Klahanie Shopping Center welcomes new Pilates studio
A new Pilates studio has opened its doors in the Klahanie Shopping Center.
On June 1, Aya Pilates welcomed its first customers to work out on its Pilates reformers. A grand opening celebration was held on July 12.
This is the first fitness studio owned by Dino and Matea Cizmic, a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about community and wellness.
“We love Sammamish! The welcoming community and beautiful surroundings made this location our ideal choice,” said Matea Cizmic.
Leveraging fixtures and other elements of design, the studio is segmented into three different energy zones. According to Cizmic, these correspond to different stages of a workout, creating a flow that enhances the overall experience for clients. The entrance makes the first zone. It was designed to have a warm, welcoming energy. The high energy middle zone is where the Pilates equipment is located for the workouts. The zone at the end of the studio is where clients finish their workouts and get ready to take on the day.
“We are excited to provide a unique, engaging space where members can achieve their fitness goals while building lasting connections in this wonderful community,” said Cizmic.
The owners chose the Allegro 2 reformer as their equipment for its newest features and added towers. These reformers allow for a wide range of exercises and resistance levels. According to Cizmic, the towers are unique compared to other Pilates studios in the area, aiming to enhance the workout experience.
Class offerings incorporate flexible scheduling to accommodate busy lifestyles, with private sessions available to address individual fitness goals. The studio also provides a diverse range of classes that cater to all levels of experience.
The membership options include unlimited, eight times a month, four times a month, five and 10-class packs, and drop-ins.
Aya Pilates may face heavy competition from other Pilates studios, including two in Sammamish. Cizmic aims to find their niche clientele through personalized, elevated experiences.
“We are lucky to be in a community that can support all of the various exercise studios and truly believe that there is space for everyone,” said Cizmic.
The team is focused on establishing a consistent teaching methodology that incorporates a mind-body experience. This starts with setting an intention with body mobilization movements at the beginning of class. At the end of class, they revisit that intention and close the workout with a movement series aligned to the rest of the workout to ensure their body mobilization is complete and balanced.
The instructors are hired on a referral basis and have completed accredited Pilates certification programs with a minimum of 500 hours of comprehensive coursework.
Lead Instructor Missoni Lanza has been practicing Pilates since the age of 15 and received her certification in 2011. She has worked at various studios across the country and is looking forward to working with Cizmic.
“Matea has done a wonderful job fostering a team that is passionate about providing enriching and memorable experiences for the community,” Lanza said. “We have such a wonderful time at Aya Pilates, and we are looking forward to welcoming more Wellness and Pilates enthusiasts to our community.
Aya Pilates is located at 4552 Klahanie Dr SE in Sammamish. They are offering discounted membership rates through July 14.
