The Park Cities has its fair share of fitness options, which, according to Brittany Grignon Hays, “means people truly value movement and community.”
As the founder and owner of SESSION Pilates, she should know.
In April, Hays’ company celebrated 10 years in business with a special fundraising and recognition event at the Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum.
But the 20-year fitness pro is not one to rest on laurels, or approach her products as “just another workout.”
She’s taught everything from indoor cycling to yoga, but reformer Pilates is what really struck a chord. It’s been her mission ever since.
“I wanted to create a space where instructors have ownership, room for real growth, and could build careers doing what they love.”
At its core, SESSION is collaborative, with instructors who train, learn, and grow together, constantly pushing one another to deliver the best possible experience.
“It was a leap of faith, but one I’m incredibly grateful I took,” says Hays.
“Our goal is to give people the best reformer Pilates workout in an environment where they feel connected, energized, and part of something bigger,” she says.
“Every detail from the music and lighting to instructor training and class formatting, even how the spaces feel when you walk in, is designed to create an experience.”
For someone who has never been inside SESSION, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
“I always say my ‘superpower’ is surrounding myself with good, down-to-earth people, and that’s exactly what you feel when you walk in,” says Hays.
“It feels like working out with family rather than just attending another exercise class.”
Energetic yet grounded, SESSION is a space that is thoughtfully designed with clean lines, warm lighting, and music that sets a tone before class even begins.
There is an elevated feel to rooms, without being overbearing or intimidating.
“We bring movement, rhythm, and a real sense of connection between instructors and clients,” says Hays.
As for SESSION’s overarching philosophy and goals, Hays says that’s simple.
“Everyone has so much going on; between kids, work, and life, we want to be 50 minutes where clients can leave their to-do list at the door, check out of the outside world, and tune into their body, move to great music, and laugh a little along the way.”
The SESSION Pilates workout is distinctive, different than classical reformer Pilates classes, focused on “lengthening and strengthening,” with a style that takes a more high-energy, athletic approach to Pilates.
“We move to the beat of the music, tell you when, where, and how to move, guiding you on where to move everything from the crown of your head to the tip of your toes,” says Hays.
SESSION instructors are considered industry leaders in their craft, who go through a rigorous six-week training intensive, followed by months of mock classes in leading rooms with confidence and care.
“Every workout is going to fall in line with the SESSION brand; however, every instructor organically puts their own spin on it with their own styles and playlists for a different full-body workout every time,” says Hays.
Instructors spend as little downtime as possible moving from one exercise to the next. And they do it in a way that is approachable to all fitness levels by offering modifications and advancements throughout the entire class.
“We lead with intention and heart,” says Hays.
“I care deeply about the people who walk through our doors and the culture we’re building together. Many clients have been with us since the day the door to SESSION Uptown opened in 2016, and that trust is something I do not take lightly.”
Since opening, SESSION has grown impressively to seven studios: six across the North Texas region, including the Park Cities (4520 Lovers Lane), and one in Nashville, all made possible by a fiercely loyal community of clients and employees.
“We’ve welcomed more than 800,000 visitors, beginner to advanced, and served over 15,000 members annually,” says Hays, “meeting clients wherever they may be in their fitness journey.”
As for the future, she believes her business will continue to grow and help clients thrive in a variety of ways, inside and outside of SESSION.
That means expanding into other markets, developing new and unique experiences, and strengthening the impact of the recently-formed 501(3) SESSION Foundation by extending as many grants as possible to deserving women entrepreneurs, all while preserving the intimacy and intention that define the company.
In April, the Foundation awarded its first $80,000 grant, which, coincidentally, mirrored the amount Hays received from investors to open SESSION in 2016.
“It was a true full-circle moment,” Hays says.
“We’re proud to be a homegrown Dallas brand that continues to evolve while staying rooted in intention and community,” she says.