When you first step into Fit Form Pilates, it is immediately clear that this is not your typical fitness studio. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and non-intimidating, qualities that set the tone for the transformative work that happens within its walls. Melita Holmes, the studio’s owner, says, "Walking into Fit Form just feels different. We are welcoming and personal. Not intimidating. Calm, no pressure, no judgment. We are excited to share Pilates with newcomers and help them decide what classes are best suited to their needs and abilities."
Fit Form Pilates, located in southern Johnson County, is more than a place to work out. It is a community devoted to lifelong wellness. Melita first discovered Pilates in 2020 when her cousin encouraged her to try a class. Intrigued by the reformer equipment and the promise of strength and flexibility, she quickly experienced firsthand the benefits of Pilates. Melita recalls, "Within a surprisingly short time, I felt the difference. I was standing taller, growing stronger, had lost some weight, and even longtime knee pain began to ease." That experience inspired her to invest in the studio in 2021 and continue its mission of helping people feel strong for life.
Pilates at Fit Form is designed for people of all ages and fitness levels. One client in her 60s came to build strength for summer activities and to keep up with her grandchildren. Over time, Pilates not only improved her balance and mobility but became a family affair, with visiting relatives joining her in class. The studio also works with high school athletes, including dancers, basketball players, and even an entire baseball team, to enhance flexibility, core strength, balance, and range of motion. Melita says, "Pilates has transformed their bodies, and friends and family notice the positive changes. Many of those clients have now introduced their friends or family to Pilates."
A key differentiator at Fit Form is the quality of instruction. Instructors bring years of experience, ranging from six to over fifteen years, and specialized certifications in reformer Pilates, mat work, chair, tower, TRX, and more. Classes are intentionally small, capped at eight participants, which allows for personalized guidance and close attention to each client’s needs. Melita explains, "We don’t program generic routines. Every class is tailored, and clients get hands-on guidance from an experienced instructor." This approach ensures that whether someone is new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, they feel supported and challenged in equal measure.
The benefits of Pilates extend far beyond the studio. Practitioners report improvements in posture, balance, strength, mobility, and overall body awareness. Pilates works by engaging deep core muscles and connecting mindful movement with breath, creating a strong foundation for daily life. Melita echoes Joseph Pilates, "You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions."
Many people initially misunderstand Pilates, assuming it is simply gentle stretching or only for the already fit. Melita explains, "Pilates can be incredibly challenging and incredibly strengthening without being harsh on the joints. It enhances athletic conditioning, improves functional movement, and can be adapted for men and women well into their 70s and beyond." Classes even incorporate weights to support bone health, balance, and strength, making it a powerful practice for long-term wellness.
What sets Fit Form apart is not just the physical benefits but the sense of community it fosters. Over the past five years, Melita has watched the studio grow into a space where clients celebrate milestones, check in on each other after surgeries, and form meaningful friendships. She says, "Clients genuinely notice when someone is missing from class. That level of care defines us."
Looking ahead, Fit Form Pilates aims to expand offerings that support sustainable strength, especially for women in midlife and beyond, while continuing to welcome men and families seeking improved flexibility, core strength, and stability. Melita shares her vision, "Our long-term goal is simple. To be the most welcoming, results-focused Pilates studio in southern Johnson County. A place where people feel stronger, supported, and truly at home in their bodies."
In the end, Fit Form Pilates is about more than exercise. It is about discovering what your body can do, building confidence, and finding a community that uplifts every step of the way. As Melita says, "Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things." At Fit Form, that beginning can start today, for anyone, at any age.