Gratz Equipped Studio Tour Recap
JPilates: United Kingdom
Founded by Joanne Cobb, JPilates is rooted in a deep respect for the Classical Pilates method and a commitment to continued learning. Joanne’s teaching journey has evolved alongside her dedication to teacher education.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Joseph Pilates was an absolute genius and visionary! His philosophy for living, his inventions, the exercises and order are as relevant, beneficial and powerful in today’s world as they were then. Added to this, we have the fabulous additions from the Elders. Understanding, practising and constantly delving deeper in the Method, brings the best results not just to our clients but ourselves."
Why Gratz?
"There is nothing like Gratz — it is the gold standard. I always feel the apparatus is my workout partner — you don’t fight it, it gives you support when you need it and challenge when you want it. You don’t ride it, you work with it."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"It has to be a quote from Eve Gentry:"
“Don’t just be a conveyor belt. You will not grow… you will get stuck and the mechanism won’t work”
How did you open your studio?
"I first qualified in the early 2000s and have had studios in Ireland & the UK. I tried my first Gratz Reformer in 2017 and had to change everything to Gratz after — there was no going back!"
Favorite apparatus if you were stuck on a deserted island
"Definitely the Studio Wall Unit — although I would need to find a palm tree to attach it to! It ticks all the boxes for every ability and it is my go-to for my own practice."
Explore Joanne’s approach to Classical Pilates, teacher education, and studio practice at JPilates.
Mejo Wiggin Pilates: Charleston, SC
MeJo Wiggin is an internationally respected Classical Pilates instructor, teacher trainer, and second-generation practitioner known for her deep connection to the Pilates method. With over 35 years of teaching, Mejo Wiggin has built a space grounded in precision, discipline, and lasting results.
Why Classical Pilates?
"I have been teaching Classical Pilates as I learned directly from Romana Kryzanowska for over 35 years. Why do I continue adhering to Classical Pilates… because it works!
I’ve changed hundreds of bodies and helped rehabilitate countless injuries, which allows my students to live a better life, with more joy and freedom of movement. I can’t imagine teaching anything else!
It is truly a joy to be part of their transformation."
Why Gratz?
"Gratz is the best apparatus, hands down. As a teacher, I’ve seen that what I ask my students to do simply cannot be done the same way on other apparatus, especially the Reformer.
I tell my students that if they are unable to use a Gratz Reformer, they are better off doing their Mat work than using a reformer with different resistance or dimensions. It doesn’t translate into the body the same way.
I’ve personally tried many reformers on the market. If I stopped using my Gratz Reformer and switched to something else, it would actually decondition my body. Gratz is an investment you make for a lifetime — and well worth it."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"The best advice Romana gave me was to protect our own body from the effects of teaching."
Favorite apparatus
"I don’t have a single favorite. I tend to go through stages.
I may spend months focused on the Reformer, then return to the Mat and enjoy its freshness all over again. I try to follow whatever my intuition tells me I need that day.
If I had to choose just one apparatus to take with me, it would be the Reformer. Nothing works you like the Reformer — it’s a brilliant workout both mentally and physically."
Tell us about your clientele
"My clientele includes both long-time students and teachers. Some students have been with me for over 20 years. Since Charleston is a popular vacation destination, teachers often reach out when they’re in town for a week and want to come in for a session. I also have local teachers who enjoy working out together in duets, which is always a lot of fun."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Sand and Alabaster. It creates a calm environment amidst the chaos. I hang all my springs, small barrels, and boxes on the wall so the space feels neat and everything is quick to access."
Cottage Lake Pilates: Woodinville, WA
Located in the heart of Woodinville, Washington, Cottage Lake Pilates is a Classical Pilates studio specializing in personalized one-on-one instruction. Through thoughtful, individualized sessions, clients are guided through the authentic Pilates method with a focus on strength, alignment, and a deeper understanding of movement.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it has consistently worked best for me. I’ve been practicing Pilates for more than 20 years and always came back to the classical system. It improved my posture, strengthened my body, helped my back pain, and gave me a much deeper understanding of movement. I also love the order, and seeing the same principles across apparatuses. Once you learn those, you can get a deeper and deeper understanding of every exercise, every time you do it."
Why Gratz?
"Because the equipment feels true to the method and helps clients connect with the Powerhouse. I love the simplicity, the precision, and the way it supports the flow of Classical Pilates."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Probably “scoop and lift”… or “lift and scoop.” But really, it’s that everything starts from the powerhouse. I always come back to finding that connection in every exercise, and feeling how every movement originates from the powerhouse engagement."
Favorite apparatus if you were stuck on a deserted island
"The Reformer. It’s a frame for the body – it gives you constant feedback and helps you find alignment in a really clear way. You can also do so much with it, from beginner work to advanced exercises in one continuous flow."
Tell us about your clientele
"Many of my clients are looking for a personal and thoughtful approach to movement. Some want to build strength, some are working around injuries or back issues, and others simply want to move better and feel better in their bodies."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Putty – soft, relaxing, with a Scandinavian vibe."
Eleven Pilates: Miami, FL
At Eleven Pilates, Classical Pilates is more than a workout, it’s a commitment to teaching the Pilates method as a complete system. The studio has distinguished itself through its focus on semi-private training, individualized attention, and a dedication to helping clients build strength, control, and confidence.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it’s the real thing! Classical Pilates is systematic and intentional: every exercise, every progression, every transition exists for a reason. Nothing is arbitrary. I’m not interested in a version of Pilates where things are watered down. I want the work that has a purpose behind everything. That’s why our clients see real change."
Why Gratz?
"Gratz apparatus has the resistance, the spring tension, the dimensions that the method was built on. When you teach on the real thing, your clients feel the difference and so do you. It’s not just a detail; it’s a foundational requirement of the work. I’ve been on dupes that try to imitate Gratz, but it never feels right!"
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Loose feet, tight seat!"
How did you open your studio?
“I started in Milwaukee with a small studio and relocated to Miami trying to bring Classical Pilates into a market that is oversaturated with fitness studios. We stand out with a focus on semi-private training on Gratz apparatus!”
Favorite apparatus
"The reformer. I always come back to it – doing a basic reformer can fix anything!"
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
“Black, Yew Green, and we have a pop of Sangria!”
Explore Eleven Pilates’ semi-private training and purpose-driven approach to the Classical method at Eleven Pilates.
Cheeky Pilates: San Diego, CA
Meet Britt, owner of The Cheeky Pilates. Located in San Diego, CA, Britt’s home studio invites genuine conversations building trust and a sense of belonging. Her goal is to create a warm, safe environment where clients can feel their best.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Classical Pilates helped me rehab my hip after surgery back in 2018. I believe nothing is arbitrary in the classical system. The focus on control and quality has made the biggest difference in how I feel and move my body. It’s a blessing to surf and move pain-free."
Why Gratz?
"I chose Gratz because it is the original manufacturer of Joseph Pilates’ apparatus. They are committed to preserving his legacy and their craftsmanship is unmatched. Gratz customer service is accommodating and reliable. Their team is lovely and I’ve had only positive experiences."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Listen to the body. Trust the method. Let time do its part."
How did you open your studio?
"After spending a decade in education, Britt found herself teaching special education full-time while leading Pilates classes in the evenings. Although she loved both, the burnout became impossible to ignore. She knew she wanted to dedicate herself fully to teaching Classical Pilates.
When she and her partner purchased their home, they brought that vision to life by building a custom backyard studio, completed in October 2025. A true labor of love, the space was intentionally designed to create a more personal experience for every client."
Favorite apparatus
"The Wunda Chair — without hesitation. It offers endless possibilities. Strength, control, mobility, and flow all live there."
Tell us about your clientele
"I work with people who listen to their bodies, stay curious, and care about long-term well-being. They’re more interested in sustainable practice than quick fixes."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
Discover Britt’s thoughtful, personalized approach to Classical Pilates and the welcoming space she has created at The Cheeky Pilates.
The Pilates Loft: Arlington, VA
Meet Alia Staples, founder of The Pilates Loft, a Gratz Gallery in Arlington, Virginia.
Dedicated to preserving and teaching the Classical Pilates method, The Pilates Loft invites instructors, apprentices, studio owners, and clients to experience the complete Gratz system. Equipped with 2 Reformers, 2 Cadillacs, 9 High Mat/Towers, Wunda Chairs, Spine Correctors, and a Ladder Barrel, the Gallery offers the opportunity to explore how each apparatus works together as one integrated method.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Classical Pilates is truly exercise for a lifetime. I believe you can do Classical Pilates throughout all the phases of your life, and the system can work for you safely and effectively, which makes it totally unique from other forms of exercise. I also believe Classical Pilates can support and enhance performance in all other sports and forms of movement."
Why Gratz?
"For those who are dedicated to delivering the most authentic Pilates experience possible, Gratz is the only choice for Pilates equipment. Everything from the tension of the springs to the proportions of the boxes and straps make a world of difference in how effective the Pilates system is for a body. Once you’ve worked on Gratz, it’s very difficult to consider working on any other brands. Because there is no comparison."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"You can have it all, but not all at the same time."
How did you open your studio?
"I started my studio in 2015 in Arlington, Virginia. I was able to build a roster of highly talented teachers by training them in-house through the Classical Pilates USA Teacher Training Program. Eleven years later, I have grown the studio to three regional locations in the DMV with a staff of over 30 Classical Instructors."
Favorite apparatus
"The Cadillac. In a world where the Reformer gets so much attention, I find the Cadillac to be so versatile. It can provide an appropriate workout for anyone, ranging from someone recovering from recent surgery to a professional athlete."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Bisque! I love a warm neutral. It blends with the maple frames so well and can be paired with a wide area of studio color schemes and aesthetics."
Tell us about your clientele
"Arlington has been ranked the fittest city in America according to ACSM Fitness index rankings for eight years in a row. I am lucky to own a studio in a city where most people prioritize their health and wellness. We have a lot of clients who utilize Pilates as a form of cross training to support activities such as long distance running and cycling. Our clients range from young teens who are actively competing in sports leagues to seniors in their 80s who are committed to staying as mobile and healthy as possible for as long as possible."
Explore The Pilates Loft’s approach to Classical Pilates and experience its complete, interconnected Gratz system at The Pilates Loft.
Classical Pilates Tokyo: Tokyo, Japan
Meet Kohei Ichikawa, founder of Classical Pilates Tokyo. At Classical Pilates Tokyo, every movement has purpose. The method is taught as Joseph Pilates intended, through a complete system where the order of exercises, the rhythm and flow of movement, and the use of authentic Gratz apparatus all work together to create harmony between the mind and body. It’s a philosophy as much as it is a practice.
Why Classical Pilates?
"It is how the method was created and intended. When you deviate from the original equipment or change how the exercises are performed, you end up with a routine inspired by Pilates, but not the true method."
Why Gratz?
"All the teachers I’ve learned from and respected have used Gratz. That’s because Gratz continues to uphold Joseph Pilates’ concepts. I naturally chose Gratz."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"I always cherish the advice of my respected teacher, Sonjé Mayo: “One cannot teach Pilates effectively if one doesn’t practice.”
Favorite apparatus
“Cadillac. The best bed and training apparatus all in one.”
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Equipped with black upholstery, creating a timeless, focused environment that keeps the attention on the work."
Tell us about your clientele
"My clients are training system trainees, Pilates teachers, and local residents near my studio. In recent years, I’ve been dedicating a lot of time to teaching trainees."
How did you open your studio?
“It all started when a friend, knowing how much I loved Pilates, asked me to teach it to her. I initially started in a studio attached to my home in 2019.”
Discover Kohei’s dedication to preserving the original method and cultivating its next generation of teachers: Classical Pilates Tokyo.
Atlas Pilates: Seattle, WA
After 16 years of studio ownership, Lori made the decision to step away from running a business so she could focus more fully on what she loves most: teaching, mentoring, training the next generation of Pilates teachers, and helping experienced teachers deepen their understanding of the work.
Teresa Shupe, owner of Atlas Pilates, creates the kind of organized, supportive environment that allows teachers to do their best work. She keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes so Lori can focus on her students, whether she’s teaching in Seattle or traveling internationally. When people ask me how Lori juggles teaching, mentoring, directing education programs, and travel, her answer is usually the same: “You need a Teresa.”
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it works. The system is intelligent, complete, and endlessly deep. I love teaching from this structure. It gives me clear standards while also allowing me to continuously develop my own authentic voice while helping my clients discover their own natural movement, strength, and grace."
Why Gratz?
"Gratz apparatus has been my staple toolkit since I first discovered Pilates at Purchase College. The equipment is time-tested, beautifully crafted, durable, and consistent. What I especially appreciate is that, while the apparatus is consistent, each piece also has its own subtle personality. My body has to meet it in the moment each time. Every piece feels crafted by hand, and I deeply appreciate that."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Each person is like a painting, no two are alike."
Favorite apparatus
"For teaching, the Cadillac. It offers endless support, challenge and puts my client in a space for me to really see them clearly in my teacher’s eye.
For myself, the Reformer — the unbroken routine opens and exercises all my nooks and crannies.
And currently, I’m obsessed with the Pedi Pole. With this simple piece, I can update someone's idea of upright posture in about 30 seconds."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Atlas Pilates is equipped with black upholstery. Personally, I also love seeing the beautiful Gratz colors I encounter while traveling and teaching — light pink, spring green, fjord blue, deep purple, and more."
Explore the teaching, mentorship, and supportive community Lori and Teresa have cultivated at Atlas Pilates.
LifeBody: United Kingdom
With over 20 years of movement experience and a background in sports science, Nathalie’s approach is rooted in education, structure, and progression.
LifeBody combines the depth of the Classical Pilates system with highly personalized teaching, helping clients better understand their bodies and create lasting change.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it’s a complete system. Classical Pilates was designed with structure, progression, and purpose. Every exercise builds on another, every apparatus teaches something different and every session is designed to create balance within the body."
Why Gratz?
"For us, Gratz represents authenticity, craftsmanship and integrity within the Classical Pilates system. The apparatus is not only beautifully made, it teaches differently. The feedback, spring tension and precision allow both teachers and clients to experience the method in the way it was originally intended. As a studio focused on preserving and progressing Classical Pilates education, having apparatus that supports that standard is incredibly important to us."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Slow down enough to understand what your body is actually doing. Most people spend years trying to push harder, move faster, or do more. Often the biggest changes happen when you learn how to connect properly first."
Favorite apparatus
“If I had to choose one piece of apparatus forever, it would probably be the Reformer. Not because it is the easiest, but because it is one of the most versatile. It can support rehabilitation, challenge athletes, teach connection, develop strength, and completely transform the way someone understands their body.”
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Our studio is equipped with Dove, a neutral tonal palette designed to feel calm, timeless, and intentional within the space."
How did you open your studio?
"LifeBody started from a genuine desire to create the kind of Pilates environment I wish I had experienced more of when I first began. A space that felt educational but welcoming. Structured but not intimidating. Technical but still human.
I wanted to build a studio that respected the original system while also helping modern clients understand how Pilates can genuinely support the way they move, feel, and live.
LifeBody offers private sessions, small group apparatus classes, online programming and a comprehensive teacher training program designed to develop analytical, confident and highly skilled teachers. The studio philosophy is simple: “Pilates that actually works. Education. Structure. Progress. Build a body for life!”
Discover Nathalie’s structured, education-led approach to creating lasting change through Classical Pilates at LifeBody.
A Shared Commitment to Classical Pilates
Every studio highlighted in this series offers a unique expression of the Classical Pilates method, informed by its teachers, community, and years of practice. Whether deeply rooted in the tradition or helping introduce it to a new generation, these studios demonstrate the dedication and discipline that allow Classical Pilates to continue to thrive.
JPilates: United Kingdom
Founded by Joanne Cobb, JPilates is rooted in a deep respect for the Classical Pilates method and a commitment to continued learning. Joanne’s teaching journey has evolved alongside her dedication to teacher education.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Joseph Pilates was an absolute genius and visionary! His philosophy for living, his inventions, the exercises and order are as relevant, beneficial and powerful in today’s world as they were then. Added to this, we have the fabulous additions from the Elders. Understanding, practising and constantly delving deeper in the Method, brings the best results not just to our clients but ourselves."
Why Gratz?
"There is nothing like Gratz — it is the gold standard. I always feel the apparatus is my workout partner — you don’t fight it, it gives you support when you need it and challenge when you want it. You don’t ride it, you work with it."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"It has to be a quote from Eve Gentry:"
“Don’t just be a conveyor belt. You will not grow… you will get stuck and the mechanism won’t work”
How did you open your studio?
"I first qualified in the early 2000s and have had studios in Ireland & the UK. I tried my first Gratz Reformer in 2017 and had to change everything to Gratz after — there was no going back!"
Favorite apparatus if you were stuck on a deserted island
"Definitely the Studio Wall Unit — although I would need to find a palm tree to attach it to! It ticks all the boxes for every ability and it is my go-to for my own practice."
Explore Joanne’s approach to Classical Pilates, teacher education, and studio practice at JPilates.
Mejo Wiggin Pilates: Charleston, SC
MeJo Wiggin is an internationally respected Classical Pilates instructor, teacher trainer, and second-generation practitioner known for her deep connection to the Pilates method. With over 35 years of teaching, Mejo Wiggin has built a space grounded in precision, discipline, and lasting results.
Why Classical Pilates?
"I have been teaching Classical Pilates as I learned directly from Romana Kryzanowska for over 35 years. Why do I continue adhering to Classical Pilates… because it works!
I’ve changed hundreds of bodies and helped rehabilitate countless injuries, which allows my students to live a better life, with more joy and freedom of movement. I can’t imagine teaching anything else!
It is truly a joy to be part of their transformation."
Why Gratz?
"Gratz is the best apparatus, hands down. As a teacher, I’ve seen that what I ask my students to do simply cannot be done the same way on other apparatus, especially the Reformer.
I tell my students that if they are unable to use a Gratz Reformer, they are better off doing their Mat work than using a reformer with different resistance or dimensions. It doesn’t translate into the body the same way.
I’ve personally tried many reformers on the market. If I stopped using my Gratz Reformer and switched to something else, it would actually decondition my body. Gratz is an investment you make for a lifetime — and well worth it."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"The best advice Romana gave me was to protect our own body from the effects of teaching."
Favorite apparatus
"I don’t have a single favorite. I tend to go through stages.
I may spend months focused on the Reformer, then return to the Mat and enjoy its freshness all over again. I try to follow whatever my intuition tells me I need that day.
If I had to choose just one apparatus to take with me, it would be the Reformer. Nothing works you like the Reformer — it’s a brilliant workout both mentally and physically."
Tell us about your clientele
"My clientele includes both long-time students and teachers. Some students have been with me for over 20 years. Since Charleston is a popular vacation destination, teachers often reach out when they’re in town for a week and want to come in for a session. I also have local teachers who enjoy working out together in duets, which is always a lot of fun."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Sand and Alabaster. It creates a calm environment amidst the chaos. I hang all my springs, small barrels, and boxes on the wall so the space feels neat and everything is quick to access."
Cottage Lake Pilates: Woodinville, WA
Located in the heart of Woodinville, Washington, Cottage Lake Pilates is a Classical Pilates studio specializing in personalized one-on-one instruction. Through thoughtful, individualized sessions, clients are guided through the authentic Pilates method with a focus on strength, alignment, and a deeper understanding of movement.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it has consistently worked best for me. I’ve been practicing Pilates for more than 20 years and always came back to the classical system. It improved my posture, strengthened my body, helped my back pain, and gave me a much deeper understanding of movement. I also love the order, and seeing the same principles across apparatuses. Once you learn those, you can get a deeper and deeper understanding of every exercise, every time you do it."
Why Gratz?
"Because the equipment feels true to the method and helps clients connect with the Powerhouse. I love the simplicity, the precision, and the way it supports the flow of Classical Pilates."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Probably “scoop and lift”… or “lift and scoop.” But really, it’s that everything starts from the powerhouse. I always come back to finding that connection in every exercise, and feeling how every movement originates from the powerhouse engagement."
Favorite apparatus if you were stuck on a deserted island
"The Reformer. It’s a frame for the body – it gives you constant feedback and helps you find alignment in a really clear way. You can also do so much with it, from beginner work to advanced exercises in one continuous flow."
Tell us about your clientele
"Many of my clients are looking for a personal and thoughtful approach to movement. Some want to build strength, some are working around injuries or back issues, and others simply want to move better and feel better in their bodies."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Putty – soft, relaxing, with a Scandinavian vibe."
Eleven Pilates: Miami, FL
At Eleven Pilates, Classical Pilates is more than a workout, it’s a commitment to teaching the Pilates method as a complete system. The studio has distinguished itself through its focus on semi-private training, individualized attention, and a dedication to helping clients build strength, control, and confidence.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it’s the real thing! Classical Pilates is systematic and intentional: every exercise, every progression, every transition exists for a reason. Nothing is arbitrary. I’m not interested in a version of Pilates where things are watered down. I want the work that has a purpose behind everything. That’s why our clients see real change."
Why Gratz?
"Gratz apparatus has the resistance, the spring tension, the dimensions that the method was built on. When you teach on the real thing, your clients feel the difference and so do you. It’s not just a detail; it’s a foundational requirement of the work. I’ve been on dupes that try to imitate Gratz, but it never feels right!"
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Loose feet, tight seat!"
How did you open your studio?
“I started in Milwaukee with a small studio and relocated to Miami trying to bring Classical Pilates into a market that is oversaturated with fitness studios. We stand out with a focus on semi-private training on Gratz apparatus!”
Favorite apparatus
"The reformer. I always come back to it – doing a basic reformer can fix anything!"
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
“Black, Yew Green, and we have a pop of Sangria!”
Explore Eleven Pilates’ semi-private training and purpose-driven approach to the Classical method at Eleven Pilates.
Cheeky Pilates: San Diego, CA
Meet Britt, owner of The Cheeky Pilates. Located in San Diego, CA, Britt’s home studio invites genuine conversations building trust and a sense of belonging. Her goal is to create a warm, safe environment where clients can feel their best.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Classical Pilates helped me rehab my hip after surgery back in 2018. I believe nothing is arbitrary in the classical system. The focus on control and quality has made the biggest difference in how I feel and move my body. It’s a blessing to surf and move pain-free."
Why Gratz?
"I chose Gratz because it is the original manufacturer of Joseph Pilates’ apparatus. They are committed to preserving his legacy and their craftsmanship is unmatched. Gratz customer service is accommodating and reliable. Their team is lovely and I’ve had only positive experiences."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Listen to the body. Trust the method. Let time do its part."
How did you open your studio?
"After spending a decade in education, Britt found herself teaching special education full-time while leading Pilates classes in the evenings. Although she loved both, the burnout became impossible to ignore. She knew she wanted to dedicate herself fully to teaching Classical Pilates.
When she and her partner purchased their home, they brought that vision to life by building a custom backyard studio, completed in October 2025. A true labor of love, the space was intentionally designed to create a more personal experience for every client."
Favorite apparatus
"The Wunda Chair — without hesitation. It offers endless possibilities. Strength, control, mobility, and flow all live there."
Tell us about your clientele
"I work with people who listen to their bodies, stay curious, and care about long-term well-being. They’re more interested in sustainable practice than quick fixes."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
Discover Britt’s thoughtful, personalized approach to Classical Pilates and the welcoming space she has created at The Cheeky Pilates.
The Pilates Loft: Arlington, VA
Meet Alia Staples, founder of The Pilates Loft, a Gratz Gallery in Arlington, Virginia.
Dedicated to preserving and teaching the Classical Pilates method, The Pilates Loft invites instructors, apprentices, studio owners, and clients to experience the complete Gratz system. Equipped with 2 Reformers, 2 Cadillacs, 9 High Mat/Towers, Wunda Chairs, Spine Correctors, and a Ladder Barrel, the Gallery offers the opportunity to explore how each apparatus works together as one integrated method.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Classical Pilates is truly exercise for a lifetime. I believe you can do Classical Pilates throughout all the phases of your life, and the system can work for you safely and effectively, which makes it totally unique from other forms of exercise. I also believe Classical Pilates can support and enhance performance in all other sports and forms of movement."
Why Gratz?
"For those who are dedicated to delivering the most authentic Pilates experience possible, Gratz is the only choice for Pilates equipment. Everything from the tension of the springs to the proportions of the boxes and straps make a world of difference in how effective the Pilates system is for a body. Once you’ve worked on Gratz, it’s very difficult to consider working on any other brands. Because there is no comparison."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"You can have it all, but not all at the same time."
How did you open your studio?
"I started my studio in 2015 in Arlington, Virginia. I was able to build a roster of highly talented teachers by training them in-house through the Classical Pilates USA Teacher Training Program. Eleven years later, I have grown the studio to three regional locations in the DMV with a staff of over 30 Classical Instructors."
Favorite apparatus
"The Cadillac. In a world where the Reformer gets so much attention, I find the Cadillac to be so versatile. It can provide an appropriate workout for anyone, ranging from someone recovering from recent surgery to a professional athlete."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Bisque! I love a warm neutral. It blends with the maple frames so well and can be paired with a wide area of studio color schemes and aesthetics."
Tell us about your clientele
"Arlington has been ranked the fittest city in America according to ACSM Fitness index rankings for eight years in a row. I am lucky to own a studio in a city where most people prioritize their health and wellness. We have a lot of clients who utilize Pilates as a form of cross training to support activities such as long distance running and cycling. Our clients range from young teens who are actively competing in sports leagues to seniors in their 80s who are committed to staying as mobile and healthy as possible for as long as possible."
Explore The Pilates Loft’s approach to Classical Pilates and experience its complete, interconnected Gratz system at The Pilates Loft.
Classical Pilates Tokyo: Tokyo, Japan
Meet Kohei Ichikawa, founder of Classical Pilates Tokyo. At Classical Pilates Tokyo, every movement has purpose. The method is taught as Joseph Pilates intended, through a complete system where the order of exercises, the rhythm and flow of movement, and the use of authentic Gratz apparatus all work together to create harmony between the mind and body. It’s a philosophy as much as it is a practice.
Why Classical Pilates?
"It is how the method was created and intended. When you deviate from the original equipment or change how the exercises are performed, you end up with a routine inspired by Pilates, but not the true method."
Why Gratz?
"All the teachers I’ve learned from and respected have used Gratz. That’s because Gratz continues to uphold Joseph Pilates’ concepts. I naturally chose Gratz."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"I always cherish the advice of my respected teacher, Sonjé Mayo: “One cannot teach Pilates effectively if one doesn’t practice.”
Favorite apparatus
“Cadillac. The best bed and training apparatus all in one.”
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Equipped with black upholstery, creating a timeless, focused environment that keeps the attention on the work."
Tell us about your clientele
"My clients are training system trainees, Pilates teachers, and local residents near my studio. In recent years, I’ve been dedicating a lot of time to teaching trainees."
How did you open your studio?
“It all started when a friend, knowing how much I loved Pilates, asked me to teach it to her. I initially started in a studio attached to my home in 2019.”
Discover Kohei’s dedication to preserving the original method and cultivating its next generation of teachers: Classical Pilates Tokyo.
Atlas Pilates: Seattle, WA
After 16 years of studio ownership, Lori made the decision to step away from running a business so she could focus more fully on what she loves most: teaching, mentoring, training the next generation of Pilates teachers, and helping experienced teachers deepen their understanding of the work.
Teresa Shupe, owner of Atlas Pilates, creates the kind of organized, supportive environment that allows teachers to do their best work. She keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes so Lori can focus on her students, whether she’s teaching in Seattle or traveling internationally. When people ask me how Lori juggles teaching, mentoring, directing education programs, and travel, her answer is usually the same: “You need a Teresa.”
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it works. The system is intelligent, complete, and endlessly deep. I love teaching from this structure. It gives me clear standards while also allowing me to continuously develop my own authentic voice while helping my clients discover their own natural movement, strength, and grace."
Why Gratz?
"Gratz apparatus has been my staple toolkit since I first discovered Pilates at Purchase College. The equipment is time-tested, beautifully crafted, durable, and consistent. What I especially appreciate is that, while the apparatus is consistent, each piece also has its own subtle personality. My body has to meet it in the moment each time. Every piece feels crafted by hand, and I deeply appreciate that."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Each person is like a painting, no two are alike."
Favorite apparatus
"For teaching, the Cadillac. It offers endless support, challenge and puts my client in a space for me to really see them clearly in my teacher’s eye.
For myself, the Reformer — the unbroken routine opens and exercises all my nooks and crannies.
And currently, I’m obsessed with the Pedi Pole. With this simple piece, I can update someone's idea of upright posture in about 30 seconds."
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Atlas Pilates is equipped with black upholstery. Personally, I also love seeing the beautiful Gratz colors I encounter while traveling and teaching — light pink, spring green, fjord blue, deep purple, and more."
Explore the teaching, mentorship, and supportive community Lori and Teresa have cultivated at Atlas Pilates.
LifeBody: United Kingdom
With over 20 years of movement experience and a background in sports science, Nathalie’s approach is rooted in education, structure, and progression.
LifeBody combines the depth of the Classical Pilates system with highly personalized teaching, helping clients better understand their bodies and create lasting change.
Why Classical Pilates?
"Because it’s a complete system. Classical Pilates was designed with structure, progression, and purpose. Every exercise builds on another, every apparatus teaches something different and every session is designed to create balance within the body."
Why Gratz?
"For us, Gratz represents authenticity, craftsmanship and integrity within the Classical Pilates system. The apparatus is not only beautifully made, it teaches differently. The feedback, spring tension and precision allow both teachers and clients to experience the method in the way it was originally intended. As a studio focused on preserving and progressing Classical Pilates education, having apparatus that supports that standard is incredibly important to us."
What’s a piece of advice you always come back to?
"Slow down enough to understand what your body is actually doing. Most people spend years trying to push harder, move faster, or do more. Often the biggest changes happen when you learn how to connect properly first."
Favorite apparatus
“If I had to choose one piece of apparatus forever, it would probably be the Reformer. Not because it is the easiest, but because it is one of the most versatile. It can support rehabilitation, challenge athletes, teach connection, develop strength, and completely transform the way someone understands their body.”
What color upholstery is your studio equipped with?
"Our studio is equipped with Dove, a neutral tonal palette designed to feel calm, timeless, and intentional within the space."
How did you open your studio?
"LifeBody started from a genuine desire to create the kind of Pilates environment I wish I had experienced more of when I first began. A space that felt educational but welcoming. Structured but not intimidating. Technical but still human.
I wanted to build a studio that respected the original system while also helping modern clients understand how Pilates can genuinely support the way they move, feel, and live.
LifeBody offers private sessions, small group apparatus classes, online programming and a comprehensive teacher training program designed to develop analytical, confident and highly skilled teachers. The studio philosophy is simple: “Pilates that actually works. Education. Structure. Progress. Build a body for life!”
Discover Nathalie’s structured, education-led approach to creating lasting change through Classical Pilates at LifeBody.
A Shared Commitment to Classical Pilates
Every studio highlighted in this series offers a unique expression of the Classical Pilates method, informed by its teachers, community, and years of practice. Whether deeply rooted in the tradition or helping introduce it to a new generation, these studios demonstrate the dedication and discipline that allow Classical Pilates to continue to thrive.
At the heart of each studio is a respect for the integrity and history of the method, paired with a commitment to creating spaces where teachers and practitioners can develop their understanding through thoughtful, intentional work. By honoring the lineage of Joseph Pilates and practicing on Gratz apparatus, these communities help preserve the essence of the original method while allowing it to continue to grow and reach new generations.
We’re proud to recognize the studios, teachers, and communities around the world who are contributing to the continued practice and preservation of Classical Pilates.
If you are interested in participating in a Gratz Equipped Studio Tour, please email marketing@gratzpilates.com.
At the heart of each studio is a respect for the integrity and history of the method, paired with a commitment to creating spaces where teachers and practitioners can develop their understanding through thoughtful, intentional work. By honoring the lineage of Joseph Pilates and practicing on Gratz apparatus, these communities help preserve the essence of the original method while allowing it to continue to grow and reach new generations.
We’re proud to recognize the studios, teachers, and communities around the world who are contributing to the continued practice and preservation of Classical Pilates.
If you are interested in participating in a Gratz Equipped Studio Tour, please email marketing@gratzpilates.com.
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