Their relationship was mutually beneficial. Ofum-bi looked great in her gown (low-cut, backless), and Carruthers found her calling. In addition to training celebs and ladies who lunch at her Hollywood studio, she teaches at the Boys & Girls Club in South-Central. Early next year she will open the first in her chain of inner-city Pilates studios, called Pilates in the ’ Hood, where small groups can take classes for a fraction of her standard $80 fee. “I just want to offer this to young girls who don’t have the same options as other girls,” says Carruthers, a former Alvin Ailey dancer. “They want to feel good about themselves. I figure anything that helps is worth it.” Ask Jamila Ofumbi. She lost 45 pounds.
