Is Pilates just another 'wellness bubble'?
Khetanya Henderson is the teacher of ‘The Blend’, our first Pilates & Yoga Retreat that will take place this September in Antiparos island and the owner of the recently opened studio, KKRU, in Atlanta, Georgia. Khetanya, shares with us her thoughts on the challenges of opening a studio, the glossy status of pilates and how community building is an act of intention rooted in the business’ ethos.
Which were the main challenges opening the first Pilates studio in Atlanta’s West End? Why do you think there wasn’t one before?
One of the biggest challenges was simply introducing people to what classical Pilates actually is and how to expense it as a practice. Many people had heard the word “Pilates,” but their understanding was often shaped by trends or quick fitness formats rather than the depth of the original work. Education became an important part of opening the studio. We spent a lot of time explaining the purpose of the method, the history, and how it supports long-term strength and movement health.
Another challenge was shifting the perception that Pilates is only for a certain type of person in a certain type of community. The area we serve is vibrant, diverse, and community-driven, but historically many boutique fitness spaces have not been built with those communities in mind. That gap created both the challenge and the opportunity.
I believe there wasn’t a studio before because wellness spaces often follow predictable development patterns tied to certain neighborhoods and demographics. Our intention with KKRU was to show that high-quality movement education and wellness belong everywhere. Communities should not have to travel across a city to access thoughtful, professional instruction.
Has Pilates become an elite “status” workout? What is your stance?
Pilates has definitely gained visibility in spaces that present it as aspirational or exclusive. But the truth is that the method itself was never designed to be elite. Joseph Pilates created a system meant to support the body for everyday life. It was about efficiency, strength, breath, and resilience.
At KKRU we hold the position that Pilates is a practice, not a status symbol. The work meets people wherever they are. A beginner, a professional athlete, someone recovering from injury, or someone simply wanting to move better can all benefit from the same principles. When the method is taught with integrity, it becomes incredibly inclusive.
How has social media branding contributed to this trend? Seamless studio decor, outfits, oval mats, and everything looking similar.
Social media has played a big role in shaping how people perceive Pilates. Beautiful studios, coordinated branding, and curated visuals are powerful marketing tools. They can make the practice look polished and desirable, which is helpful for awareness.
At the same time, those visuals can sometimes overshadow the depth of the work itself. Pilates is highly technical and rooted in movement education. When branding becomes the primary focus, the substance of the method can get lost.
For us, aesthetics are secondary to experience. The studio should feel welcoming and intentional, but the real value comes from the teaching, the attention to detail, and the transformation people feel in their bodies.
Do studios prioritize classes based on trends versus high quality classes?
Like any growing industry, Pilates has trends that move through it. Some studios adapt programming around what is popular in the moment, while others stay grounded in the methodology.
Our philosophy is that quality always comes first. Trends may influence how people discover Pilates, but longevity comes from strong teaching and thoughtful programming. A well-structured class that respects the principles of the method will always have more impact than something built purely for novelty.
Is the industry lacking support compared to the yoga community?
The yoga community has developed a strong ecosystem over time, with extensive networks of studios, teacher organizations, conferences, and collaborative spaces that support one another.
Pilates is still a growing industry. While there are strong communities within it, they can sometimes feel more fragmented. Like yoga, Pilates does have conferences and educational gatherings where teachers can connect, learn, and share ideas, though there are fewer opportunities on a global scale.
Because of this, mentorship, lineage, and teacher development remain essential. When teachers stay connected and support one another, the entire Pilates community becomes stronger.
How have you built such a vibrant community?
Community does not happen accidentally. It is something that is intentionally cultivated. At KKRU we focus on creating spaces where people feel welcomed, seen, and supported in their journey. We invest time in relationships. We learn our clients’ names, understand their goals, and celebrate their progress. We offer experiences that go beyond class, including conversations, mentorship, and opportunities for people to connect with one another. Our motto, Keep Reaching Up, reflects that philosophy. It is not just about physical movement. It is about personal growth, resilience, and showing up for ourselves and for one another.
What are you looking forward to about our retreat in Greece?
I am really looking forward to the opportunity to pause with intention. Retreat spaces allow people to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with themselves in a deeper way.
Greece offers a beautiful environment for that kind of reflection. Movement by the sea, thoughtful conversations, nourishing food, and time to breathe create the perfect setting to reconnect with the body and mind.
What excites me most is bringing together a group of people who are open to exploring movement, rest, and community in a meaningful way. Retreats create a space where transformation can happen naturally, simply by giving ourselves the time and space to be present.
the Blend
Khetanya Henderson | Antiparos island, Greece
4-9 September 2026
We’ve always dreamt of a retreat that combines the worlds of Pilates and Yoga - structure & flow. We have invited Khetanya Henderson founder of KKRU Pilates Studio & Wellness for a six-day retreat that blends classical Pilates, yoga, breath-led walks, and sound healing, as always, under the expert local care of Fykiada.