Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pilates Studio in Knoxville
Founded in 2013, The Guild Pilates + was established to enhance Knoxville's wellness landscape through comprehensive Pilates instruction. Our studio offers diverse class formats including Group Reformer sessions, private and semi-private lessons, and livestream mat classes accessible globally. Led by owner Lisa Blake, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in dance, fitness, and Pilates instruction, we combine classical techniques with modern methodologies to serve students of all ability levels. Our team includes Master Instructors Kimberly Chandler and Mika Yoshida, who contribute to an expansive weekly schedule tailored to Knoxville's growing wellness community. We provide personalized training solutions using weights, props, and bodyweight exercises for improved strength and mobility.In 2020, we expanded services to include virtual instruction and launched Tennessee's first nationally recognized Pilates Teacher Training program in partnership with Susie Gorman Green. Our approach integrates classical Pilates apparatus with contemporary fitness principles to optimize posture and movement efficiency. With flexible scheduling available through our mobile app and multiple booking options, we prioritize accessibility for both local and remote clients. Our instructors bring decades of combined experience in movement therapy and physical conditioning to every session. Through community engagement and digital innovation, we continue advancing our mission to make Knoxville a healthier place to live and work.
Services
Group Reformer Classes
Private Pilates Sessions
Semi-Private Lessons
Livestream Mat Classes
Functional Personal Training
Pilates Teacher Training
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer Tennessee's first nationally recognized Pilates Teacher Training program
- Our team includes Master Instructors with decades of combined experience
- We provide both in-studio and global livestream class options
- We combine classical Pilates techniques with modern fitness methodologies
- Our flexible scheduling includes 24/7 online booking through our mobile app
Services
Group Reformer Classes
Our Group Reformer classes blend classical Pilates choreography with instructor-specific modifications to improve overall body strength and flexibility. Students develop efficient movement patterns while enhancing posture through structured reformer workouts. Ideal for all fitness levels, these sessions focus on controlled movements that stretch, strengthen, and tone musculature while promoting joint stability and core engagement.
Private Pilates Sessions
Customized private sessions provide individualized attention for clients with specific physical needs or beginners seeking foundational instruction. These tailored sessions address personal limitations while developing proper Pilates technique through personalized exercise programming. Available with all certified instructors, private lessons ensure focused attention on individual progress and form correction.
Livestream Mat Classes
Accessible global livestream mat classes deliver our signature instruction format directly to home environments. Utilizing Zoom technology, these sessions maintain the quality of in-studio experiences while offering location flexibility. Participants receive real-time feedback during mat-based workouts that emphasize core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement patterns.
Functional Personal Training
Our functional training programs combine traditional weights, resistance props, and bodyweight exercises to optimize physical performance. Designed for fat loss and strength development, these sessions improve daily movement efficiency while enhancing sports-specific capabilities. Trainers create progressive programs targeting individual fitness goals across all age groups and ability levels.
Pilates Teacher Training
Tennessee's first nationally recognized Pilates Teacher Training program develops qualified instructors through comprehensive curriculum partnerships. This advanced program covers classical apparatus techniques, modern teaching methodologies, and practical instruction experience. Participants earn industry-recognized credentials while mastering both foundational and specialized Pilates training approaches.
People
Lisa Blake
Owner/Founder
Lisa Blake, a Knoxville native with extensive experience in NYC and LA as a dancer, trainer, and Pilates instructor, established The Guild Pilates + in 2013. Her diverse background combines dance, fitness, and wellness expertise to create accessible programs for all ability levels while leading Tennessee's first nationally recognized teacher training initiative.
Kimberly Chandler
Master Instructor
Master Instructor Kimberly Chandler contributes specialized Pilates expertise to The Guild's comprehensive class offerings. With advanced training in classical apparatus techniques, she delivers high-quality instruction across multiple formats while maintaining the studio's commitment to technical excellence and client-centered programming for Knoxville's wellness community.
Mika Yoshida
Master Instructor
Master Instructor Mika Yoshida brings specialized Pilates knowledge to The Guild's diverse class schedule. Certified in classical reformer and apparatus techniques, she provides expert instruction tailored to various skill levels while supporting the studio's mission to make professional Pilates accessible to Knoxville residents and virtual participants worldwide.
Susie Gorman Green
Pilates Sports Center Master Trainer
Susie Gorman Green partners with The Guild to develop Tennessee's first nationally recognized Pilates Teacher Training program. As a Master Trainer from Pilates Sports Center, she contributes advanced curriculum development expertise and certification standards that elevate instructor training quality across the region.
Questions
What Pilates equipment do you use?
We use traditional Pilates apparatus including Reformers, Cadillacs, and Wunda Chairs, along with standard mat equipment for comprehensive training options.
Do you offer beginner-friendly classes?
Yes, all our Group Reformer classes accommodate various skill levels, and we provide private sessions specifically for beginners to develop foundational techniques.
Can I access classes remotely?
Yes, we offer livestream mat classes and private sessions via Zoom for global participants, maintaining the same quality as our in-studio experiences.
Are private training sessions available?
Private Pilates sessions and semi-private lessons (2:1 ratio) are available with all certified instructors, offering personalized attention for specific needs.
Do you provide instructor certification programs?
Yes, we partner with Pilates Sports Center to offer Tennessee's first nationally recognized Pilates Teacher Training program since 2020.
What scheduling options exist?
Flexible booking through our mobile app, website, Facebook page, or direct contact allows 24/7 registration for all class formats and private sessions.
Reviews (2)
Kim Pouncey
Jan 25, 2021
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Kimberly is a great instructor. As a studio, The Guild is very attentive to the clients, their needs and preferences. Even with COVID - they were able to do Zoom classes which have been very helpful during such a stressful time. This is not a drill instructor type setting but a setting of learning, growing, and becoming your on strong self. Thanks everyone for all of your efforts!
Luna Wolf
Dec 15, 2018
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Kimberly Beets is an amazing instructor! Ive only taken bellydance classes under her, but she is an incredible educator. She is knowledgeable and has been a part of the bellydance community for quite sometime. I plan on taking Pilates classes with her very soon as Im trying the expand my workouts from just dance, yoga, and spin cycling.
