37: Pilates, Purpose & Postpartum Strength, Reclaiming Your Body and Energy with Tommie Burch
Feeling Strong Again: How Pilates Fusion and Motherhood Reclaim a Woman’s Confidence
Strength after motherhood looks different—and that’s something Tommie Burch knows firsthand.
Tommie, a certified yoga, barre, Pilates, and spin instructor, is also a mom and the Wellness Lead at Wanderwild Family Retreats. In a recent episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, she joined host Monica to talk about movement, motherhood, and how to stay grounded and energized in the chaos of family life.
When Tommie started her wellness journey, it wasn’t with a master plan. She was laid off from her job in event planning during the pandemic, which opened the door to something more aligned. She leaned into teaching yoga, then expanded into Pilates, barre, and spin. Today, she blends all of it—plus her event background—to host community classes, coordinate mindful retreats, and even produce a fitness fashion show.
“I love to teach,” Tommie said. “I love getting up in front of people and sharing something that lights me up.”
Moving with Intuition, Not Obligation
One of the key themes of the conversation was redefining what fitness means in the context of motherhood. Tommie emphasized that strength isn’t about checking a box—it’s about tuning in.
“Some days, I know it’s not a weightlifting day,” she said. “But I still want to move, and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. I love to be able to pick up my daughter and feel strong in my body. It affects my confidence and how I show up in the world.”
For both Tommie and Monica, movement has shifted from performance to presence. Instead of chasing perfection, they’ve learned to embrace movement as a way to reconnect with themselves.
What Is Pilates Fusion?
At the retreats, Tommie teaches Pilates Fusion, a blend of classical Pilates with contemporary movement practices like barre, yoga, and breathwork. While classical Pilates follows a specific sequence of exercises, Tommie’s fusion approach adapts to the needs of the people in the room.
“It’s about reading the energy,” she explained. “Some days, everyone needs something restorative. Other days, they’re ready to sweat. Fusion gives you space to respond in real time.”
Pilates Fusion is gentle but powerful—a low-impact way to rebuild strength, focus, and confidence. It’s especially beneficial for mothers in transitional seasons: postpartum, burnout recovery, or just trying to reclaim a sense of rhythm.
Movement as a Mental Reset
For Tommie, movement is just as much about mental wellness as it is physical. Whether it’s a 10-minute stretch or a full Pilates session, she aims to move with intention every day.
“It’s how I reset,” she shared. “It’s how I clear energy. And it doesn’t always have to be intense. Some days it’s playful. Some days it’s quiet.”
That same flexibility carries into her parenting. Since becoming a mom, she’s had to learn to surrender—especially when plans go sideways. “I used to be so structured,” she laughed. “Now, I know that sometimes the best thing I can do is let go and follow the moment.”
Encouragement for Moms Who Want More
As the episode wrapped, Tommie reflected on what it’s been like to build a life that feels meaningful—and why she encourages other moms to follow their own pull toward purpose.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out to start,” she said. “My first business was totally different than what I do now. You’re allowed to evolve.”
Her biggest advice? Say yes before you feel ready. Try something. Learn. Adjust. And don’t let fear of judgment keep you stuck.
“It’s okay if not everyone gets it,” she added. “Your people will find you.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in a season of burnout or just ready to feel strong again, this episode is a gentle reminder that movement, like motherhood, is not about doing it all—it’s about coming home to yourself.
And maybe that starts by saying yes to something simple. A walk. A class. A moment of breath. Because as Tommie shared, “You get to choose how you show up. And that’s a powerful thing.”
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Want more real-talk episodes like this? Listen to The Wand(HER)wild Podcast and connect with our community over on Instagram @wandherwild or through our digital events at wandherwild.com/community and retreats at wanderwildfamilyretreats.com.
Learn more about Tommie Burch
Instagram: @balancebytommie
Tommie Burch bio: Tommie Burch is a certified instructor in yoga, barre, mat pilates, apparatus pilates, and spin. She is also a children's book author of 'Being Me Is Special'. Tommie has also bee the Wellness Lead at Wanderwild Family Retreats since 2023. Her classes incorporate not just physical practice, but a spiritual intention to focus on mental and emotional health. Tommie lives in upstate New York and has a 2.5 year old daughter.
Ready to reconnect with your strength in a supportive, mom-led space?
Join us for Tommie’s quarterly Pilates Fusion classes within the Wand(HER)wild community. Come as you are—no pressure, no perfection. Just movement that meets you where you are.
