It’s part of the human condition to crave movement—in our roots we are nomadic, adventurous, fiercely committed to moving forward. But at 6 a.m., when it’s still dark and we’ve promised ourselves a game-changing workout, the pillow tells a different story. Sure, we know the cardio, the strength training, and the flexibility will be good for our health, but the chasm between knowing what we need and actually getting there is seemingly impossible to cross.
Anna Andrade, owner of FORM Fitness in the West End of Portsmouth, understands.
FORM opened two years ago with an intention similar to that of so many independent businesses on the Seacoast: to fill a critical gap. Andrade, who has been a dedicated Pilates practitioner for years, was managing a fitness studio in the area and working one-on-one with clients as a personal trainer when she realized that there was a paucity of Pilates options in Portsmouth. As she put her ear to the ground, she learned that other clients agreed. Motivated to address this need, and drawing from her background in studio management and work at the YMCA in East Boston, Andrade took the encouragement of a mentor and jumped into the journey that would become FORM.
Building on a foundation of Reformer Pilates, Andrade has taken a holistic, client-centered approach to the development of her business. “The goal at FORM is to create community,” she says. “For us, fitness has always been about finding your people, finding your fitness home.” The space, she attests, is meant to be a “blank slate,” but its intentionality is evident. Take one step into the studio, and you will be embraced by a clean, warm, elegant environment, gently decorated with accents of green and natural elements. Pristine Reformer machines seem to sit obediently in the spacious practice room, a private weights room is just beyond, and the windows are so expansive that natural light finds its way in, even on a gloomy day.
If you are a traditional Pilates practitioner, you can certainly find your practice at FORM. But Andrade leads with the intention of meeting people where they are as unique bodies with personal goals, and encourages clients to embrace variety. Classes are built with “layering” in mind, which helps to foster both safety and belonging, as individuals listen to their bodies and find the appropriate “layer” of challenge for them that day. “On the staff level,” explains Andrade, “we are all passionate about people feeling comfortable, and we are all empathetic and sensitive. We know people need to be listened to, and our whole narrative is to take what’s good for you and feel it the way you want to feel it, whatever your age, injury history, or body type, and whatever workout you enjoy.”
With this sense of belonging in mind, FORM offers large-format classes as well as private sessions and adaptive practices. For clients seeking to cultivate community, FORM offers social events and a walking club. Those who desire a more natural environment can take their workouts onto the turf space outdoors.
Client ages span decades and people with all levels of experience are welcome. Andrade explains, “Age is one of those things people talk about strictly, but people within all age groups need different things. One 55-year-old is not the same as the next. One 25-year-old is not the same as the next.” This keen understanding is why the team at FORM prioritizes getting to know the needs of each new client. To those who might be wary, Andrade says, “Don’t be afraid. No one will judge you. This is a place where you can find out what movement you like and explore your body. It’s okay to have injuries. We will respect what you don’t want to do.”
As we enter together into the deep winter, FORM will soon be turning on another light: Their group fitness space is set to open in February, just next door. Andrade reflects cheerfully, “I knew when we opened that we would one day include mat and yoga. They create another entry point for people, a way to offer other formats so people don’t have to choose.” The space will offer both heated and unheated classes, and the “mat” part refers to Pilates done on a mat, without a machine, for those who prefer that option or want to vary their practice. The yoga offerings will include FORM’s distinctive take on the practice, similar to those in the Reformer studio, with options from the more rigorous to the more restorative.
Andrade’s positivity is palpable, as reflected by the space she has built for her growing community of clients. “Portsmouth is full of amazing people,” she exclaims. “Come here, be amazing!” When asked what keeps her so unceasingly motivated, she takes a beat, then says, “I think there is no other option. In my own life, fitness does so much for me: It builds confidence, builds resilience, creates flow-state moments. I want to provide an environment where people can come find that for themselves. Here, you don’t have to try. You can be yourself. Everyone wants and needs that.”
FORM Fitness
1001 Islington St Unit C-2, Portsmouth, N.H.
603.803.3447
formfitnh.com
We know people need to be listened to, and our whole narrative is to take what’s good for you and feel it the way you want to feel it, whatever your age, injury history, or body type, and whatever workout you enjoy.