Pilote Pilates: a women-owned wellness haven in Sunset Park

Since opening its doors in late 2025, Pilote Pilates has quickly made a strong impression in Sunset Park. Neighbors are drawn to its thoughtfully structured classes and the welcoming, supportive energy of the studio. Early buzz suggests it is already becoming a go-to wellness space in the community, a place where residents can build strength, find balance, and connect close to home.

With a strong early reputation, Pilote Pilates is getting praised by locals and visitors alike. Reviewers describe a clean, calming space and instructors who are attentive and knowledgeable.

Located on the second floor at 462 36th St, Pilote Pilates offers a calm and inviting studio tucked into the neighborhood. The consistent feedback points to more than just effective workouts. It highlights a studio culture rooted in care and professionalism.

Pilote Pilates is more than a workout. It is a community hub for movement, mindfulness, and connection in Sunset Park. The studio offers small-group Reformer, Core, and Sculpt classes, with students able to alternate between Reformer and Mat Pilates, making sessions accessible for all levels.

Whether newcomers are stepping onto a reformer for the first time, the spring-based Pilates machine with a sliding carriage and straps, or experienced students are refining their practice, the supportive atmosphere helps everyone feel welcome. With its focus on personalized instruction and building a sense of community, Pilote Pilates is quickly becoming a neighborhood destination for those looking to strengthen both body and mind.

Drawing from 15 years in health and wellness, Rita Bodrova, with the support of her husband Anzor, entered entrepreneurship with the goal of building something rooted in connection. As a first-time studio owner, she envisioned a space that feels approachable and neighborhood-centered, a place where community, mindfulness, and individualized support help make Sunset Park a little stronger and more connected.

“I’ve lived here for 14 years and I’m familiar with the neighborhood,” Bodrova said. “We have great infrastructure, and great people around. You don’t see a lot of places with luxury. I wanted to make something beautiful here.”

As a woman-owned business in the neighborhood, Pilote Pilates reflects a broader commitment to diversity and representation within the wellness space. Building the studio required both vision and authenticity, qualities Bodrova hopes to model for others considering entrepreneurship.

“We have an instructor that speaks Spanish and English,” Bodrova said. Living in such a diverse area, she wants to ensure inclusivity is reflected within the studio itself. “We have a lot of requests for instructors that are bilingual.”

This commitment to representation is also what Bodrova believes sets Pilote Pilates apart. For her, the difference lies in flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

“A lot of studios like to frame their exercise on the brand name, not adjusting based upon the people,” Bodrova said. “Every instructor should bring their own technique and what they love about Pilates.”

Even with her clients, Bodrova nurtures a sense of closeness, making Pilote Pilates a space where community, encouragement, and belonging are just as important as the workouts themselves.

“I don’t treat them as clients, it’s more of a family at this point,” Bodrova said. “For example, Sarah struggles with knee pain or George with back pain.” It is this attention to each individual that makes the studio feel less like a business and more like a close-knit community.

Students say Pilote Pilates is more than a workout. It is a neighborhood sanctuary. “It’s about feeling centered, challenged, and encouraged all at once,” said Jemma Sanchez. “The instructors genuinely care about your progress.”

Pilote Pilates is not just a studio. It is a community where residents of all levels find strength, balance, and support in a welcoming, neighborhood-centered space.