The Pilates Truth | Issue No. 1: Why Small Pilates Studios Matter

Why Small Pilates Studios Matter

By Lori Taranto

Founder | Pure Power Pilates + Fitness

July 2026

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

"Pilates was never intended to be one-size-fits-all. Everybody has a story, and every story deserves thoughtful instruction."

"Welcome to The Pilates Truth—a monthly journal where I share what 14 years of teaching Pilates has taught me about movement, healthy aging, wellness, and life."

If you've spent any time driving around San Diego lately, you've probably noticed something: Pilates studios seem to be opening everywhere.

As someone who has owned an independent Pilates studio for more than 14 years, people often ask me if that worries me.

The answer might surprise you.

No, I don't believe more people discovering Pilates is a bad thing. In fact, I celebrate it. Every person who experiences the physical and mental benefits of mindful movement is a win for our profession.

But I do believe there's an important conversation we need to have.

Not all Pilates experiences are the same.

Over the past decade, Pilates has grown from a specialized movement method into one of the fastest-growing segments of the fitness industry. That's exciting. It has introduced countless people to reformers, core strength, flexibility, and movement.

At the same time, it's also changed how many people think about Pilates.

For some, it has become another fitness class to check off on their schedule. For others, it's become about finding the lowest monthly membership or the studio with the newest equipment.

Those things certainly have their place.

But I'd like to share what I've learned after spending thousands of hours inside a small studio.

A Small Studio Knows Your Story

One of my favorite parts of owning an independent studio isn't the equipment or even the exercises.

It's the relationships.

We remember the shoulder surgery you had last year.

We know which hip becomes tight after a long flight.

We celebrate when you're finally able to perform an exercise that once seemed impossible.

We notice when your energy is different before you say a word.

Those aren't things a computer tracks.

They're the result of genuine relationships built over time.

To me, that's one of the greatest strengths of a boutique Pilates studio.

Small Classes Create Big Results

Pilates was never intended to be one-size-fits-all.

Every body is different.

Every injury tells a different story.

Every client walks through the door with unique goals.

Some are training for athletic performance.

Others are recovering from surgery.

Some want to reduce chronic pain.

Others simply want to keep playing with their grandchildren for years to come.

A smaller class allows instructors to teach the person—not just the exercise.

That attention to detail is where lasting change happens.

Pilates Is More Than a Workout

This may be the biggest misconception I see today.

People often ask me,

"How many calories does Pilates burn?"

I understand the question.

But after fourteen years, I've found myself asking a different one.

How well are you moving?

Because movement quality affects everything.

The way we stand.

The way we walk.

The way we breathe.

The way we age.

Joseph Pilates didn't create his method simply to help people exercise.

He created it to help people live better.

That's a philosophy I hope never gets lost.

Why Independent Studios Matter

Running a small business in California isn't easy.

Every year brings new challenges—higher operating costs, increased competition, changing consumer expectations, and the constant need to adapt.

Yet thousands of independent studio owners continue showing up every day because they believe in something larger than a business model.

They believe in helping people move without pain.

They believe in education.

They believe in community.

They believe that health is personal.

Many of us know our clients by name.

We celebrate birthdays, encourage one another through difficult seasons, and watch people accomplish goals they never imagined possible.

That's difficult to measure on a spreadsheet.

But it's one of the reasons independent studios continue to matter.

Looking Ahead

I don't believe the future of Pilates belongs to one type of studio.

There's room for innovation.

There's room for growth.

There's room for different approaches that introduce more people to movement.

My hope is simply that, as our profession continues to evolve, we never lose sight of what makes Pilates so extraordinary in the first place.

It's not the reformer.

It's not the music.

It's not the mirrors.

It's the thoughtful guidance of a knowledgeable instructor.

It's purposeful movement.

It's helping people build stronger, healthier, more confident lives.

And that's something worth preserving.

Thank you for joining me for the very first edition of The Pilates Truth.

I look forward to continuing this conversation with you each month.

Move with purpose. Live with strength.

— Lori Taranto

💭 Lori's Reflection

When I opened Pure Power Pilates over 14 years ago in my garage, I thought I was opening a fitness studio.

Looking back, I realize I was creating something much more meaningful.

I've watched clients arrive in pain and leave with hope. I've celebrated milestones that had nothing to do with weight loss—standing taller, climbing stairs without fear, returning to golf, or simply believing in their body again.

Those moments have shaped me as much as they've shaped my clients.

The Pilates industry will continue to evolve, and I welcome that growth because every person who discovers the joy of movement benefits our community.

But I also hope we never lose sight of what makes this work so rewarding.

For me, success has never been measured by how many reformers are filled or memberships sold. It's measured in trust, in relationships, and in the quiet moments when a client smiles and says, "I didn't think I could do that."

Those moments remind me why I opened my doors in the first place—and they continue to inspire me every single day.

Join the Conversation

What do you value most about a boutique Pilates studio?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Please share your experiences in the comments or send me an email.

With gratitude,

— Lori