I recently had the chance to photograph the ribbon cutting for FS8 Pilates in Marietta, and it was such a fun, encouraging morning to be part of. It was cold and gray, and snowflakes were getting tossed around in the frigid wind, but the atmosphere at the studio on opening day was warm and bright and energized.
FS8 Pilates is a modern fitness studio that blends Pilates, tone, and yoga into a low-impact, strength-focused workout. Their classes are designed to be approachable while still challenging, with an emphasis mindful movement, functional strength, and overall well-being. It’s the kind of space that welcomes people at all stages of their fitness journey and encourages consistency, not perfection. The studio offers several different classes incorporating the reformer, and I was excited to learn more about it and document the first class of the morning. Fitness is a pretty big part of my life, but I have never had the opportunity to take a pilates class and use a reformer, so it was certainly a great way to get a crash course on a very effective way to tone your body. There was such a wide age group with varying degrees of experience, but the way the class was run kept everyone informed and ready for the next movement. There were screens on either side of the studio with a visual of how to perform each exercise, and even a countdown for how long that exercise should last before transitioning to the next. Two instructors were there, one giving verbal instruction and moving the class through each motion, and one to come alongside and help with form or modifications. Even having never taken a pilates class, I could tell that it was something a beginner could take part in because of how informative and helpful the coaches were. It can be hard to try something new, especially a physical activity in a classroom setting, but the crew at FS8 was so friendly and inviting, it made the class a place where you could learn and not be inhibited by intimidation.
There’s something really special about being invited into a space right at the beginning, when the doors are newly open, the energy is high, and everyone is excited to see what’s ahead. That was very much the feeling inside the FS8 studio. Friends, family, and community members stopped by to celebrate, chat, and support a business that’s clearly been built with a lot of heart. There was a little coffee bar and a fruit bar for refreshments, and there was a celebratory feel to whole morning! I got to meet the owner and her family, who all came out to support her, including her adorable kids, who were definitely enjoying the marshmallows at the coffee bar. She shared a little of her story, and her dream for this studio, and I was reminded again of why I do this job: I love connecting with people on their journeys. Whether it's opening a business, getting engaged, getting married, welcoming your first (or 5th!) baby, graduating a kid from high school or university...I love sharing in the milestones and bearing witness to the beauty of a dream coming to fruition and taking every opportunity to celebrate and document the good things that are happening in your life.
If you live in the Marietta area and you're curious, FS8 offers introductory classes, and I highly encourage you to swing by and check it out. Not just because it's a very cool spot to get your fitness on (it totally is!), but because being in community and learning new things and challenging your body is such a worthy endeavor. Go do something your future self will thank you for!
Sincerely,
