"As a small business owner and entrepreneur it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with options, ideas, costs, and logistics. However, my decision to invest in Gratz Pilates equipment was one of the easiest choices I made during that process. As a Pilates instructor I have taught and practiced the method on many different types of equipment, and for me using Gratz always felt like “coming home”. There is a sense of remarkable craftsmanship and quality that I have never felt on any other brand of equipment."

Meagan Witkus, Studio Owner
RISE: Authentic Pilates

STUDIO

RISE: Authentic Pilates is an urban Pilates studio located in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. We are dedicated to teaching the Authentic Pilates method developed by Joe Pilates focusing on individualized attention, small-group training, and building strong relationships within our vibrant community. We like to spoil our clients by providing a relaxed and unpretentious environment while continuing to uphold the highest standards within the Classical Pilates industry. At RISE, our talented instructors support both men and women to develop an empowering fitness routine for life. We specialize in teaching Classical Pilates to everyday people so that anyone with a little dedication and hard work can start to feel stronger and better in their bodies. We pride ourselves in helping individuals integrate Pilates into their daily routines and lifestyles so they can see the benefits of enhanced strength and a greater mind body connection. Our approach towards functional fitness helps educate clients to understand that Pilates can rival the strength, stretch, and control of almost any rigorous exercise program available while reducing their incidence of injury. RISE teaches the Pilates method to a diverse spectrum of people by reaching outside the doors of the studio and providing mobile services to locations such as The Country Club of Asheville and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (College for Seniors) at University of North Carolina-Asheville. RISE: Authentic Pilates is also proud to be an affiliate of the Authentic Pilates Union.

Our unsurpassed teaching skills and relationships within the local community have given RISE the distinguished honor of being voted #1 Best Pilates Studio in Western North Carolina in 2015. In addition Meagan Witkus, studio owner, has been awarded #1 Best Physical Trainer in Western North Carolina for the past three years in a row (2013, 2014, and 2015).

PEOPLE

Meagan Witkus, studio owner, received her first comprehensive Pilates teacher certification in 2010, and then successfully completed an additional 700+ hour Classical Pilates teacher certification program in the Asheville area. Since her immersion into the Classical Pilates world, Meagan was honored to have been selected to receive on-going, intensive advanced teacher training and mentorship from Pilates extraordinaire Kathryn Ross-Nash. Kathryn’s continued support, dynamic teaching style and playful sense of humor have been a driving force in encouraging Meagan to pursue her dreams. Meagan, along with her high caliber of certified instructors at RISE, have also received additional continuing education from the industry’s leading Classical Pilates instructors such as Jay Grimes, Brooke Siler, Mari Winsor, Chris Robinson, and Peter Fiasca. Meagan is also part of a two year ambassadorship program with Lululemon Athletica which supports inspirational leaders within the community who have a passion for elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness. You can read all about our accomplished team of instructors at www.RiseAsheville.com/our-team.

From the Studio owner:

“Pilates has completely changed my life. A few years ago I made the decision to walk away from a successful 10 year career in Social Work with at-risk children to teach Classical Pilates as a full-time instructor and studio owner. I believe whole heartedly in exceptional client care and building strong connections between individuals within your local community. Starting my own Authentic Pilates studio gave me the capability to build my business model based on my strong values and the best interests of my clients. I find that my client’s perseverance and strength are what keep me smiling and bring me back to work each and every day. I feel accountable to each of my clients who continue to motivate me to be a better instructor, friend, and thriving business owner. This is what drives me to work harder, smarter, and to RISE above even my own expectations! There is no happier moment for me than watching a client get stronger and become more empowered with each new and exciting session. Every single day I get to be a catalyst that helps support my clients improved health and well-being. I am honored to see Pilates transform lives right in front of my very own eyes. Living the dream!” - Meagan Witkus

RISE: Authentic Pilates Mission Statement:

~ To provide the highest caliber instruction of Authentic Pilates while maintaining the true integrity and legacy of Joe’s work that has been passed down to our generation of instructors.
To help cultivate, embrace, and empower diverse relationships in the community with unique individuals to support them in becoming fiercely capable, both physically and emotionally.
RISE UP!~