Stylish New Pilates Studio Springs to Life in Memorial

Jason Haas
Stylish New Pilates Studio Springs to Life in Memorial

Baber and Robart of The Well Pilates Studio

A NEW BOUTIQUE-fitness concept has sprung to life in West Houston. The Well Pilates Studio, founded by two Houstonians, opened this weekend on Memorial near Wilcrest, in the heart of a community noticeably lacking in studio-style gyms.


A labor of love, The Well is located in a space that was at one point a dry cleaner, but has been vacant for years. Owners Kristin Baber and Kate Robart, both blonde and bubbly and strikingly fit, outfitted the concrete shell with a palette of soothing greens and tans, aiming to give the fitness studio a spa-like feel. The open-concept-style floorplan feels airy and urbane.

As for the workout, expect a Pilates reformer routine with a big extra dose of strength training and cardio. Those famous Pilates “shakes” will find you early on in the 50-minute class, but don’t be discouraged: Between the encouraging instructors (Baber and Robart are among them) and the upbeat music, the class flies by. During opening weekend, first-timers and Pilates veterans alike left dripping in sweat and smiling wide.

The 10 Xformer machines are custom-made for The Well, featuring a beautiful brown leather on the platforms and carriage, and black and gold accents. Other features of the studio include sleek lockers, comfortable seating, and a curated retail section with giftable and funky little items, recalling a mini Kuhl-Linscomb.

The Well offers classes seven days a week, and clients can book their spot up to two weeks in advance. Grip socks are required, but can be purchased in-studio.

Style
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Windsor Fire cocktail at Marigold Club

HOUSTON BARS AND restaurants are making the most of Dry January by revamping their cocktail and mocktail lists. Increasingly, patrons are searching for non- and low-alcoholic options to capitalize on health and wellness benefits — and the city's best mixologists are taking note. Standard offerings like a virgin mule or a fun lemonade remain, but read on for some of the more inventive mocktails you'll find on menus around town!

Keep Reading Show less
Food

John & Amanda Taylor, Stephanie Willis, Jason Weddle

AMONG THE MANY festive fetes held at The Post Oak Hotel over the Christmas season was the 50th annual Spindletop Holiday Ball.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties