When Heidi Folkerds first started attending Pilates classes, she didn’t feel like she fit in. “I’m a little eccentric and I didn't dress the part, I didn't look the part,” she says. “So, I thought I'd create a space that was a little different, a little unique.”
In November of 2018, she founded Lumos7 Pilates in Minneapolis, which emphasizes inclusivity, fun, and strength. “As someone who has a background in exercise science, I really wanted to create a fitness space that was both fun and functional, but I was also looking at what the local community could use and need.”
Heidi’s vision has been working out well, and it’s constantly evolving. “We've found more ways to be inclusive, whether it's how we cue things, how we talk to people, or how we bring them into the space and make it more fun.”
She and her team of certified instructors attend many continuing education courses. “I'm really picky about who I hire, and I look for people who got into the industry because they want to help people feel better, feel stronger, move better, and become more confident in their bodies.”
With their extensive experience and deep knowledge, they can literally work with anybody, from extremely athletic clients who want to be constantly challenged to those who have to take it slower due to age or medical conditions. Right now, Lumos7 has clients from ages 16 to 87, and is able to meet all of their needs and capabilities.
Heidi actually named her business after her goal of illuminating people’s minds and bodies with the seven Pilates principles that it teaches. These principles include Breath, Control, Centering, Alignment, Relaxation, Precision, and Flow.
“Our trainers comes with different experiences and different backgrounds,” she says. “They are all really talented, and while they each have a slightly different approach, each one of their approaches can be tied into some or all of these principles in one way or another.”
Some clients may prefer trainers that focus on the breath, while others prefer those who focus on being precise and finding flow in movements. “Some of our clients come every day, and they're getting a high quality yet very different experience each time.”
Lumos7 Pilates offers multiple types of classes – all the way from beginner to athletic, but Heidi recommends that all new clients start out with private sessions in order to find out exactly what they need and can do.
“People often realize they're a lot stronger than they thought, so we build that confidence and try to help them feel things they've never felt before.” The ultimate goal is for clients to leave feeling refreshed and more focused.
Trainers also often incorporate specialized Pilates equipment, such as reformers, towers, and chairs. All utilize spring tension, which is quickly and easily customizable. Adjusting this tension is a simple way to either increase or decrease the challenge or intensity level of any workout.
The majority of her trainers, who have been with Heidi since the beginning, have developed strong relationships with clients, many of whom have also been there for years. “Everyone loves coming here. They feel comfortable. Clients trust us, so they're willing to try new things or push their bodies a little bit more because they already feel safe.”
There’s also a strong sense of community. “We're living in a time where private equity is buying out a lot of boutique Pilates studios,” she says. “They have tried to purchase my studio from me and I've turned them down. I was born and raised in Minneapolis. I live here now. I've put down roots. I plan to own this studio for the long term and keep it run by local trainers.”
Adds Heidi, “Minneapolis and St. Paul in the Twin cities have had to endure many hardships over the past seven to eight years. Lumos7 Pilates provides a space where people are amongst like-minded individuals. Here, people feel cared for, they feel seen, they make friends. We all feel connected to each other.”
She’s looking forward to growing her clientele and expanding her offerings while maintaining a sense of stability. “My husband and I bought the building that our studio's located in, so we have a permanent home. People trust that we're going to be here next year and the year after. There's just so much good that’s happened and I'm just so grateful for the community and the amazing people that we've attracted.”
To find out more and/or to sign up for a class, go to Lumos7Pilates.com or call (612) 886-2339.