South Jersey’s First Club Pilates Studio Opens in Marlton Crossing

Joe Gonzalez knows all too well the detrimental effects of poor health and fitness habits. His mother Carol raised two children as a single parent, always putting them ahead of herself. She struggled to find meaningful jobs that balanced her work and life, and as a result her health fell far down her list of priorities. After decades of battling several ailments, she passed away in 2009.

“I strongly believe that if she had access to a local fitness establishment, she would have overcome these ailments and possibly still be here today,” said Gonzalez.

As he and his wife Rachel pursued their joint goal of small business ownership, staked by decades spent in unrelated careers to save money, they knew they wanted to do something that would encourage healthy lifestyles. Providing those individuals with a welcoming, “judgment-free” environment to pursue their health goals was an equally high priority.

In August, the Gonzalezes, who reside in Maplewood, N.J., opened the first Club Pilates studio in South Jersey, in Marlton Crossing, along Route 73 in Evesham Township. A grand opening event, featuring a ribbon cutting and Pilates demonstrations, is planned for the weekend of Oct. 7, 2022. To support the launch, and in keeping with the owners’ commitment to giving something back to the community, Club Pilates Marlton will offer a free 30-minute assessment and one-month membership to all first responders, from Evesham and elsewhere.

“Owning our own business has been a dream of ours for years,” said Joe Gonzalez, who formerly worked in the marketing industry. “This is a personal journey for us to help others maintain good health for the long term.”

Pilates, developed in the early 20th Century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, is a true full-body form of exercise, says Gonzalez. “It combines the mind-body aspect of yoga with gymnastics and calisthenics. It supports flexibility, posture, and strength. And It can be used as a supplement to current fitness routines or it can be a person’s sole form of fitness.”

Because intensity can vary greatly, he adds, anyone can start Pilates, including those with physical ailments, older individuals, and even pregnant women. It can also benefit professional athletes.

Befitting that accessibility, along with the mental elements of Pilates, the Gonzalezes were intent on delivering instruction in a studio designed to be unintimidating as well as warm and inviting, by staff who are immersed in a culture consistent with their passion for attaining a healthy mind and body.

“It’s so easy to de-prioritize fitness as people live their busy lives,” Joe Gonzalez said. “We want to provide them with an accessible, safe, consistent and comprehensive form of fitness that can support a healthy lifestyle. We believe Pilates is the ideal form of exercise to attain that goal.”

Club Pilates Marlton is open now seven days a week. For more information, call 856-334-0777 or visit www.clubpilates.com/location/marlton.