Genna Ringler co-founded SCLPT studio, a Pilates studio that opened in Athens on March 14 and offers both reformer and heated mat Pilates.
Q: What inspired you to start SCLPT?
A: I have been a Pilates enthusiast for years, even back when I was still in college, and then post college, I moved out to Dallas for a couple years when I really started my career and fell in love with reformer and mat Pilates.
I met my fiance when I was out there, and I was working remote at the time and he was local to Athens, like, owns a business here, so I ended up moving back here. Athens has, like, got a huge market of amazing women, both young and older and the only Pilates to do that I had, you know, somewhat enjoyed was full all the time.
Q: How many people do you hope to serve at your new studio?
A: We’re hoping to reach a very broad spectrum of individuals, all of them with the same goal in mind, to get more than just the physical benefits of exercising. So we want it to be more than just a transactional experience. We want it to be really transformative and connecting to the mind, body and soul. Pilates can be really intimidating if you’ve never done it before. So we want to provide an equitable experience to all age groups, like, abilities, genders. We kind of want to touch everybody.
Q: Can you describe the philosophy behind your approach to Pilates?
A: When you look at Joseph Pilates and where the origin of this whole phenomenon came from, it was about being able to move your body in a really positive way and to lengthen and almost elongate muscles. And it wasn’t about calories burned or your heart rate and how you sweat, it was — let me get strong and let me intentionally move my body in a way that’s good for me. So our approach is intention in every single detail. We have a coined sculpt method that will include mindfulness at the beginning and end of every class.
Q: What is one misconception about Pilates that you’d like to clear up?
A: I think there’s this idea of perfect that has not only been applied to Pilates, but also the wellness and health industry as a whole. Pilates is for everyone, whether you’re 70 years old and looking to just try and get some more mobility or you’re training for an Iron Man. I just don’t think it fits one person or one type of person. I think that anybody could find a use for Pilates.
Comments trimmed for length and clarity
Jane McArdle is a public relations major covering the business beat.
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