When Carolina Gabilondo talks about movement, her eyes light up with the kind of passion that only comes from lived experience.
"We're not just here to exercise," she says, gesturing around Haia Studio's light-filled space in Chandler. "We're here to remember what it feels like to truly inhabit our bodies."
As someone who has spent 15 years helping women reconnect with their strength, Gabilondo knows a thing or two about the transformative power of embodied movement. But it wasn't until she faced her own series of life-altering challenges that she fully understood just how essential these practices could be.
"Life has a way of teaching you exactly what you need to learn," she says, smiling and recounting the period that would ultimately inspire Haia Studio's creation.
In 2020, Gabilondo found herself navigating new motherhood during the isolation of COVID-19. Then, 20 months later, pregnant with her second child, she faced a pregnancy so challenging that it left her bedridden for nine months.
"I could barely keep water down," she recalls. "But the practices I'd developed over years of teaching became my lifeline."
It was during this intense period that the vision for Haia Studio crystallized.
"Women today are carrying so much," Gabilondo explains. "We're mothers, professionals, partners, community leaders—and we're often doing it all while running on empty."
Her voice carries the warmth of someone who deeply understands this reality.
Haia Studio's offerings reflect this understanding. The space feels more like a sanctuary than a traditional fitness studio, offering three distinct class experiences: Pilates Cardio for those seeking energizing movement, Pilates Sculpt and Strength for building strength and stability, and Core Restore for postpartum healing. Each class is thoughtfully crafted to help women build both physical strength and inner resilience.
But what truly sets Haia apart is its approach to postpartum women and those seeking to rebuild their connection with their bodies.
"We're not interested in quick fixes or pushing through pain," Gabilondo emphasizes. "This is about sustainable practices that honor where each woman is in her journey."
The studio's small class sizes allow for personalized attention—a crucial element in helping women rediscover their body's wisdom.
"It's amazing to watch women realize they can be both strong and gentle with themselves," Gabilondo shares. "That's when the real transformation begins."
This philosophy is clearly resonating with Chandler's community. Women come to Haia, located at 2577 W. Queen Creek Road, not just for the physical benefits, but for the sense of renewal they find here.
"We're creating a space where women can pour some of that endless energy they give to others back into themselves," Gabilondo explains. "Because when women learn to fill their own cups first, everyone benefits."
As Haia Studio establishes itself as a cornerstone of wellness in Chandler, it's offering something rare in today's fast-paced world: permission to slow down, tune in, and move with intention.
"Sometimes," Gabilondo says with a knowing smile, "the most revolutionary act is simply coming home to yourself."
Learn more at HaiaStudio.com. New clients can experience their first class at a special introductory rate.
"This is about sustainable practices that honor where each woman is in her journey."—Carolina Gabilondo