September 22, 2020 | Nashville, TN – In a year of unprecedented challenge for small business, one Middle Tennessee company is eyeing growth with optimism and determination.
Ruby Ramdhan, owner of Nashville’s Marathon Pilates, has grown a healthy business with years of professional experience in the health care industry, and a passion for wellness.
Ramdhan had been a certified Pilates instructor for years before purchasing Marathon Pilates in 2019 … but then, the calendar rolled over to 2020.
The March tornado seriously damaged the company’s East Nashville location, which remains closed. Soon after, the Covid-19 pandemic put the world on lockdown, with gyms and fitness studios of all kinds forced to close.
Ramdhan and her team learned to pivot quickly, offering virtual classes with a high level of production professionalism. Complying with rapidly changing regulations step-by-step, Marathon Pilates offers private sessions at its Green Hills location, and group classes at its 12 South location.
Now, Ramdhan announces plans to expand the 12 South studio (located at 2907 12th Avenue South), more than doubling the physical size from 900 to 2100 sf, and adding programs and services.
“I want this to be a place of healing,” Ramdhan says. “Pilates is just the beginning.”
With the original 900 sf studio accommodating up to three private sessions at a time, the 1200 sf expansion space allows added modalities including barre, spin, dance fitness, yoga, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and more. Specialty gift items and fresh juices have been added to the menu, with a focus on supporting other area small business, especially woman-owned firms. Ramdhan has plans to add fine art, jewelry, and other items.
“It’s important for us to support local business and products,” Ramdhan says.
An area in the expanded studio will accommodate video and streaming events, wellness workshops and education. A flex space will allow multi-use wellness programs such as Assisted Lymphatic Therapy (ALT), therapeutic massage, and physical therapy with special programs for pelvic floor issues (pre- and post-natal, trauma, etc.).
Ramdhan and her team of certified and master trainers share a vision of healing that expands beyond Marathon’s growing walls. Future plans include creating school programs, pop-up events, collaboration and partnerships with other wellness-focused companies.
“There’s just something special about this place,” Ramdhan says. “It’s bigger than us, and we just serve it. Our goal is to be a part of healing this city, this state, and beyond.”
The expanded Marathon Pilates studio officially opens Sept. 26th.
“I want to send out a message that Pilates is for everyone,” Ramdhan says. “I truly believe everyone belongs. Pilates improves and enhances all other workouts. This is a community for all to find welcome, wellness and healing.”
ABOUT PILATES
Pilates is an innovative, low-impact system of exercise consisting of flexibility, muscular strength and endurance movements. Named for its creator, Joseph Pilates, the discipline emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance.
