A Missouri City woman who turned to Pilates after two spinal fusion surgeries has opened the Houston area's first Studio Pilates International franchise.
Elizabeth Perez-Montes and her husband, Edison, launched the studio at 3334 FM 1092 Rd., Suite 405, inside Township Square, UpClose Magazine reported Tuesday, Oct. 13. Their daughter Ely is also a co-owner.
"Pilates changed my life. I do it every single day, and if I can do it, anyone can," Elizabeth Perez-Montes told UpClose Magazine.
She said weight training did not work well during her recovery from the two surgeries. After discovering Studio Pilates International online, she traveled to a Minnesota location to try the workout because no Houston-area studios existed at the time.
The Australia-based franchise was founded in 2002 by Jade Winter, a member of the 1996 Australian Olympic swim team, and Tanya Winter, a qualified physiotherapist, according to the company's founders page. The brand now operates more than 135 franchise locations worldwide.
The Missouri City studio features hardwood floors, chandeliers and custom Reformer machines, according to the studio's website. Classes run 40 minutes and are offered seven days a week. Exercises are designed by physiotherapists, and trainers work individually with each participant to adjust movements for different fitness levels or injuries, Perez-Montes told UpClose Magazine.
Trainers Ashley, Madee and Chelsey staff the location.
The Perez-Montes family has lived in Missouri City's Sienna community for five years. Elizabeth and Edison have five grown children, four sons and one daughter. Elizabeth Perez-Montes said corporate representatives from Studio Pilates International spent two weeks at the Missouri City location before opening day and attended the launch.
New clients can try six classes for $60, including one orientation session and five Reformer workouts, according to the studio's website. The offer expires two weeks after the first class. The studio can be reached at 346-368-3518.
