Mind Pilates recently opened a second location in Maspeth, inviting locals to stretch and strengthen overall well-being with Cadillac Pilates — an equipment-intensive, highly personalized method that goes well beyond the standard experience. As spring settles into the city, the first Cadillac-Reformer studio in Queens offers results while forming a mindful community that emphasizes tranquility.
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
The newly minted fitness venue, located at 55-19 69th St., opened its first location in Bushwick in 2022, introducing neighbors to holistic exercises designed to uplift the mind-body connection through spiritually aligning group workouts — all at an affordable price. The 45-minute experiences promise a harmonious connection of mobility and a balanced mind.
Daisy Zhang, the founder of Mind Pilates, discovered her love of Pilates as a stay-at-home mother with two children. Whenever her children were at a daycare center, she used her free time to hone her skills in yoga, kickboxing and other forms of movement. To better accommodate her lower back pain, she tried her hand in Pilates — a move that accelerated her recovery, much to her surprise.
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
She then acquired knowledge about Pilates’ bodily benefits that could serve others as well. After becoming a certified instructor, she sought a career that would also allow her to form friendships in a comfortable, judgment-free environment. These factors formed Zhang’s newfound vocation, which centers on health and wellness on both physical and mental levels.
To better develop the welcoming space, the founder ensured attention to small details — the front desk person, the soft lighting, the tea infusers, the sugar-free mints, seat adjustments — so clients could recognize hospitality as a valued component of the studio’s community-centric mission. Because of these factors, Mind Pilates attracted a considerably younger demographic, highlighting one of the studio’s priorities: maintaining a novel appearance and energetic nature amongst its staff. The outdoor space is also available for clients who want to take their conversations outside the sessions, fostering a sense of peaceful camaraderie beyond the reformer machines.
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
When inquired about classes her clients often favor, Zhang mentioned a particular crowd favorite: the Signature Remix session.
“The signature one is called Remix. It’s open level [and] a full-body workout, so everyone can pick the class, even those who are new to Pilates,” said Zhang.
The session uses up to four Pilates apparatuses to build core strength, flexibility and full-body tone. Modifications are also offered for a myriad of novice and seasoned clients, making the session a calm entry for all who enter its serene space — further marked by green hues and nourishing plants.
Zhang then described the Ultimate Glutes & Abs session as the second signature class, which focuses on posture alignment and core engagement. “People really feel the intensity,” Zhang shared. “People walk out of the studio with shaky legs, so they love that.” The founder described the glutes-and-abs combination as an efficient solution for individuals with sedentary lifestyles.
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Another unique aspect of the Maspeth studio is its specialization in correcting movement during sessions. Zhang emphasized that every client benefits from better form, which leads to “better muscles [and] engagement,” unlike other boutique studios that do not provide guided correction during workouts.
“People feel good if your instructor comes to you, helping you pay attention. People feel the attention, feeling that we care,” said Zhang. “I think that’s also another reason why we build up such a strong community — because people feel really safe and comfortable here.”
As QNS advanced the conversation regarding her clients, Zhang revealed that Mind Pilates’ clientele commutes from nearby communities like Forest Hills and Flushing to the Bronx — even neighboring state New Jersey. Zhang believed that her clients’ willingness to travel speaks to the quality of her studio’s hospitable atmosphere and workouts. Their loyalty to the studio continues to motivate her in her everyday management.
When asked about the story behind the studio’s name, Zhang shared that people suggested that she name her brand “Bushwick Pilates.” Because of her plan to eventually open another location (and perhaps a franchise), she decided to call it “Mind Pilates,” representing a universal approach to the mental wellness associated with the exercise. Zhang also chose Maspeth as the next location because of its proximity to the Bushwick location. She also wanted to provide a high-quality studio that has not been seen in the neighborhood for a while, according to her clients.
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
In her reflection, Zhang offered thoughtful advice for those who wish to open a Pilates studio. She advised to consider developing a unique quality that makes people want to return, underscoring originality as an important factor in managing a successful business.
If you’re interested in securing a membership, the Welcome Package offers three Pilates classes for $75. This offers individuals a chance to test the equipment, the sessions and the studio’s overall vibe before securing a membership package. While a refund is guaranteed, Zhang is confident prospective clients will return for more, highlighting her and the team’s commitment to providing the best Pilates studio in the area.
“Because every class we teach here, we put our heart out there,” said Zhang. “They’re gonna feel it in the first class. They’re gonna love it.”
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
Photo courtesy of Mind Pilates
To learn more about Mind Pilates, visit their Instagram and website. The variety of membership packages can also be viewed here.