Credit: Reginald Todd – Fox Lens Studio
A new chapter in Detroit’s wellness landscape has begun with the grand opening of Push Pilates, one of Michigan’s few Black-owned Pilates studios. Founded by Detroit native Alexis Hull, Push Pilates is dedicated to creating an inclusive, community-centered fitness space that caters to individuals of all backgrounds and fitness levels.
Located at 22929 Woodward Ave, Ferndale 48220, the studio officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and private celebration attended by local leaders, fitness enthusiasts, and supporters of Hull’s vision. Among the distinguished guests were Ferndale’s first Black mayor, Raylon Leaks-May, along with Armond Rashad of Jabs Gym and Downtown Ferndale officials.
Before delivering his heartfelt words of encouragement, Rashad took a moment to pray over the studio.
“She is going to kill it here, it’s going to be crazy. When I say it’s going to be crazy,” Rashad said.
Hull emphasized Push Pilates is more than just a studio; it’s a sanctuary for healing, strength, and self-discovery.
“My journey with Pilates began after struggling with postpartum challenges, both mentally and physically. Pilates gave me the strength and confidence to reconnect with myself, and now, my goal is to provide that same space for others,” Hull said.
“I want Push Pilates to be a wellness haven where people from all walks of life can come to feel uplifted, supported, and empowered to transform their minds and bodies.”
The grand opening event featured an interactive Q&A session with Hull, where attendees learned about her entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind Push Pilates. Guests also enjoyed festivities that included raffle prizes, mingling, and refreshments, further fostering the sense of community at the heart of Hull’s mission.
Credit: Reginald Todd – Fox Lens
“We read all the articles about how you need to move, and it’s literally connected to your mental,” Hull said.
“So even in my classes, I like to call it, mindfulness and movement. So we always start with breathwork, slowing it down. There’s so much power in breathing, slowing it down, not just ripping and running.”
Hull, a certified Pilates instructor and entrepreneur, has long been passionate about helping individuals achieve their best selves. Her vision for Push Pilates extends beyond physical fitness; she aims to create a supportive environment where people can prioritize both their physical and mental well-being.
“Push means ‘Pray Until Something Happens’. And so I had that as my name, and then that’s where it grew from there.” Hull said.
Launching at the start of a new year a time when many are setting health and wellness goals Push Pilates offers a variety of classes designed for all fitness levels. From beginner-friendly sessions to advanced practices, the studio ensures that everyone can experience the benefits of Pilates in a welcoming and empowering atmosphere.
“I am getting reformers in the spring,” Hull said.
“But on a bigger scale, I really want to work with professional athletes, I already have one NFL client, but I want to, make that a recurring thing, whether it’s NFL, the Tigers or the Pistons, I really want to work with athletics.
As a Black-owned business in a predominantly white fitness industry, Push Pilates stands as a beacon of representation and accessibility in Metro Detroit. The studio’s mission aligns with a broader movement toward inclusivity in wellness spaces, ensuring that people of all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered on their fitness journeys.
“I didn’t see anybody like me. And so even when I tried to join spaces around the metro Detroit area, once I moved back home from California, I kept getting the cold shoulder,” Hull said.
“I never got open arms, and I’m like, You know what? I want to create that. Why can’t we have our own space? Why can’t it be inviting for everybody? Why does it have to be secluded to a certain type of demographic? So that’s when I just leaned in on that, and it’s, been a match made since.”
With its doors now open, Push Pilates is committed to becoming a cornerstone of wellness in Detroit. Hull and her team invite the community to experience the transformative power of Pilates and embrace a holistic approach to health.
“As an adult, when you start to have real life experiences and you really start to feel what it means to, have to surrender (to God). That’s when I said , okay, you know this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m supposed to feel this tug because I know it’s going to push me to Push Pilates where I’m supposed to be,” Hull said.
For more information about classes, memberships, and upcoming events, visit https://www.studiopushpilates.com/
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