9 min readEnhancewell
Today, you’re in for a treat! We’re interviewing Dana Chau, Enhancewell’s Pilates Lead and Studio Manager. If you’ve visited us in person, you’ve experienced her vivacious, bubbly personality and inspiring teaching in real life. If you haven’t visited us yet, we hope this interview will give you the boost of motivation you need to book your first IRL Enhancewell class!
Hi Dana! Thanks for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Dana — 53 years young, a proud Capricorn, which means I’m ambitious, persistent, and disciplined to the core. I’m an only child, though I’m lucky to have a wonderful step-brother whose amazing family (including my awesome sister-in-law and their adorable kids) I absolutely adore.
Born and raised in New York City, I spent most of my childhood in Washington Heights (Inwood, to be exact). These days, I call Hoboken, NJ home. I went to Catholic school from grammar through high school, even though my family practices Buddhism — a fun little contrast that shaped who I am. I graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business in 1993 with a B.S. in Accounting and Marketing.
My mom is my best friend and my rock — her love and strength have grounded me through every chapter of life.
Once a club kid, always a club kid at heart! I still love dancing and vibing to house and electronic music, even though I grew up on New Wave. Depeche Mode is my all-time favorite band — I’ve seen them live more than 20 times!
I’ve got a major sweet tooth — cake and cookies before dinner? Always. But pizza? That’s my forever favorite. I’m also a huge animal lover and proud dog mom to three seniors — two older pups and one with special needs. At one point, I had six dogs all at once!
Pink is my color — especially shades like mauve and fuchsia. If you asked my family and friends to describe me in one word, they’d probably say energetic — and they wouldn’t be wrong!
What’s your trainer origin story? How did you get interested in fitness?
I’ve been a fitness and personal trainer for over 21 years, and I can honestly say—I can’t imagine doing anything else. I first got into fitness because I wanted to help people feel good about themselves and have fun along the way. It also gave me a way to share one of my greatest passions: music.
Before stepping into the world of fitness, I spent a decade working in marketing across the magazine and fashion industries. While I valued the creativity of that career, something was missing. As a former dancer, I found real joy and fulfillment in taking my favorite dance-based fitness classes at a well-known NYC club. Those classes reignited something in me.
What started as a personal escape soon turned into something more. I began doing promotional work for the fitness club, and that hands-on experience inspired me to become an instructor myself. I was so moved by how my favorite instructors encouraged and uplifted me, and I knew I wanted to do the same for others.
At 31, I took a leap of faith. I left the security of my corporate job, made a few sacrifices, and committed fully to a new path in fitness. I started by teaching dance-based classes, then gradually expanded to include cycling, strength training, barre and eventually—Pilates.
Pilates was something I stumbled into by accident, but after my first class, I was completely hooked. It resonated deeply with my body and helped me connect inward on a whole new level. Pilates reminded me that a healthy, balanced body supports a powerful, confident mind. When we feel physically strong, we feel emotionally grounded, mentally clear, and more capable of handling whatever life throws our way.
Now, over two decades later, this journey continues to be incredibly rewarding. I still wake up each day excited to move, to teach, and to help others feel strong—from the inside out.
Tell us about your credentials, certifications, specialized training, and fitness educational background.
- Pilates: Balanced Body, PHI Pilates
- Personal Training: NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
- Group Fitness: AFAA
- Pre/Postnatal Training: Bella Bellies
- Menopause Specialist: Girls Gone Strong
- Special Populations: Certified to work with diverse client needs
How did you discover Enhancewell?
I discovered Enhancewell through my close friend, Antoni, who also happens to be the owner. We met over 20 years ago while working at the same fitness club — one of those effortless friendships where you can’t even remember how it all began.
Antoni has played a key role in my career journey, always encouraging me to take the next big leap, even when I was hesitant (and sometimes kicking and screaming!). His support has been unwavering, and I’m so grateful for it.
During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to teach online classes for Enhancewell, which allowed me to stay connected, keep moving, and continue supporting others through such a challenging time.
What is your role at Enhancewell and what does a typical workday look like for you?
I’m the Pilates Lead and Studio Manager at Enhancewell. My days are filled with a balance of training clients, teaching classes, and keeping the energy of the studio flowing. When I’m not on the floor, I dedicate time to researching and studying Pilates — no matter how long you’ve been in the game, there’s always more to learn. Staying educated keeps me inspired and helps me deliver fresh, effective programming to my clients.
I also spend time developing new Pilates routines and programs, as well as looking for creative ways to grow the business and connect with potential new clients. And, of course, I always carve out time for my own Pilates practice — self-care is essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and I truly believe you can only take care of others when you’re taking care of yourself.
What makes you most excited to be involved with Enhancewell?
It’s the community and the mission. Enhancewell is rooted in connection, empowerment, and growth — both personally and professionally. I love being part of a team that’s passionate about wellness and constantly evolving to better serve our clients.
How many years have you been teaching Pilates?
I have been teaching Pilates for about 20 years.
Tell us about a recent success story (or two)!
One of my clients came to me with chronic IT band tightness that was causing significant knee pain and making it difficult for her to walk comfortably. After several months of consistent Pilates sessions and targeted work together, she told me she feels like “a brand new woman.” She’s now walking pain-free with improved joint mobility — and a whole new sense of freedom in her body.
Another client, who is 73 years old, sees me four times a week. She has scoliosis and osteoporosis, and we’ve been working steadily to address her unique needs. Through consistency, thoughtful programming, and a focus on alignment and strength, she’s seen noticeable improvement in her bone density and overall posture. Her progress is a true testament to the power of movement — at any age!
How do you incorporate fun into sessions?
I truly believe that energy feeds energy — so I always show up with enthusiasm and positivity to help motivate and uplift my clients throughout their workout. I don’t view it as just a training session; to me, it’s quality time spent with a friend. We move, we laugh, and we have great conversations about anything and everything. When you’re having fun, the time flies — and the work doesn’t feel like work at all.
What’s your favorite pre-workout meal? Share a recipe if you’ve got one!
I don’t have a go-to recipe, because I believe in balance and moderation. For me, the most important thing is making sure I’m fueled before a workout — whether that’s a salad, a sandwich, or whatever feels right in the moment. I aim to eat as healthy as possible, but I definitely leave room for the occasional sweet treat… because life’s too short to skip dessert!
What’s your favorite post-workout meal? Share a recipe if you’ve got one!
After a workout, it can be a few hours before I sit down for my next meal, which is usually dinner. Like with my pre-workout meals, I eat whatever feels right in the moment. I don’t have a set post-workout routine, but I always listen to my body and go for something that will replenish and refuel me.
What does your own fitness regimen look like?
Given the limited time I have, my personal fitness regimen mostly revolves around Pilates. I like to switch things up and focus on a different apparatus each day, whether it’s the Reformer, Cadillac, or Chair. It keeps things interesting and ensures I’m targeting different areas of my body.
What’s your favorite exercise, and why?
I don’t have one specific favorite, but I tend to gravitate toward exercises that focus on spinal mobility. I often feel tight in that area, and I love how these movements help my spine feel more supple and free. It’s such a great way to increase flexibility and ease tension.
What are a few must-have songs on your fitness playlist?
Lately, I’ve been all about chilled electronic and house music. Here are some tracks I’m really vibing with right now:
- “Bittersuite” – Billie Eilish
- “Breathing” – Ben Bohmer
- “Move” – Adam Port, Stryv, Keinemusik, Orsp, Malachiii
- “Never Walk Alone” – Blond:ish, Stevie Appleton
- “Tides” – Meduza, HEVOLVE, Beanfield, Bajka
- “Ikarus” – Ladi6
Is there anything else you’d like to add to help readers get to know you?
I believe in the power of connection, whether it’s through movement, conversation, or shared experience. For me, fitness isn’t just about physical strength, but about cultivating a sense of confidence and well-being from the inside out. I’m passionate about creating a supportive environment where my clients feel empowered to push their limits while alsoenjoying the journey. Outside of fitness, I’m a big believer in self-care, whether it’s through my own Pilates practice, quality time with loved ones, or getting lost in music. I’m always striving to grow, learn, and bring that energy into everything I do.
Dana, getting to know you a little better has been a joy! Thank you for sharing your story with us. We’ll see you on the mat!
If you’d like to book a private session with Dana, click here. Want to join one of her classes? Check the schedule here!