Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared And Tanja Whitman.
Hi Jared and Tanja, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey with Club Pilates began in 2021. Like many others, the post-COVID period prompted us to reflect on our priorities—seeking a healthier lifestyle, more meaningful time with our kids, and a way to contribute positively to others’ well-being. The pandemic reminded us just how precious time with loved ones truly is, and that realization became the foundation of our mission.
With that in mind, we set out to bring the benefits of Pilates to our community by opening Club Pilates studios across the Nashville area. Our first locations in Murfreesboro launched in 2022 and 2023, and the overwhelming support and success there allowed us to fully dedicate ourselves to this path.
Building on that momentum, we opened our East Nashville studio in June 2025 and are excited to expand further with our Mt. Juliet location, slated to open in January 2026. Through each studio, our goal remains the same: to help others discover strength, balance, and wellness—both physically and in life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Any small business owner will tell you—nothing about the journey is ever completely smooth. As first-time business owners, we had a lot to learn, and the learning curve was steep. But from the beginning, we were fully committed to doing whatever it took to make our studios successful.
Without prior experience in sales, we knew we had to dive in and educate ourselves quickly. We spent time absorbing everything we could in this area so we could not only drive growth ourselves but also effectively train and support our team.
Beyond sales, we prioritized building a strong, positive studio culture—one rooted in accountability and mutual respect. We focused on hiring individuals who weren’t just qualified, but who aligned with our values and contributed meaningfully to our team. Many of them have become foundational to our success.
Of course, we’ve made mistakes along the way. But we’ve always been honest with ourselves when we have, and we’ve made it a point to learn from those experiences and grow. It’s all part of building something real and lasting.
We’ve been impressed with Club Pilates, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We offer Reformer-based group fitness Pilates classes, each led by a certified Pilates instructor. Along with the Reformer, our classes incorporate mats, EXO Chairs, TRX, springboards, weights, and other accessories to keep workouts dynamic and effective. Our schedule includes classes at all experience levels — whether you’re brand new to Pilates or have been practicing for years, you’ll find options that are both safe and challenging for you. Each class is 50 minutes long and can be conveniently booked through the Club Pilates app.
Pilates Benefits:
– Improved Core Strength: Targets deep abdominal muscles, enhancing overall core stability.
– Increased Flexibility: Promotes greater range of motion in joints and muscles.
– Better Posture: Strengthens the muscles responsible for alignment, reducing slouching and improving posture.
– Low-Impact Exercise: Provides a full-body workout with minimal stress on the joints, making it ideal for rehabilitation and injury prevention.
– Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Improves proprioception and body awareness, leading to better coordination and stability.
– Muscle Tone and Definition: Builds lean muscle mass and tones the body, especially in the legs, arms, and core.
– Spinal Health: Strengthens muscles supporting the spine, improving spinal alignment and reducing the risk of back pain.
– Increased Mind-Body Connection: Focuses on controlled movements and breathing, fostering mindfulness and mental clarity.
– Improved Breathing and Circulation: Promotes deep breathing techniques, increasing lung capacity and circulation.
– Adaptable for All Fitness Levels: Can be modified for beginners to advanced practitioners, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
Benefits of a Group Fitness Setting:
– Personalized Attention: With a maximum of 12 participants per class, instructors can provide individualized guidance to ensure proper form, safety, and an effective workout.
– Supportive Environment: The small group size creates a welcoming and judgment-free atmosphere where members can connect and encourage one another.
– Balance of Individual Focus and Group Energy: Members benefit from both 1-on-1 attention and the motivation of working out in a group setting.
– Safe and Inclusive: Instructors can monitor each participant closely, making classes suitable for all fitness levels, including beginners or those recovering from injuries.
– Community Feel: Members get to know each other, forming a sense of camaraderie and support within the studio.
What Makes Us Different? (Our Core Values)
1. Classes for Every Fitness Level
Structured class levels to make Pilates accessible for beginners, athletes, older adults & those recovering from injuries.
2. Longevity-Focused Fitness
We help you build strength, balance & mobility with Pilates today for a better tomorrow!
3. More Advanced Equipment
Our premium reformers are the backbone of every class, but we also use EXO chairs, Springboards, TRX, weights & more for added variety & full-body workouts.
4. Expert Instructors
Certified, knowledgeable instructors tailor classes to your needs while prioritizing safety & getting you results.
5. Small Classes – Big Schedule
We offer classes 7 days a week & with just 12 attendees per class, instructors can focus on the individual needs of each member.
What’s next?
We are mostly looking forward to opening our Mt Juliet location at the beginning of 2026, but we are also having plans to expand further into the Smyrna, Hermitage and Lebanon areas within the next 3 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clubpilates.com/murfreesboro – www.clubpilates.com/westmurfreesboro – www.clubpilates.com/eastnashville – www.clubpilates.com/mtjuliet
