Pilates, Scenic Walks, and a Supportive Community: Aya Pilates
Two years ago, I shared our experience with a long-distance move. This time, we moved again, but stayed within Washington State. While I deeply miss the friends and community we left behind, one of the hardest parts was saying goodbye to the Pilates studio I’d come to love.
We’d been talking about moving for several months and although I was part of Aya for only ten months, ever since they first opened, I wasn’t ready to leave just yet and had hoped to stay long enough to celebrate their one-year anniversary.
That said we did move and I found I wanted to share Aya with you! Both so you don't miss the chance to check them out and because they’re now in the process of opening a second studio! Perfect timing.
Last spring, Aya Pilates opened near my home in the Klahanie neighborhood of Sammamish. They offer group reformer classes and I jumped at the chance to expand my Pilates practice beyond the walls of my home. I’d heard about the studio through pre-opening ads, and thanks to what I’d learned through Lindywell I decided to take a chance on their founder’s deal, which offered discounted unlimited membership.!
I’m so glad I did. I’ve loved the instructors, the community, the events, and especially the walks to and from the studio. My hiking excursions and at-home workouts dropped off quite a bit once they opened but in the ten-ish months I was a member I managed to attend 350 group classes and even fit in a private!
Locations
Aya Pilates’ original studio is located in the Klahanie neighborhood of Sammamish, Washington... so most of this post centers around that space. That said, they’re currently in the process of opening a second studio in Madison Park, Seattle, with instructors rotating between the two locations. So no matter which one you attend, much of the information here should still apply.
Depending on when you’re reading this, they may even have more locations! Be sure to check their website for the latest updates... and sometimes maybe you’ll spot a founding member discount banner too.
Madison Park
Location
A second Aya Pilates studio is opening soon in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle. I haven’t visited yet, so I can’t speak to the area personally, but I’ve included links to their Madison Park page and the new location-specific Instagram.
Address: 2737 E Madison St, Seattle
Grand Opening
Their VIP opening is scheduled for May 2, 2025, with the public grand opening following on May 9.
The Studio
From what I’ve gathered, the studio layout will include reformers (possibly in three rows), lockers in the front, and no private session space. I’m assuming the design will echo the Sammamish location so scroll down for details and photos of that space.
Sammamish
Location
The original Aya Pilates opened in Sammamish in the Spring of 2024, within the Klahanie neighborhood. Here's a link to their Instagram page. I had the joy of living about a ten-minute or less walk away so this studio was part of my regular routine.
Address: 4552 Klahanie Drive SE, Sammamish
The Studio
The studio itself is welcoming and beautifully designed. At the entrance, there’s a cozy sitting area, a small curated retail display, and a front desk framed by two open archways. Between those doorways is a shoe rack that gently signals the start of the class zone. The main room fits up to twelve participants, each with a reformer, tower, and chair, plus access to additional props stored along the back wall. Past the main space a third arch leads to a quieter back corner with lockers, coat hooks, a private session area, and a single restroom.
Klahanie Shopping Center
Aya is located in a shopping plaza anchored by QFC. I didn’t explore all the restaurants much since I lived nearby, but I often grabbed groceries or ready-made food from the deli after class before walking home.
For the latest information you can check out the shopping mall directory.
From the front door of Aya, you’ll spot QFC angled across the parking lot. If you walk past the storefront toward the near corner there’s a cozy outdoor seating area tucked between the buildings. Keep going and you’ll reach a set of stairs that lead to a nearby walking trail or, for a gentler route, you can follow the gravel road around QFC instead.,
Trails
There are some truly great trails around the Klahanie area. I appreciated that Pilates gave me a consistent reason to get outside helping me notice subtle shifts in the landscape throughout the year.
How to Get Started at Aya Pilates
Reaching Out
Everyone at Aya is incredibly helpful and happy to answer any questions. That said, I figured I’d share their contact page and some of what I’ve learned firsthand in case it helps you get started!
Parking
I usually walked to the Klahanie location but have never noticed the parking lot too full to park. I’ve heard that parking may be a bit trickier at the Madison Park studio, though I haven’t experienced it myself.
Introductory Offers
Depending on when you join, you might see a founding member discount for new studio. Aya has also offered referral bonuses and recently I saw a 3-class pass for $50 on Instagram. Definitely check with them for the latest offers!
Staying in the Loop
Aya regularly posts updates on Instagram including everything from weekly intentions and themed events to closures and class reminders. I’ve included links to both their Sammamish and Madison Park accounts.
You’ll also receive email updates and/or text messages for specific bookings, waitlist notifications, cancellations, and class completions.
Booking Group Classes
Most class bookings happen through their app though I’ve occasionally seen people added to classes at the front desk as well.
Aya Yoga, Limited Liability Company
Link to their app in the Apple App Store.
Once downloaded the app lets you manage your classes, buy packages, or check your total class count. The classes open for booking one week in advance and the app shows how many spots are filled, lets you join the waitlist, or cancel as needed.
Heads up: If you cancel within 12 hours of class, a late cancellation fee applies.
Any changes to bookings will be emailed to you. This includes new registrations, removal from waitlist, when you cancel, or completed classes.
A Few Booking Quirks
When I was on an unlimited plan I noticed that on renewal days I sometimes couldn’t book early in the morning. I also discovered recently there’s currently a cap of 30 active bookings at a time... something to keep in mind if you attend frequently or, like I did one week, overbook while juggling an unknowable and time limited schedule.
Planning Ahead with the Website
I didn’t use their website to book classes, but I found it much easier to use the website for browsing a full week of class offerings at once and/or filtering by a specific instructor or class type. It was especially useful when Method II was first launched and I needed to confirm its schedule.
Click this link, choose your location, and then you can see the entire schedule. Optionally continue to filter by the instructor and/or class type you want!
Class Cancellations
Occasionally a class may be canceled due to instructor illness, vacations, or power outages.
Funny story... since I lived nearby and shared the studio’s power grid I usually knew when they lost power. One time it went out mid-walk, but I kept going, met up with others who still showed up, and grabbed ice for my cooler at QFC before heading home.
During outages I’d sometimes book the next class of the day and wait to see if the power came back or if I pivot to an at-home workout.
Class Waitlist
If a class is full you can join the waitlist. The app doesn’t show your spot in line, but you can always ask at the front desk and, if a spot opens, you’ll receive an email notification.
I usually check just over 12 hours before class to decide whether to stay on the list or cancel and book something else. I haven’t tested this personally, but I’ve heard they don’t add anyone to a class within two hours of start time... so you should have enough notice if you’re added in.
Booking Private Sessions
The Sammamish studio includes a Cadillac (Trapeze Table) in the back for private lessons. I booked my only private session through the front desk during my final week. It didn’t appear in the app, but I received text and email reminders, and the process was easy. Just ask to schedule one!
Class Types
Regular Classes
You can always check Aya’s website for the most up-to-date list of class types, but at the time I left, these were the ones being offered. I’ve listed them roughly in order of difficulty but do keep in mind that the experience can vary depending on you, the instructor, and how you’re feeling that day.
- Foundation: Covers the fundamental movements and skills that form the base for all Pilates work. If new or unsure feel free to check how many are recommended before trying the others below.
- Method: Builds on the foundational work with more refined technique, movement control, and flow.
- Rejuvenation: Designed to help you restore and reset. While it’s not necessarily easy because it’s still Pilates it is perfect for a lighter day or a recovery session after a tougher class. My first double was Jump followed by a Rejuvenation and I found they were a perfect pairing. This class can vary a lot based on instructor, what they feel like teaching, and if they taught the previous class and knew what may be needed for those that doubled up. Regardless I always left feeling refreshed.
- Precision: Adds targeted toning to the technique learned in Method. If you like barre-style workouts you might love this one as it sometimes has similar style movements.
- Power: Rather than precise movements above this class type adds more weight to the springs to help build strength and sculpt more actively. Depending on the instructor some classes may include more cardio HIIT sections while others simply feel like a weightier version of Precision.
- Jump: This was recently split into two variations: Jump Power and Jump Precision. Either way, you’ll spend most (if not all) of the class using the jump board. Power classes include more cardio-style movement while Precision keeps the springs lighter allowing you to focus more on core control as the lighter spring means you're extended away from the jump board for longer.
- Method II: This was the most advanced class offered when I left though I only had the chance to try it with one teacher so I only have that take on the class. Both times I ended up doubling it after a Precision class and absolutely loved it.
In addition to these scheduled class types instructors may mix and match elements from different formats. For example, I’ve had instructors incorporate the jump board in a non-Jump class. While many classes are based around the reformer they can occasionally shift to mat work with the tower or bring in the chair for part, or even all, of the session. If you want more tower or chair Melissa is awesome at switching more often.
Events
Aya also hosts special events ranging from free music-themed classes and social hours to paid specialty workshops. These are mostly method or precision classes but can be marked as any of the above.
I took a paid Pilates Era workshop once that included two-hours of workout, social time, and goodie bags. I've also tried to hit as many of the themed music classes as I could when I realized my time was limited with Aya as I was moving. These were all a blast and a great way to have more time to connect with others.
Private Classes
At the Sammamish location there’s a dedicated space in the back with a Trapeze Table (Cadillac) and an additional chair for private sessions. I booked one through Anna during my final week to try hanging for the first time and learned I need better grip strength! While the session didn’t appear in the app I did get text and email reminders so the process was still smooth. You can book by speaking with an instructor or someone at the front desk.
The Madison Park studio, from what I understand, is group classes only. That said, Melissa runs a separate studio near Madison Park called Smile & Flow Pilates. While I haven’t had the chance to attend, I’ve heard from other instructors that she offers private lessons with more specialized equipment there. Her studio also looks beautiful on Instagram!
Melissa's studio looks great on Instagram though I never checked it out in person.
Double It Up
A while back, a friend mentioned that she doubled up Missoni’s Jump class with Rejuvenation after and I had to try it. I was immediately hooked. That combo gave me the satisfying burn of a super challenging class, followed by the deep stretch and reset I didn’t know I needed. A group of us kept taking that same pairing every Friday until Missoni left and the schedule changed. That class combo opened the door to me exploring more double-ups.
For me, best approach was to take the more intense class first and follow it with something easier or more restorative. Over time, I began picking class combos based on which instructors I connected with, ones I hadn't tried yet, and mainly what worked best with my schedule.
My most packed day? The Friday before my move I realized it was the perfect time to try out multiple instructors and there was even a 7 PM social class on the schedule. I ended up taking five classes with four different instructors! To keep it manageable, I spaced them out over 13 hours with 6 am, 7 am, 1 pm (Rejuvenation reset), 6 pm, and 7 pm.
During those final weeks I wasn't sure if I was pushing too hard or if Pilates was the only thing keeping me going while packing.
Instructors
This studio is amazing at finding great instructors. I’ve genuinely never had a class I didn’t enjoy. I find there's the perfect amount of push to learn while also leaving you confident in your abilities. All the instructors are good at correcting you if your form is off and frequently ask about any mobility issues they may need to substitute for. Check out the link here for the current listing of the team.
More Classical Leaning
I've noticed way more of Joe Pilate's classic moves with Melissa, Scott, and Tammy. Both Melissa and Scott are good at naming the moves which helps you learn the vocabulary and allows you to look it up later to practice on your own, see other takes, and/or help you remember.
Scott is newer at Aya and is good at having us all do the moves correctly as one while slowing down for needed corrections. I don't think we've ever been as uniform as in that class. Lately he gives us two or three spring settings so we can recognize what we need and adjust. And just to note... at the time I left, Scott was the only male instructor on the team.
Melissa prefers to teach from the reformer, unless the class is full, demoing the moves and gets through them quicker offering you a bigger repertoire in one class. For a while we jumped between chair or tower allowing us to learn moves we didn't normally get and feeling more confident on all the offered equipment. Lately she's been teaching us the more traditional exercise flow allowing us, over time, to learn the classical repertoire. She tells us her spring and recommended range but leaves it up to us as we know ourselves best. She has a personal studio called Smile & Flow Pilates located near the Madison Park, Seattle location. Although I haven't had the joy of attending I have been able to enjoy small classes at Aya plus another instructor mentioned her home studio includes more unique equipment.
Both Scott and Melissa often lean into classical Pilates flows with Scott focusing more on form correction while Melissa brings a wider variety of exercises into each class. I highly recommend trying both... whether to complement each other or to discover which style best supports your own practice.
I haven't had as many classes with Tammy as she's often away but her classes seem tougher and I wish I had the chance to try her version of method II. I've only doubled up on her class once as she was only in town briefly and found everyone was surprised at the difficulty. As such I recommend her but if it's your first time maybe try an easier class level. That said, I loved the difficulty she presented.
Dynamic and More Varied in Style
For a more varied style I highly recommend working with Marcela, Anna, and, when there, Missoni.
Marcela's classes always left me feeling strong and energized and I especially loved her HIIT-infused Power sessions when there was the opportunity to spread out more. She was on vacation the week I left so I found myself doubling up her classes near the end to maximize my time with her.
The most varied classes I've had is with Anna who changes up the plan in the best way ever keeping you on your toes. She also led my only private session and has organized most (if not all) of the social hours I’ve attended
I wanted to include Missoni here as she was teaching a lot when they first opened and over that Summer though she's been away most of the time since. She's the first instructor I doubled up on and you always knew you'd be pushed in the best way ever. Her classes were lovingly dubbed spicy and someone once gave her chili pepper stickers to match which she handed out to all of us and both stickers I received I still have.
Everyone Else
The remaining teachers I didn't have as much time with but still enjoyed the classes of are:
Emiwho I mainly took her rejuvenation class of on the Saturdays I could after jump. I found each class truly unique, informative, and was curious what it would be each time.- I didn't take many classes with
Pariabut noticed several moved included alternating movements while telling us how to breath which I enjoyed. Melaniewas the newest instructor I had and I was only able to fit here in a couple times but I enjoyed the novelty.- Another recently hired teacher was
Taylorwho I wish I had more time with but was great. Another instructor I tried to double up near the end to maximize my time with her. - I only had the chance to take a class or two with
Christina, but she came highly recommended by a friend. - I'm including
Torybut only had her as a guest in a the paid Pilates Era workshop.
Before ending this section I wanted to include Celine who has since left Aya but was a part of Aya for most of my time and we really felt the burn with her. Her Instagram feed currently mentions teaching through SolidCore and links to The Practice Space.
They Were All Awesome!
Every teacher at Aya left me feeling stronger, more confident, and inspired. I truly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them!
Unable To Join Aya?
If you’re not able to join Aya whether due to location, schedule, budget, or whatever I completely get it. Before discovering Aya, I started my Pilates journey with at-home mat workouts through Lindywell and kept my online membership going for days I couldn’t make it to the studio.
Kyra
I’ve mentioned Lindywell several times over the years with my most recent write-up in this post. At the bottom you can find a link to her podcast and YouTube channel.
It’s a great online membership that offers short, effective Pilates classes you can do anytime, anywhere. Plus, I include a referral code so you can get $20 off your initial membership and I get $20 in credit for my renewal!
Grateful and Moving Forward
One thing I really appreciated during my time at Aya was how each instructor brought their own unique spin to the classes. As such if you don’t love a particular class at first, I highly recommend trying it again with a different instructor or sticking with the same instructor and exploring one of their other class formats. You might be surprised by what clicks!
Going forward, I plan to continue Pilates through Lindywell but I know I’ll miss the Aya community with the variety of teaching styles, encouragement, and personal connection. I’ve been debating whether to invest in my own reformer or stick with mat-based workouts… or maybe even dive deeper into calisthenics. I’m not sure what comes next, but I’m so glad I found Aya when I did.
I hope this post helps you whether you’re actively looking for a new studio, curious about Aya specifically, or just stumbled across this while exploring Pilates options.
Have you attended Aya? I’d love to hear your favorite memories or tips so feel free to share them in the comments! And if this post helped or made you curious about Pilates, I’d also love to hear from you!
In any case, I bid you adieu and hope you’re having an incredible day, week, and month.
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