Black-owned Pilates studio in north Charlotte has a waitlist, here's why
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
From left: 70Flow co-owner Alyssa Ly Nicholson, instructor Anjali Wilson, co-owner Vicky Habersham and instructor Jasmine Rucker. Photo: Courtesy of 70Flow
70Flow Pilates and Wellness is a Black-owned studio in north Charlotte with fitness classes under $30.
Why it matters: The studio's owners hope their discounted rates and smaller group sessions provide an accessible experience that encourages people to try the popular exercise.
Zoom in: Owners Vicky Habersham and Alyssa Ly Nicholson quietly opened the boutique-style studio late last year as an affordable Pilates option so everyone could feel welcome.
Catch up quick: Pilates is wildly popular, with plenty of trendy places to take a class, but the owners of 70Flow hope their studio's diverse representation will challenge the misconceptions about who participates in this form of exercise.
- The exercise was founded by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates as a rehabilitation program for injured soldiers during World War I. Years later, Kathleen Stanford Grant helped bring the style of fitness to the United States after training under Pilates.
- "I don't think a lot of people know that a Black woman like Kathleen popularized Pilates," Habersham says. "A lot of marketing is targeted toward white women, not even toward other genders and it has become posh in a way."
What to expect: Each class is held in smaller groups with up to four people so instructors can focus on the body and mechanics of each person.
- They offer reformer, mat and Cadillac Pilates classes, which last about 50 minutes.
- Virtual classes are $20. Strength and conditioning cardio classes are $25.
- "We have intimate classes to ensure everyone is doing the moves right. If you're intimidated as a new person we want to make sure you're doing the moves right and make sure you're not risking injuring yourself," said Nicholson.
If you go: Your first Pilates class at 70Flow is $15. Drop-in rates are $30.
- Packages for six classes are $150, eight classes are $175 and you have up to 45 days to take all the classes.
- The unlimited package is $250 which gives you access to all of the Pilates plus the strength and conditioning class options.
Stop by: Find 70Flow at 650 Atando Ave., inside Youth Style Fitness.
- You can book a group or private class between 6am and 7:30pm Monday through Friday. The weekend class schedule varies.
What's next: 70Flow plans to open another location in downtown Concord by the summer.