A new Pilates studio with infrared heat and on-site childcare is coming to Lorton.
Studio Zo Pilates is aiming to open this summer at 7708 Gunston Plaza. Construction is currently underway to flip the former, 2,000-square-foot employment agency into a fitness studio with space for about 20 to 30 people in infrared-heated group classes, founder Zoya Burgess told FFXnow.
A Fairfax County resident, Burgess said she previously drove up to an hour away from home to attend Pilates classes in D.C. and Arlington. It was an inconvenient set-up for the business development manager and stepmom, who wanted to create something a little closer to home, with a childcare component.
Plans for the new studio include a front lobby, studio space and separate childcare room, where class participants can bring their kids as needed. Burgess is still confirming the occupancy but said the space could likely have up to eight kids at a time.
“There’s a lot of families, there’s a lot of commuters and a lot of people who drive into D.C. and Arlington … but then they come back home to Lorton and they have kids,” Burgess said. “I wanted to make it as accessible as possible for parents — not just anyone who wanted to work out, but people who wanted to work out but also have kids.”
In Lorton, Burgess plans to offer a mix of group classes and private events. Classes will use mats instead of reformers in a confined studio space with an infrared heating system, which Burgess says can improve circulation, mobility and muscle relaxation during workouts.
The founder hopes to create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, where she can share the workout that has helped improve her own health and fitness.
“I wanted to build something more upscale, something really bougie so when people come in, they feel nice. It’s just a place that they feel happy,” Burgess said. “They can meet with their community and a group of women and men who come together for the same purpose.”
Founding memberships are now available. The deal includes unlimited classes for a month starting at $179, or $219 for unlimited classes with childcare. Founding members pay their first month upfront, but won’t be charged until one month after the studio has opened.
To drum up interest, Burgess has been hosting pop-up events and Pilates classes throughout the region this spring.
The next pop-up is planned at Land Rover Chantilly (4120 Auto Park Circle) on Mother’s Day (May 10). A private event geared toward female financial advisors will be held in Alexandria on May 28.
