Hidden Gems: Meet Aaryn Gagum of Align with Aaryn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaryn Gagum.

Hi Aaryn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Aaryn! I’m originally from North Carolina, but my husband and I moved to Atlanta, from Seattle, for our careers in tech. What was supposed to be a career move turned into home, largely because of the incredible community I’ve found here. Looking back, it’s fitting that community would become such a central part of my story, because it’s ultimately what led me to where I am today.

My first Pilates class was actually about 15 years ago at the YMCA, long before I really understood what Pilates was. But my meaningful introduction to Pilates came years later, after experiencing significant burnout in my career as an engineering program manager.

At the time, I was exhausted, feeling disconnected from my fitness goals, and looking for a way to ease back into movement. Between my old competitive cheer days and a car accident, my knees weren’t exactly thrilled about high-impact workouts anymore, so I needed something supportive and sustainable.

I fell in love with the practice and eventually enrolled in a comprehensive certification program, initially thinking it would simply deepen my own understanding. But as I moved through observation hours, practice teaching, and client sessions, I realized how much I loved teaching itself.

It also didn’t take long to notice the disparity in representation; particularly when it came to Black women, both in teaching spaces and in participation. I want to be clear that there are many incredible Black women in Pilates, but the numbers and visibility are still not balanced.

In many rooms, I’ve found myself being one of the few, and at times the first, Black Pilates instructors people have worked with. That’s something I don’t take lightly. It feels both incredibly humbling and like a reminder that there is still meaningful work to be done around access, visibility, and inclusion in this space.

What keeps me inspired today is watching those lightbulb moments happen for clients; the moment they feel stronger, move with more confidence, or achieve something they didn’t think was possible. And beyond the movement itself, I’ve built an incredible community brick by brick. The relationships, support, and sense of belonging we’ve created together are what I’m most proud of.

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?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a perfectly smooth road, but I also wouldn’t describe it as a constant uphill battle. Building what I have today has required a tremendous amount of discipline, consistency, and trust in the process.

For several years, I’ve balanced a full-time career in tech while teaching group classes, working with private clients, hosting retreats, continuing my education, and growing a community that I’m deeply proud of. There have been plenty of early mornings, late nights, and weekends dedicated to serving clients and creating meaningful experiences.

What made those challenges feel different is that none of it ever felt forced. Even when the days were long, each step seemed to affirm that I was moving in the right direction. The growth happened steadily, client by client, class by class, and relationship by relationship.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Align with Aaryn?
My brand is rooted in honesty, high-quality movement, and building real community.

I teach group classes, offer private 1:1 sessions, and host annual Pilates retreats. I work with everyone from beginners to long-time movers, prenatal and postpartum clients, people managing conditions like osteoporosis, and athletes who want to move with more intelligence and control. You do not need to “already be fit” to work with me.

What I’m probably most known for is my energy and my attention to detail. A large percentage of client feedback highlights those two things; which I credit to both my personality and my program management background. And yes, the yellow glasses have become a bit of a signature. I care deeply about creating intentional, well-structured experiences, and I notice the small things. Pilates is precise and intelligent, but it should also be expressive, joyful, and fully your own.

What sets me apart is that I’m fully myself in every room I walk into. Whether I’m teaching a group class, working 1:1 with clients, or hosting a retreat, I show up consistently the same way. That authenticity allows people to relax, trust the process, and ultimately show up more honestly themselves.

I’m also very committed to practicing what I teach. My own Pilates practice and continued education are ongoing parts of my life and work, and my clients trust that I’m always deepening my understanding so I can better support theirs.

One of the things I’m most proud of is what we’ve built together. The Align with Aaryn socks started as a small idea, originally created as a gift for retreat guests, and quickly grew into something people now look forward to. They sell out fast, and seeing them pop up in studios across the country never stops being exciting.

Interested in attending the next retreat? Sign up for updates at alignwithaaryn.com

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m happiest when I’m moving my body, keeping life simple, and making space for myself. I love travel, I love slow evenings, and I really love when plans get canceled and I get a quiet night in.

A private Pilates session where I can grunt, laugh, and move through it in peace also makes the list. So does being able to shift the trajectory of someone’s entire day with one session. I love living in real life, not just through a screen, and staying grounded in what actually feels good versus what looks good.

The first spritz of patio season. A perfect meal with friends that lingers longer than expected. New places that reset my perspective. Time with my husband. Being an aunt. That’s my version of joy. Why not?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alignwithaaryn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignwithaaryn/