01/14/2026
Hey, it’s Cathy again 💛
I wanted to share the story of how Affirm Pilates came to be.
About two years ago, after a major health event—a cervical vertebrae fusion—I was searching for something different to help me get back into the gym safely and confidently.
As a group fitness instructor, I had taught just about everything over the years: step aerobics, Tone & Tighten 😉, kickboxing, mat Pilates, HIIT… you name it. The only thing I hadn’t tried was Reformer Pilates—simply because it wasn’t available here.
So, I mustered up the courage, drove to Middletown to the nearest Club Pilates, and gave it a try. And just like people say, I walked out feeling a little taller, a little stronger, and like I had truly done something in that short class.
But there were challenges. The drive was 30 minutes each way. The cost was significant (around $140 a month). And between travel and class time, it took nearly three hours out of my day every time I went.
Eventually, I felt sad. Something I genuinely loved just wasn’t accessible to me—or to others in our community.
That’s when the wheels started turning.
I talked with my husband and a dear friend who owns an all-female gym, and we wondered aloud: Maybe Frankfort deserves Pilates too.
We decided to start small—one reformer, tucked into a room at the gym, just to see what might happen. That season became a huge time of growth and learning for me. I began my training with Nico Gonzalez in Ohio and soaked up everything I could. Then, with no prior experience, a whole lot of courage, and some incredibly trusting friends, I jumped in.
Word spread—through social media, word of mouth, and shared experiences. Soon I was booked weeks, even months, in advance. It became clear that something special was happening… and that we needed more space.
I was scared. My husband was cautious. And then, through a chance encounter with my now dear friend and gym manager, Tisha Owen, an idea came to life. I shared what I’d been doing, and she told me she had space for me.
The day I walked into what is now our studio at Elite Fitness Frankfort, I took a video. When she opened the door to that black room in the basement, I was practically buzzing with excitement. I couldn’t believe how much potential the space held.
The owner of Elite Fitness Frankfort was incredibly supportive and kind. He saw the vision and believed in what was just beginning to unfold.
And on November 1st, Affirm Pilates officially opened.
Not long after, four of my clients and friends stepped up in the biggest way—choosing to get trained and join me in the studio. Andrea, Amy, April, and Leigh… I still can’t fully express my gratitude for the leap of faith you took. It means more than you know.
Today, our team is stronger, more knowledgeable, and continually growing. We pour our time, energy, and hearts into bringing Frankfort what we truly believe is a gift for the body—and the soul.
I’ll end with this. Last night, a new client said to me:
“You all obviously love what you do here, and it shows. Anytime you can work out and laugh the entire time, it’s a win.”
Driving home, I felt proud—proud of our team, proud of this community, and proud of what we’ve built together.
And I think you should come see what it’s all about for yourself 💛
Much love,
The Affirm Pilates Crew
