Strength, Sweat & Sisterhood: Reflecting on Three Years of Pilates Barre Lex

Jun 24

Three years ago, I opened Pilates Barre Lex with a simple but powerful vision: to create a welcoming, empowering space where people could move with intention, build strength, and feel connected—not only to their bodies but to one another.

As the studio grew, so did my vision. It became clear that the space where our members truly thrived was a women-only environment—a place where women could feel safe, supported, and inspired to be their strongest, most authentic selves. So I made the heartfelt decision to make Pilates Barre Lex a women-only studio, and it has been transformative for everyone involved.

Vision & Mission: Empowering Women Through Movement

My mission has always been to cultivate a friendly, inclusive Pilates space that educates and empowers women through Pilates, helping them improve movement quality, build strength, and enhance their overall wellbeing.

At Pilates Barre Lex, it’s about more than just exercise—it’s about building a community grounded in kindness, respect, and empowerment. These core values aren’t just words—they guide every class, every interaction, and every choice we make to create a space where women feel valued, encouraged, and seen.

From Six Reformers to a Fully Equipped Studio

When I first opened Pilates Barre Lex in 2022, I started small—with six reformers, a handful of weekly classes, and just me managing all the details. I taught, cleaned, scheduled, and handled everything behind the scenes. It was a lot of work, but also a labor of love.

Over time, with support from friends, family, and an amazing community of women, the studio grew:

We expanded from 6 reformers to 7, allowing more women to join our classes.
We invested in key equipment—the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Ladder Barrel—to offer more options and deeper work.
Our weekly classes grew from about 10–12 to 25–34, taught by an incredible team of instructors who share our values and vision.
We completed a full rebrand and launched a new website, making sure our image and message truly reflect who we are today.

Why Women-Only? A Shift That Made All the Difference

Creating a women-only studio wasn’t in the original plan—it evolved naturally. As I got to know our clients, I saw how much they valued a space designed just for women, where they could focus on their practice without distractions or discomfort.

This shift has made Pilates Barre Lex a sanctuary—a supportive, judgment-free zone where women can build confidence, strength, and community. It’s a place where tough workouts are balanced with laughter, encouragement, and shared celebration.

The Real Story: Late Nights, Setbacks, and Unseen Challenges

Running Pilates Barre Lex has definitely come with its challenges. I’ve spent countless late nights juggling everything myself—from teaching classes and handling marketing to troubleshooting unexpected issues. Managing a business solo can be overwhelming, with ongoing moments of self-doubt and the constant balancing act between growing the studio, being present, and taking care of myself.

One of the biggest challenges came in the middle of winter, when our HVAC system went out completely—yes, in the dead cold—meaning the studio was a little chilly for days until we could replace it—we had little space heaters to heat the studio (they really did the trick though)! The timing was tough, and the stress was very real.

There have been other unexpected expenses and disappointing news along the way…equipment repairs, software glitches, and things completely out of my control that caused setbacks and disappointment.

Sometimes it feels like I am running a marathon with hurdles popping up every few feet.

But every time, I have found a way forward—because this dream is bigger than the setbacks. I’m learning every day about resilience, patience, and the power of community. At the end of the day, the challenges are worth it to me, because providing this space for YOU is EVERYTHING.

Support That Carried Me Through

Through those challenges, the love and encouragement from my friends, family, and you all kept me going. Whether it was a late-night pep talk, a helping hand, or simply cheering me on from afar, their support and your support was—and still is—my foundation. Your love, encouragement, and faith have been the backbone of Pilates Barre Lex. It truly reminds me every day that community is everything—not just inside the studio, but in every step of the journey.

You all remind me why this matters, and why every hurdle is worth it.

Our Team and Community: The Heart of Pilates Barre Lex

Though I started alone, I’m now grateful to have a small, passionate team of instructors who embody the spirit of Pilates Barre Lex. Each brings dedication, warmth, and expertise to help our members feel seen and supported.

And to all our members: Whether you’re new or you’ve been with us since the start, you make this studio what it is. Your commitment, your stories, your energy fuel this space and inspire me every day.

Wearing All the Hats—and Loving Every Minute

To this day, I’m proud to say I’m not just the owner—I’m also the manager, marketing professional, teacher, mentor, leader, creative, interior designer, maintenance gal, and pretty much every other hat you can imagine.

Some days I’m swapping class playlists one minute and touching up paint the next. Other days, I’m designing a social post while making sure the studio feels cozy and welcoming. It is deeply rewarding.

This hands-on approach has kept Pilates Barre Lex true to its roots—personal, intentional, and full of heart.

Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation

As we move into our FOURTH year, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. We have so many plans that we can’t wait to share with you all! We’ll continue to invest in you, equipment, education, and partnerships that serve our mission to empower our members through mindful movement.

Thank You!

Thank you for trusting my team and me with your journey. Thank you to my friends and family for your unwavering support. And thank you to every woman who has made Pilates Barre Lex a safe, joyful, and inspiring space.