to a focus on the quality of relationships and connections she builds. She has created a team-centered approach at Smartbody Movement, honoring each instructor's unique journey and talents. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of what truly matters in both business and life.
As our conversation drew to a close, I was struck by how Iwalani's journey exemplifies the power of following one's intuition while remaining open to unexpected possibilities. Her story reminds us that our bodies hold wisdom, our differences contain strength, and our willingness to engage deeply with others can light the way forward.
Ready to begin your own journey of movement and discovery? Take Iwalani's wisdom to heart: start where you are, prioritize self-investment, and remember that every step toward wellness is a step toward honoring your own territory. Whether through art, movement, or simply showing up authentically in your daily life, you have the power to create spaces of transformation - for yourself and others.
You can learn more about Iwalani’s work in wellness and art on her website, connect with her on LinkedIn, and check out SmartBody Movement.
