The Club Pilates Locations In The Shops at Wiregrass & Tampa Palms Offer The Power Of Pilates Classes For Everyone!

By Iris Vitelli & Gary Nager

(Photos by Charmaine George) 

Although Wesley Chapel residents Nathan and Ayesha Philyaw also own locations in New Tampa and Carrollwood, there’s no doubt that their Club Pilates franchise in The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel is their largest and most popular.

“This is what we call a double studio,” Nathan says. “Our Wiregrass location has two separate studios, each with twelve Pilates reformer machines, plus a separate studio with two more machines for private and semi-private lessons. During peak times in the mornings and after-work hours, we usually have both studios going with often-full classes.”

The reformer is the foundation of the Club Pilates experience. It uses your own body weight, combined with adjustable spring tension, to create resistance through controlled movements, which help build strength and stability without pounding the joints or spine. 

The equipment traces its roots back to Joseph Pilates, who developed his method during World War I while living in England, where he used bed springs to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. After emigrating to New York City in the 1920s, Pilates refined his apparatus further and opened his first studio, laying the groundwork for the reformer-based practice that is still used by Pilates studios around the world today. The springs provide resistance for both upper and lower body work while allowing movements to stay controlled and joint-friendly.

The Wiregrass club also has a larger lobby area, with a larger retail shop and more room for hosting members-only events than the other two locations the Philyaws own. “We bring in vendors from time to time, like a smoothie shop,” Ayesha says. “We love being part of the community and one of the benefits of boutique fitness locations like this is that you’re not just working out here, you’re part of a family where our members feel at home.” 

All three Club Pilates studios owned by the Philyaws also offer free Pilates “mat” classes at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay community, such as at “cancer walks at Raymond James Stadium, to help everybody warm up before the walk,” Nathan says, “as well as at Armature Works and other locations. We basically offer free mat classes someplace around the area almost every weekend.” 

Part of why Pilates works for so many people, including those with injuries, is not just the reformer machines but also the additional equipment used throughout the class. There also is a springboard wall that includes a ballet bar which, for beginner classes, is used for stretching, which is great for between sequences.

For more challenging elements, tools like the Bosu ball and hand weights are incorporated. Bosu balls looks like inflatable rubber domes on flat platforms. They can be added to exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks, increasing difficulty without adding impact. There also are TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) suspension straps, developed by U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, which use your body weight to build strength, balance and flexibility. 

Club Pilates trainers go through a 500- hour certification — and the company has its own certification program — although you can work for Club Pilates if you’ve been certified by another qualified Pilates training facility. But, Club Pilates trainers also offer thoughtful modifications, injury-awareness guidance and individualized support. Classes are not scripted, so no two are exactly the same, which allows each instructor to adapt to the needs of the people in the room. 

“And, even if an instructor comes to us already certified someplace else,” Ayesha says, “we put them through something called ‘bridge’ training, just to make sure they’re in line with our Club Pilates standards.”

Classes are offered at progressive levels from Level 1 through 2.5, allowing participants to build strength, confidence and technique gradually. For those who need or prefer more individualized attention, private and semi-private sessions also are available.

For gentle, rehabilitative movement, there are classes like Center + Balance and Reformer Flow 1. As members progress, classes such as Reformer Flow 1.5 and Reformer 2 introduce more complex sequences. Specialty formats like Control, Suspend and Cardio Sculpt incorporate balance challenges, functional strength and cardiovascular elements.

Melissa Boetjer, the regional manager for the three Club Pilates studios owned by Nathan and Ayesha, says that Club Pilates is rooted in the original principles of Joseph Pilates. “We believe,” says Melissa, “that Pilates should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical limitations.” 

(Above) Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli (front) was proud to complete a 50-minute workout without pain at the New Tampa Club Pilates in Tampa Palms. The Wesley Chapel Club Pilates location is in The Shops at Wiregrass.

Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli had this to say about her experience when she took a class at the New Tampa ocation in Tampa Palms:

I stood outside the New Tampa Club Pilates location in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms with a familiar mixture of hope and hesitation. Years ago, a car accident left me with a fragile back, and every time I have tried to exercise beyond walking or swimming, pain would chase me. Over time, I stopped trying. 

So, when I was given the opportunity to take a class at Club Pilates and write about my experience, I accepted the challenge. I wanted to push myself and work hard, but I was afraid of paying for it later with pain, especially in muscles I had neglected for so long. 

Walking inside, I noticed the rows of Pilates reformer machines lined up neatly across the room. I had done some research prior to visiting Club Pilates, so I knew that the reformers have a bench-like frame, sliding platforms and adjustable springs. I looked at these machines and it felt as if they were looking back at me, quietly saying, “I’m waiting for you and I will twist your body into a pretzel.” 

My instructor, Mackenzie, introduced me to the equipment by explaining how the springs worked and walked me through what the class would include. When I shared my concerns about my back, she told me about her own experience after having an accident and the back issues that followed. “Pilates,” she explained, “was the only thing I could do and what was recommended for my rehabilitation.”

The class began with lights turned low, and the only thing I heard was the smooth sound of Mackenzie’s voice guiding us from one movement to the next.

I spent the entire 50-minute class moving slowly and deliberately, completing light stretches and resistance work, when something remarkable happened. I felt safe. I felt supported. My muscles were engaged, not strained. To my surprise, I actually felt good.

I’ll admit that 50 minutes sounded like a long time to me. But, once the class began, I lost track of time entirely. And, when it ended, I felt proud of myself.

Before class, MacKenzie had asked me to let her know if I experienced any pain during the session. It never got to that point. At one moment, when I was lying flat on the reformer, my back felt some discomfort, but not pain. That distinction alone felt significant to me.

She explained that the precise, slow movements of Pilates help create muscle around affected areas, while strengthening the core, which in turn supports the back. Not only did it help with her post-accident pain, she also fell in love with it enough to become an instructor.

A Little History + Membership Info

The first Club Pilates opened in 2007 in San Diego, CA, and the brand started franchising in 2012. Nathan and Ayesha opened their Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel franchises in 2017 (although it was in a different location at the mall at that time, having moved to its current Paseo Dr. location in May of 2025) and they opened their New Tampa Club Pilates in 2019.

“People in this community have known us for nearly a decade,” Nathan says. “Our members are very loyal to us and our amazing staff. We know there are other Pilates studios popping up around the area, but with our 4.8-star (out of 5) Google rating on more than 150 reviews, we know people love this location.”

Ayesha adds, “Club Pilates is true Pilates. All of our classes follow basic Pilates structures and foundations, so I think that’s one thing that makes Club Pilates studios stand out. And, as far as our studios are concerned, what really makes us stand out is our amazing staff.” “A lot of our instructors have been with us five years, six year, nine years,” Nathan says. “Our instructors keep our members happy.”

In fact, in a very recent 5-star Google review, member Sebnem T. says, “The Club Pilates studio at Wiregrass is the best club I have ever attended. The staff are always helpful and happy to help anytime — their positive energy carries out to the rest of the facility. I love so many instructors there, I have hard time scheduling my classes. I typically take 6-8 classes per week and enjoy every single class. I have completed 460 classes and see the changes throughout my body. I feel blessed to be part of Club Pilates!”

Ayesha also noted that because Club Pilates Wiregrass members have nearby access to the mall’s only parking garage, “where they can always find parking, even during the holiday season. And, our members don’t mind parking there and getting a few steps in as a warmup.”  

The Philyaws, who have two children, are both retired pharmacists who say they were drawn to Club Pilates because of its focus on health, wellness and helping people improve their quality of life. 

Their franchises are among more than 1,200 Club Pilates studios throughout the U.S. today, including about 115 in Florida. 

The company offers a Club Pilates Passport, which allows members to use all of the studios in the U.S. This is great for “snowbirds” who live in another city but come to Florida for a few months every year. You can purchase single classes at Club Pilates, as well as monthly and yearly memberships, which will provide significant savings when you pay in full. With an annual membership, members can take unlimited classes at all three locations. You can pay for the whole year or monthly, but must commit to a full year for unlimited classes.

The Club Pilates app gives you access to a points system. Join for free and earn points by taking classes, which can unlock free classes and other rewards. Take four classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 400 bonus points. Take eight classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 800 bonus points. Members can redeem these points for retail discounts and special rewards like a 90-day booking window. Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary class. And yes, your first class is free of charge, with no obligation to continue.

Club Pilates Wiregrass is located at 28330 Paseo Dr. It is open Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sat. & 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun. For info, call (813) 607-6655. Club Pilates New Tampa is at 15341 Amberly Dr. For info, call (813) 461-6010. To schedule a free class at either location, visit ClubPilates.com/location/newtampa.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Start 2025 Strong(er) With The Unique Training Options At Euro Pilates! 

Instructor Allison Martin leads a Reformer class at Euro Pilates, which is located just south of County Line Rd. off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa. (All photos by Charmaine George) 

The new year is here, and if your resolution is to prioritize your health and start 2025 on a strong note, Euro Pilates has the expertise and community support you need to improve your flexibility, strength and overall well-being. 

Euro Pilates, established in a different location in 2007 and now located behind Walgreens at the southeast corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and County Line Rd. in New Tampa, is a studio specializing in Pilates and flexibility training. Owner Maria Ivanova brings a wealth of experience to her role, having a background as a professional gymnast, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sports Education & Movement from Moscow University in Moscow, Russia. Maria also has served as a USA Gymnastics National Team coach and national judge, working with elite athletes both in the U.S. and internationally. 

Maria is an advanced Stott Pilates (see below for more information about Stott Pilates)certified Master Instructor, a TRX trainer and was the first Total Barre-certified instructor in Florida. Stott Pilates, which was created in 1988 by actor/entrepreneur Lindsay and former dancer Moira Merrithew (Stott was Moira’s maiden name), is designed to restore the spine’s natural curves, rebalance muscles, and improve core stabilization. TRX (which stands for “Total Resistance Exercise”) training, developed in 2001 by former U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, utilizes suspension equipment to build strength and flexibility. And, Total Barre combines ballet barre exercises with Pilates principles, strength training and yoga for a full-body workout. 

Maria takes pride in the unique combination of training disciplines she offers at Euro Pilates. 

“My clients get more personalized training than at some of the other Pilates studios out there,” she says. “I believe that helped us survive Covid.” 

During the pandemic, Maria and her daughter Ania, who also worked at the studio at the time, pivoted to offering Zoom classes. Although Ania now lives in Denver, she remains actively involved in the business by teaching online classes. 

Maria’s journey to Pilates is deeply personal. “I was born in Russia with severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine),” she says, “I became involved in gymnastics at an early age, which helped with that condition. I moved to Australia with my family at age 15.” 

Euro Pilates owner Maria Ivanova also provides private Pilates lessons at her studio.

Maria began her Pilates studies in 2001, after moving from Australia to Tampa. She says she was looking to improve the performance of the athletes she was working with through specific strength and conditioning exercises when she found Pilates. 

“I wasn’t as involved in doing gymnastics myself at that point,” she says, “so when I decided to try Pilates, I immediately felt its benefits. Two sessions later, I was hooked. I wanted to do more, so I became certified.” 

Euro Pilates offers both individual and group Pilates classes utilizing a variety of equipment. Unlike many Pilates studios, Maria’s group classes are capped at five participants, allowing her and her fellow instructors to provide nearly individualized attention. She doesn’t categorize her classes by levels but instead works with each client based on their abilities, even in her small group settings. 

For beginners, the studio offers a special package of three one-on-one sessions for $135. To ensure a solid foundation, new clients are required to complete at least two private sessions before joining the studio’s semi-private or group classes. Please visit Euro-Pilates.com to see availability and to secure your spot. 

“Euro Pilates doesn’t sell memberships,” Maria says, “which is one of the things that makes us unique.” Instead, clients can purchase individual sessions or packages of multiple sessions, which come with a discount. Maria’s goal is to make Pilates safe, fun and accessible for all. 

She explains that she has three types of clients. “Most of our clients are either athletes who have had an injury and need rehabilitation, or someone who has had surgery and needs rehabilitation, although we also have clients who participate in Pilates to strengthen their bodies, so they can prevent injuries in the future. Regardless of how they get here, I give them 100%. I try to help them, and in most cases, if they do the work and stick with it, the results are amazing.” 

Speaking of amazing, here is what two of Maria’s clients are saying: 

“I have been going to Euro Pilates for seven years and have gone from constant back pain to almost no pain. I credit Maria with this transformation. Everyone who trains there is welcoming and the classes are genuinely fun.” — Kathleen C 

“The Reformer, chair, barre, yoga and combination mat classes offered at Maria Ivanova’s Euro Pilates studio in New Tampa are my favorite antidote to aging. Since I began Pilates exercises, my posture is improved, my core is strengthened and my muscle tone is coming back. Combined with the mental focus required to maintain balance and correct form, Pilates has become my most reliable weapon to combat fatigue and stress. Maria is Stott Pilates trained and you’ll be in good hands with her and her professional, dedicated and expert staff. My husband was so motivated by my positive experience that he has also started Pilates in search of relief from years of back pain. We tell everyone we know that they will love their time and effort at Euro Pilates.” — Lisa D 

What is Stott Pilates? 

Lindsay and Moira Merrithew and their team of sports medicine, fitness experts and physical therapists, created Stott Pilates to be a more modern version of traditional Pilates, which was first developed and brought to the U.S. by German-born Joseph Pilates in the late 1920s; he patented 26 different apparatuses to use during Pilates training. 

While it follows the principles of regular Pilates such as breathing, concentration, and movement, Stott Pilates focuses more on the alignment of the posture. Regular Pilates training will have you work with a flat back, but Stott Pilates uses the natural curvature of your back and several specialized pieces of equipment are integral to the Stott Pilates practice. 

The “Reformer,” for example, features springs, ropes and pulleys to provide a versatile full-body workout. Adding a “Jumpboard” to the Reformer offers an enhanced aerobic experience. The “Barrel,” another common tool, is a curved, padded structure designed to strengthen the core and improve spinal alignment. Among the variations, the “Ladder Barrel” and “Stability Barrel” cater to different levels of challenge. 

(l.-r.) Allison, Maria & fellow Euro Pilates trainer Cecilia Little are all certified to teach on all of the Pilates equipment at the studio.

Another noteworthy apparatus at Euro Pilates is the “Cadillac,” a piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself. Named after the luxury car brand, the Cadillac comes in two forms — a full version and a more compact wall unit. Both support a wide range of movements and exercises. In addition, the “Chair” is perfect for those who prefer or require seated positions but also is adaptable for advanced, high-intensity workouts. And finally, “Mat” Pilates can be done while using only a mat and various other gym equipment such as fitness balls, weights, resistance bands, etc. This is typically used when someone doesn’t have Stott equipment at home and is taking an online class. 

The staff at Euro Pilates also is highly trained and certified. For example, Cecilia Little, who was diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis in 2013 and was advised to try Pilates as part of her treatment, says she quickly fell in love with the method and pursued Mat and Reformer courses. After moving to the U.S. in 2016, Cecilia furthered her education by completing additional courses on Pilates equipment such as the Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. She is now a fully certified instructor with eight years of teaching experience. 

Fellow Euro Pilates instructor Allison Martin first joined the studio as a client. She became an instructor through Maria’s encouragement. 

“Allison has a background in dance, track and cross country, as well as powerlifting,” Maria explains. “I saw her love for Pilates and approached her to become one of our trainers.” 

Allison holds an American Council of Exercise (ACE) personal training certification and became a certified Stott Pilates instructor in 2021. She says Pilates has taken her body and her fitness to a new level. 

Among the different individualized classes provided at Euro Pilates are “Silver Group Classes” which include Stretch and Reformer Express, focusing on control and precision. The “Gold Group Classes,” such as Reformer and Combo, are ideal for clients familiar with Pilates principles and equipment. All classes are 50 minutes, except for Reformer Express, which is 25 minutes. More information about each of these options, along with scheduling and pricing, can be found on the studio’s website. 

Euro Pilates is located at 20743 Center Oak Dr. in New Tampa. For more information, visit Euro-Pilates.com, call (813) 756-4000 or see the ad below.