Soft lighting and no microphones: Ballantyne's new Pilates studio offers luxury fitness

The reformer Pilates hype continues; luxury Pilates chain The Daily Pilates opened over the weekend in Ballantyne.
Why it matters: It's the first North Carolina location for the reformer Pilates chain, which first opened in Atlanta in 2015.
What to expect: The Daily Pilates Ballantyne offers group and private reformer classes. Its signature "Sculpt" class is a full-body workout focused on classical Pilates movements.
For those seeking a hybrid workout or more cardio, there's the "Sculpt HIIT" class, which combines reformer exercises with cardio bursts.
There's also a Cadillac reformer available for private lessons.
Between the lines: A Cadillac reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment with a table, similar to a reformer, and a metal frame that allows for additional attachments for more advanced exercises.
The vibe: The Daily is a contrast to the dark lighting, loud music and party-like atmosphere often found at trendy reformer studios, like Solidcore. In fact, the vibe is quite the opposite, explains owner Kim Libretto.
The studio is designed to be a calming space; instructors don't wear microphones during class, there's no overhead lighting, and the interior is a soft neutral palette.
Zoom in: Kim Libretto co-owns the studio with her husband, Mike Libretto, who owns Libretto's Pizza in Ballantyne — yes, the same restaurant behind the viral THC Pizza, Spinello's.
Kim was formerly in the restaurant business with her husband before branching out into fitness. She's now also one of the instructors at the studio.
Zoom out: The Daily Pilates, founded by trainer Lily Collins-Sak, is expanding rapidly. The brand began franchising in 2021 and is expected to have 14 studios along the East Coast, including Raleigh and Wilmington, by the end of the year, according to Libretto.
The big picture: The studio joins a growing number of Pilates studios that have recently opened in the Charlotte area, including a handful in Ballantyne.
What's next: A deep stretch and sound bath class will be added before the end of the summer, according to Libretto. Other upcoming additions include:
Private duet classes (only 1:1 private classes are currently offered).
Off-site events.
Studio rentals for birthdays and private parties.
If you go: An unlimited monthly membership is $300.

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