Fitness studio opens second location in downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA — Health and wellness enthusiasts have another option to choose from for their workout needs at the newly opened Bodybar Pilates at the Mark residences in downtown Sarasota.

Following the growing success of the first Bodybar Pilates studio in Lakewood Ranch’s booming Waterside Place District, studio owners Kristin and Shane Ward decided to build on the momentum of their first space and open a second location to serve downtown residents and visitors.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of strength training that focuses on improving muscle tone. The mind-body exercises are practiced worldwide and help with flexibility, focus, and strength, and can assist with injury recovery.

Kristin Ward fell into the fitness mode following the birth of her first child.

“I couldn’t get up the stairs when I was pregnant. I had such severe knee pain,” Ward said. “I started researching what could help with the pain and I found Pilates.”

A former collegiate lacrosse player, Ward found that Pilates rejuvenated her body throughout her next two pregnancies. In 2021, following her youngest’s first birthday, she began thinking about owning a Pilates studio, she said. With her husband Shane’s support, she opened the first Bodybar Pilates in April 2022.

“Our first location in Lakewood Ranch has done so well. The community has welcomed us there and we knew it was time to expand into Sarasota,” Ward said.

Bodybar Pilates Sarasota features 12 instructors at its studio at 62 S. Lemon Ave. And joins a handful of new tenants on the pedestrian level of the luxury Mark condominium building.

The studio offers 50-minute classes that include a mix of modern movement and core Pilates principles. Bodybar has eight class formats for beginners to advanced practitioners ranging from low-intensity to high-intensity guided workout sessions. Bodybar offers a membership-based format where clients and customers can choose between a range of customizable classes and hands-on studio sessions.

Drop-in classes for non-members are $35 and $25 for members and a free first class to new visitors is offered.

“Healthy living has been a part of our lifestyle and in just over a year we are able to serve even more residents in the downtown area with our business,” Ward said.

Guests may book workouts online at the Bodybar Pilates website at https://bodybarpilates.com/studios/sarasota/ or call 941-236-2576 to book a class.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bodybar Pilates Sarasota now open at Mark residence towers