Imagining a Pilates studio often conjures images of slender bodies in tranquil suburban settings. Yet this vision can feel alien to many, especially Black women, who may see themselves excluded from this narrative. Melanie Steele’s vision for Pilates in Detroit goes beyond what most expect when they think of a Pilates studio. When Pilates comes to mind, many envision a world that is far removed from the realities of most everyday women, especially Black women. Steele knew that had to change. Pilates, a practice with numerous benefits for both mind and body, seemed out of reach for women of color. Steele wanted to create a place where all women could feel welcomed, supported, and empowered by their health journey.
Sculpt Pilates, located right in the heart of Midtown on Woodward Avenue, opened its doors on September 9, 2024, and is already setting the tone for what Pilates can look like when it centers Black women. Steele is passionate about breaking the stereotype of who Pilates is for. “Pilates is for every body,” Steele says. She means it, too. She’s determined to make her studio a space where Black women, curvier women, and women who haven’t felt included in the wellness world, can feel at home.
When you walk into Sculpt Pilates, you don’t see the cold, intimidating atmosphere often associated with fitness spaces. Instead, it feels warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Steele made sure that everything about the studio reflects the community it serves. The instructors are diverse and approachable, the space is modern, and the classes are designed to make everyone feel capable and empowered.
Senior Reporter, Ebony JJ Curry, takes class with owner Melanie Steele.
Exercise has always played a crucial role in overall well-being. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, it supports mental health by releasing endorphins, which help manage stress and improve emotional balance. Pilates, developed in the 1920s, focuses on controlled movements that build strength, improve flexibility, and promote mindfulness. For women who often find themselves balancing multiple responsibilities, Pilates can be a lifeline.
During the pandemic, Pilates saw a resurgence. Many people rediscovered it as a way to stay active while managing stress. But even with this increase in popularity, Black women and women of color still felt disconnected from the practice. Fatphobia, racism, and lack of representation have long been issues in the fitness industry, and Pilates was no exception. Steele understands that women of color, particularly curvy women, may not feel Pilates was designed for them. This misconception is harmful, keeping many from the benefits of the practice.
Steele’s mission is clear: she wants to remove the stigma surrounding Pilates and make it accessible for everyone. “We need spaces where we feel celebrated, not just tolerated,” she says. That’s exactly what Sculpt Pilates offers—a space where women of color can engage in a practice that supports their well-being, both mentally and physically, without feeling out of place or unwelcome.
Steele is committed to making sure women who step into her studio don’t feel judged or out of place. That’s why she offers Discovery Classes, a complimentary 30-minute session for beginners, allowing them to experience Pilates without the pressure of jumping into something unfamiliar. These classes help participants get comfortable with the reformer equipment and foundational exercises while learning the unique benefits Pilates provides. Steele wants everyone to have a hands-on introduction so that no one feels intimidated by the process.
Sculpt Pilates offers a variety of classes designed to fit different fitness levels and goals. From Sculpt Foundation, a beginner-friendly class, to more challenging options like Sculpt Endurance, there’s something for everyone. Each class focuses on building strength, flexibility, and endurance, with specific offerings like Sculpt Obliques and Cheeks, which targets the core and glutes, or Sculpt Stretch and Recovery, which focuses on flexibility and muscle recovery. The aim isn’t just to tone the body but to empower women to take control of their health.
The Pilates industry has a diversity problem. It’s no secret that fitness spaces have historically been built for certain body types and communities while excluding others. Pilates studios are often located in affluent areas, and the classes can be pricey. For women in underserved communities, this creates a significant barrier. Steele’s Sculpt Pilates not only addresses this by being located centrally in Detroit, but also by creating a pricing structure and class offerings that make the practice more accessible.
Representation matters. Women need to see themselves in the spaces where health and wellness are being promoted. Steele understands the importance of this. She knows that having Black women in leadership roles within fitness makes a difference. It shifts the narrative and lets Black women know that these spaces are for them too. Steele and her team of certified instructors are not just teaching Pilates; they’re building community.
Steele believes that wellness spaces should be inclusive. She knows that too often, Black women are left out of the conversation. The media, social pressures, and even well-meaning wellness campaigns often fail to include the stories and voices of Black women. Pilates, like many other forms of fitness, can feel like an exclusive club—until someone like Steele comes along and opens the door for everyone.
By creating Sculpt Pilates, Steele is pushing back against the norms of the Pilates industry and broader wellness culture. She’s creating a movement that centers Black women, giving them the tools to take control of their health. Steele’s studio stands as a testament to what’s possible when inclusivity is at the forefront of fitness spaces.
Sculpt Pilates is a place where women can reconnect with themselves and their health in a supportive, encouraging environment. Steele’s approach is unique, offering something deeper than just physical fitness. She’s building a community where women can thrive together, learn from one another, and support each other on their wellness journeys.
As Sculpt Pilates continues to grow, Steele hopes to inspire other fitness spaces to rethink their approach. She wants to see more wellness environments that are intentional about inclusivity, that center women of color, and that offer safe, welcoming spaces for all body types. Steele believes that when women feel empowered in their health, it can transform every area of their lives.
Sculpt Pilates is already making an impact in Detroit. Steele’s commitment to health, community, and representation is clear. As the doors of Sculpt Pilates remain open, Steele hopes that women—especially Black women—will come to realize that Pilates is for them, that their health matters, and that they deserve to feel seen and supported in every wellness space they enter.
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