Brooks Pilates is a premier referral-based Pilates studio located in Chelsea, Manhattan. Sarah Brooks is the founder, owner, and operator of Brooks Pilates, and she developed a style of Pilates that incorporates modern cardio while lengthening and sculpting to deliver optimal results.
This August, for the whole month, Brooks Pilates will be at Hero Beach Club and Topping Rose in the Hamptons where Sarah will be teaching group mat classes. They are also doing partnerships with 111Skin, DKNY, OraSpace, FaceGym and Healthrover. More about events and scheduling can be found on their website.
Sarah is excited about her series on the East End and enjoying her time both on and off the mat in the Hamptons. She can’t wait to greet the Brooks Pilates clientele this August out East. She spoke more about her background, the success of her business, and what she is most looking forward to in the Hamptons.
How did you first get into Pilates? Did you have any early experiences that sparked your interest?
SB: I started practicing Pilates when I was 16 years old with a trainer at Gold’s Gym in the Bronx. We had been lifting weights for about a year before she introduced me to Pilates. After that I never looked back because I just loved how it made my body feel!
Can you tell us about your background?
SB: I was born in the Bronx, NY and was raised between Queens and Westchester. I started Pilates in high school and knew when I graduated I wanted to move to Miami to become a Pilates instructor. I spent the summer after high school getting my certification, and when I was 19, I moved to Florida on my own. I decided not to go to college and self-studied anatomy, kinesiology, as well as Pilates. After over 800 hours of practice teaching, I got a job at Equinox and then began my career as an instructor.
What has been the best feedback you’ve received from a client?
SB: The best feedback I have received from multiple clients is how I’ve been able to change their perception of fitness. So many workout methods actually increase inflammation and stress on the body, whereas my method of Pilates promotes pain reduction and mobility so you can do it even when you are 8 months pregnant or suffering from chronic pain. Instead of feeling so sore you can’t move a muscle, you feel elongated and strong, so you can work out daily.
How has your business developed and changed over the years?
SB: I have worked for corporate gyms and many different studios, but I always wanted to open up my own boutique studio so that I could fill in all of the gaps I saw missing from the method—one being building a community. I am very grateful I have been able to do this with Brooks Pilates. Having opened during a pandemic I have had to pivot many times to make things work, and it’s taken some time to gradually build.
What has been the biggest factor in your success?
SB: Someone taught me the 3 Ps many years ago: passion, persistence, and patience. I must say I have all three. I am endlessly passionate about Pilates, I won’t give up until I’ve reached my goals and well, patience is the key. But don’t get me wrong; it is definitely hard at times.
How do you define success?
SB: At this moment, for me, success means I have created an inclusive and positive environment, in particular that my clients are happy, healthy, and pain free. And of course, that includes the same for my instructors.
What’s your favorite pastime in the Hamptons?
SB: I love Montauk. I have been going since I was a kid and although so much has changed, it’s just my happy place. Nothing makes me happier than going to the ditch at 3 and staying until sunset more often than not.
How do your experiences with Brooks Pilates differ from NYC to the Hamptons?
SB: In NYC, we are reformer-based and in the Hamptons, we teach mat Pilates. Everything we do on the reformer comes from the mat repertoire, but it provides assistance and therefore feels so different. But regardless, if you are in the city or on the mat in the Hamptons, you will feel the burn in all the best places!
For more information about Brooks Pilates and their August summer series in the Hamptons visit https://brookspilates.com.
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