More Than a Fitness Studio: The Spaces That Shape Us

Some spaces change you.
Boutique studios are often those spaces.
You contribute to its culture, its energy, and the way people feel when they walk through the door.

I wanted to write about this after spending almost a decade in Singapore’s fitness industry, once small and now steadily expanding.

For context, I started my fitness journey, teaching Barre Fitness at a time when Barre was still relatively unknown in Singapore. That made us one of the first few Barre studios introduced locally. The studio I taught at was beautiful, softly lit in the evenings, filled with sunlight during the day, and home to incredible clients who were curious, open, and excited to try a new fitness form. 

Throwback to my Barre Fitness journey back in 2017

Alongside teaching Barre, I was committed to dancing professionally and practicing yoga as a personal anchor. During this time, I was already moving through boutique studios, learning, observing, and deepening my connection to the wellness world beyond performance.

Pilates back in 2022

I began my journey as a Pilates instructor at this boutique fitness studio called Momentum lab, where I started building my private clientele and shifted my focus towards clinical Pilates tailored to each individual’s unique body. I had the best mentors and support around me. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Momentum Lab had to close its doors, after being one of the pioneering boutique Pilates and fitness studios in Singapore.

I then moved on to sharing my expertise at another boutique studio offering exclusive Pilates classes, focusing on private and semi-private sessions using various Pilates equipment. I remember it was the coziest studio setup. I loved the intimacy of this style of training and how it allowed me to create a unique bond with each individual client I crossed paths with. Many of them are still in close contact with me today, and some continue to train privately with me. I count my blessings every day.

Aphy Active Shoot @ On Good Ground

Throughout my Pilates journey, I never stopped sharing my love for Barre.

This led me to reconnecting and joining a few beautiful souls who were opening up a local boutique studio in the East of Singapore called On Good Ground, offering both Pilates and Yoga. This was back in 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic.

As part of the first team of instructors in our physical space, I felt a deep sense of ownership, not just towards the space or my role as a Barre instructor, but towards witnessing the growth of a small studio that carried an expansive, grounded, and deeply nourishing energy.

Even though I no longer run regular classes here due to my travels and other commitments, this space still holds a huge place in my heart.

I was incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to lead my dream of running a Barre Teacher Training Program here. It showed me how trust within a team allows for expansion beyond classes, schedules, or titles, and into leadership, creativity, and shared vision.

I’ve now held two Barre Teacher Training programs at On Good Ground so far, and honestly, my heart still tingles every time I talk about it 🥰
If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the option as a Barre instructor, stay tuned for our third edition coming very soon!

And then came Studio Glaze, a space that has deeply shaped this big chapter of my journey.

It’s only been almost a year, but the depth of learning, growth, and belonging I’ve experienced here feels far greater than time alone can measure. Being part of this journey has reminded me why I fell in love with boutique studios in the first place — the care, the intention, the people.

There are so many things I love about Studio Glaze that I could easily write another page just about this place alone, which might also be slightly biased, considering I spend almost 70% of my time in Singapore here, but it truly feels so special!

Being part of a founding team, especially in the midst of a Pilates trend, while holding strong branding, values, and message, is something I don’t take lightly. I’m deeply grateful to be doing this work in a space that feels aligned to my core (pun intended).

As we approach our first year anniversary, I look back in awe, not at what I have built, but at what we’ve built together.
The team, the shared vision, and the magic that naturally unfolds when people move with integrity and love. ♥︎

As I continue teaching in boutique studios, I want to honour every space that has welcomed me, whether here in Singapore, in Australia, or in New York City.

To boutique studios around the world: I see you.

I see the care that goes into curating your brand, the long hours behind the scenes, the intention behind every class, and the courage it takes to build something that feels true to you.

You are not just offering movement.

You are creating community, safety, and a sense of belonging, and yes, that work matters deeply!

I like to think of each studio I teach at like a garden.

What you put into it matters.

How you set the space.
How you water the soil. 
How you invite the sunlight in.

You tend to it beyond the hours you’re physically there.

The people are the soil. Your clients. Fellow instructors. The energy you surround yourself with.
With time, care, and consistency, strength grows. Trust grows. Community grows.

And to be very honest, how fortunate are we as instructors to be able to choose spaces that align with us? With the growth of Pilates and other boutique studios, there is an abundance of opportunity. But really. Alignment, values, and community are what truly make a space worth committing to.

My ultimate message with this boutique studio chat is simple.

Whether you’re an instructor just starting out or deeply rooted in your journey, or whether you’re a client/practitioner choosing where to move, continue to support small boutique studios.

Don’t be afraid to share your love openly for the spaces that make you feel seen, supported, and inspired to return.

Many of these spaces are built on care, intention, and human connection.

As I continue creating and holding spaces, both physical and online, I carry this journey with deep gratitude.
I’m thankful for every studio, every team, and every community that has shaped me into who I am today.

Because movement has always been more than exercise to me.
It’s how we build safety, belonging, and connection — together.

Love and light,
Winny (Winota) x