Before turning thirty, Heather Andersen had already lived multiple creative lives. A professional dancer by training, she moved to New York City at fifteen to study ballet with the American Ballet Theatre. Immersed early in discipline, form, and repetition, she developed a physical intelligence that would later define her approach to movement beyond the stage.
Her curiosity extended beyond performance. In her late teens and early twenties, Heather pursued certifications in both Gyrotonic and Pilates, drawn to the mechanics of alignment and longevity. What began as cross-training evolved into a practice of its own—one capable of supporting strength, grace, and durability over time.
In 2013, Heather opened Manhattan’s first dedicated group reformer studio in a small underground space in Greenwich Village. At the time, Pilates was widely perceived as clinical or rehabilitative. The studio proposed something different: a practice that was precise yet expressive, social yet disciplined, and deeply connected to its environment.
The space quickly attracted a creative community—artists, dancers, musicians, and cultural figures—drawn to the rhythm, music, and intentionality of the classes. Pilates was reframed not as a corrective exercise, but as a modern movement practice with cultural relevance.
Born and raised in New York City, Brion Isaacs brought a background shaped by art, music, and design. Growing up in his family’s iconic Lee’s Art Shop, he developed an early understanding of creative environments. After years of freelance design work, he founded Rivington Design House, collaborating with brands across fashion, hospitality, and music.
Alongside his design career, Brion worked as a DJ, performing at venues such as The Beatrice Inn and Le Baron and later touring internationally. His experience with sound, lighting, and pacing became central to shaping the sensory language of New York Pilates.
Together, Heather and Brion approached each studio as a complete environment. Lighting was treated like an installation. Soundtracks were curated with intention. Movement unfolded with rhythm and control. Each space was built by hand, expanding organically across New York City and the Hamptons.
From the beginning, New York Pilates grew without outside investment, allowing the founders to maintain full creative control. The result was a brand that felt cohesive, deliberate, and deeply personal—rooted in movement, yet informed by culture.
Movement remains central to the founders’ lives. Heather continues to train daily, drawing from ballet, yoga, and Pilates with a focus on longevity and grace. Brion maintains an active practice across endurance sports and martial arts, crediting Pilates as the foundation of his strength and mobility.
Today, New York Pilates stands as an independent brand shaped by discipline, creativity, and the energy of the city that formed it. Still hands-on. Still intentional. Still New York. New York Pilates remains independently owned, with the founders still actively involved in the studio experience and creative direction across New York City.
“I found New York Pilates SoHo while looking for a Pilates class near me and now it’s my full personality. The vibe is unreal with good music, cool people, and a studio that looks straight out of a design dream. Every Reformer Pilates class hits different. I leave feeling strong, calm, and glowing. The benefits of Pilates are actually real.”
New York Pilates was founded by Heather Andersen, a ballet-trained dancer and Pilates instructor, together with creative partner and co-founder Brion Isaacs.
New York Pilates was founded in 2013, beginning with Manhattan’s first dedicated group reformer studio in Greenwich Village.
New York Pilates approaches movement as both discipline and culture. Rooted in classical training and shaped by design, music, and spatial experience, the brand reframed Pilates as precise, expressive, and distinctly New York.
Yes. New York Pilates has grown independently since its founding, maintaining full creative control without outside investment.
Movement remains central to the founders’ lives. Heather Andersen continues to train daily, drawing from ballet, yoga, and Pilates with a focus on longevity and grace.
