People Not Pilates

100

At Flo Pilates, we believe transformation happens one intentional breath at a time — and Melissa has become a quiet example of that truth. As one of our earliest members, she showed up day after day with consistency, curiosity, and heart. She became the first person at Flo to reach 100 classes, a milestone that reflects not just dedication, but a deep commitment to her own growth. Her journey is filled with discipline, confidence, and moments of finding calm in the middle of a busy life. We sat down with Melissa to hear, in her own words, what these 100 classes have meant to her.

This is Melissa’s story — told in her own words — about what those 100 classes have given her, and what it means to find her inner flow.

When you look back at your very first class here — and then think about your 100th — what’s changed the most in you?

I got a lot of discipline trying to coming here ever single day. A lot changed with my balance and stability, just my overall strength. You know, I started with only doing Reformer Fundamentals classes and just learning about the basics then slowly I was able to move forward to some of the harder classes, Reformer Sculpt and Reformer Elevate.

What kept you coming back, even on the days when you didn’t feel like showing up?

It really feels like a home here. They really make you feel like family. And all the instructors, I love!

Can you describe what Flo has come to mean to you?

I like that you have 2 studios, reformer and mat, so I'm able to do both. The mat studio is more intimate so instructors can offer more help and it feels more closer knit than if you go to a huge studio with 20-30 people. You feel like you're just kind of a number there. They actually know you here, and know what you're trying to work on, and help you improve.

How has this practice changed the way you move through the rest of your life — outside of Flo's walls?

My balance and coordination and everything has just gotten a lot stronger. Which is so important as we get older that we keep moving to stay younger. I work with kids so my days are often stressful so when I come here it calms me down. Sometimes even when I don't wanna come, I feel so much better after I did and I'm glad I didn't cancel and showed up.

When you think about these 100 classes — what moments stand out most vividly to you?

When I first started coming in the beginning, when you guys just opened. I took a mat class with Erin and I was really scared but she gave me a lot of attention and made it feel comfortable. And its good to find out what you're doing wrong, what you're doing right, so you can get better.

What does it mean to you to be the first person to reach 100 classes at Flo?

I felt special. I didn't think I'd be the first one. I come here a lot but I know other girls at the studio that come here a lot too. So, when you told me I was the first person to reach 100 I was like WOW thats inspiring for myself!

If you could describe what you’ve learned about yourself through these classes, what would it be?

You have more strength than you think. Especially when you get to the more advanced classes, the instructors push you to your limits and they try to make you do stuff you didn't think you could do. So, it's good always trying to improve and keep doing things I didn't think I could do before.

"You have more strength than you think."

What does ‘find your inner flow’ mean to you now?

I would say finding something you love that brings you joy and peace. I love moving so coming here makes me happy and gives me a purpose.

"Find something you love that brings you joy and peace."

How would you describe the version of yourself who walks out of class now, compared to the one who walked in for the first time?

I would say more confident and just calm. When I first started coming here I was kinda nervous to start classes and meet new people but now I'm very comfortable.

Comfortable with the classes and the instructors and always excited to learn new things.

What would you say to someone walking into their first class — maybe feeling the way you did back then?

I would tell them if you come to a class and something feels hard or is new. Keep coming back. Try both mat and reformer classes. Try all the instructors. Every class is different, every instructor is different, so every day is gonna feel different. If you love it just keep coming back and keep trying!