Embodying Inclusivity & Connection: A Q&A With The Founders Of ALL Studio (Win!)

Founded by Katie McKenzie in 2019, ALL Studio emerged as an inclusive and trauma-aware movement space. Together with co-founder Taren, Katie has shaped a unique community that embraces accessibility, holistic wellness, and respect for every participant. Discover how ALL Studio’s approach to Pilates and movement fosters empowerment for all. —Noa Nichol

Reformer Pilates has seen a significant surge in popularity recently. What do you think has driven this trend, and how has it changed the fitness landscape

As life’s stresses continue to increase, we have noticed people are shifting toward movement practices that challenge yet support both body and mind. Instead of workouts that leave them depleted, they seek ones that foster connection and empowerment. We’ve seen rising demand for anatomically-grounded, rehabilitative movement that builds both muscular and functional strength—helping people move with ease and avoid injury. Pilates meets all these needs, offering functional, adaptable exercises that strengthen the body and empower the mind.

ALL Studio’s focus on a consent-based and trauma-aware environment is quite unique. Can you share what inspired you to adopt this approach, and how it impacts the overall experience for your clients?

Katie’s expertise as a somatic practitioner has been central to developing the ALL Method, a holistic approach that is reflected in all of our services. At ALL Studio, we recognize  that the body and mind are interconnected, and we support  the nervous system to ensure that our guests feel physically, emotionally, and energetically cared for. With over 20 years in the movement industry, we honor each individual’s unique experience to support them through movement.

From the start, our guests have choices, including an ‘opt-in’ system for hands on adjustments  that helps them explore personal boundaries. We encourage guests to push the limits while empowering them to listen to their bodies: reminding them that their “best” changes day to day. Our goal is to foster strength, resilience, connection, and holistic well-being in every guest.

Inclusivity is a core value at ALL Studio. How do you ensure that people from all backgrounds and fitness levels feel welcome and supported in your classes?

Through meaningful conversations with our guests and through Taren’s own lived experience as a woman of color in the movement industry, we recognize how spaces impact individuals, especially those from marginalized communities. The ALL Method, along with our programming, ambiance, and studio environment, is crafted to create an inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to move authentically and safely.

At ALL Studio, we prioritize connection over aesthetics, guiding guests to focus on how movement feels rather than how it looks. Our choice-based approach honors each person’s unique experience, regardless of skill level. Our hiring, training, and education processes reflect these values, with an emphasis on diversity, collaboration, and accessibility. We offer BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ scholarships for the ALL Method Certification and are committed to accountability and continuous improvement.

Reformer Pilates is known for its low-impact but high-intensity workout. What are some of the key benefits of reformer Pilates, and why do you think it resonates so strongly with today’s fitness enthusiasts?

Reformer Pilates offers a unique mix of low-impact yet highly effective resistance-based exercises, which is key to its popularity among fitness enthusiasts. Using the reformer machine, this workout targets core strength and stability, which can improve posture, balance, and functional movement in daily life. The reformer allows you to adjust resistance and control, making each movement highly intentional and efficient by engaging smaller stabilizer muscles that are often missed in traditional workouts.

What also resonates with people is the focus on alignment and mindful movement. This aspect of Pilates requires concentration–almost like a physical meditation— which helps to reduce stress while still delivering a powerful workout. In a time when people want workouts that are effective, joint-friendly, and mentally refreshing, reformer Pilates checks all the boxes.

In your view, what role does mental health and mindfulness play in Pilates practice, and how does ALL Studio integrate these elements into your classes?

Mental health and mindfulness are integral to movement. Traditional fitness often encourages dissociation from the body and pushing through limits, which can weaken the resilience of the nervous system and leave us feeling worse.

At ALL Studio, we always say: “It starts with the breath”. The breath is the communication tool between the mind and the body, and it is what allows us to tap into our nervous system. Throughout our classes, we will continually bring you back to the breath to remind you to check in with what your body is communicating with you – is it asking you to find a little more fire, or is it asking you to pull back?

Our goal is to strengthen this mind-body connection, fostering a resilient nervous system that supports powerful, connected movement both in and out of the studio.

As more fitness spaces shift towards inclusivity and trauma-awareness, what advice would you give to other studio owners or fitness professionals looking to make their spaces more welcoming and supportive?

Take actions that reflect your unique space and values—don’t just check a box. True inclusivity stems from authenticity, a sincere desire to listen, learn, and adapt. Listen to the needs of your team and guests. Approach others’ experiences with humility, kindness, and an openness to recognize them as valid and real. Then, take meaningful action.

Looking ahead, how do you see reformer Pilates evolving, and what are your future goals for ALL Studio as you continue to innovate in the fitness industry?

We hope to see more genuinely inclusive spaces, not just performative ones. The industry is moving beyond traditional Pilates stereotypes, welcoming a broader range of people and experiences. We want everyone to feel empowered to move, breathe, and connect, no matter their background or experience.

Pilates is not only just for dancers, women or rehabilitation. From professional sports teams to leading business professionals, all humans are finding strength through this functional and challenging modality.

At ALL Studio, we aim to evolve with our community. By listening to health care professionals, as well as those who come through our doors , we stay responsive, filling gaps in movement, mindfulness, education and beyond.

Tough final question: your favorite Pilates move and why?!

Katie:

• Reformer: Short Spine –  it elongates the back body, while connecting the front body with some seriously challenging choreography for people’s minds. When executed properly, it is the perfect balance of stretch and deep muscle activation.
• Mat pilates: Lateral Knee Fold – it looks so simple but when executed as it’s designed it brings about the most beautiful connection of and between the deep hip rotators (my trouble zone), inner thighs, pelvic floor and deep core.

Taren:

• Reformer: Footwork! It’s harder than it looks, and it really educates us on mind-muscle connection – from the tips of our toes to the crown of our head.
• Mat Pilates: Teaser. It has been one of the exercises that I have been working toward postpartum. It has been a compass for me in rebuilding my strength post babies.

Win! 4 Pilates Classes @ ALL Studio!

One lucky Lower Mainland, BC, winner will receive 4 Pilates Classes @ ALL Studio:

• 2 ALL Reformer Classes (applies to ALL Reformer Begin and ALL Reformer Elevate* classes)
• 2 ALL Mat Classes (applies to ALL Mat and ALL Strength classes)

*New guests to ALL Studio must complete at least one ALL Reformer class at the Begin level before they can book a class at the Elevate level.

To enter, head over to Instagram, follow @allmethodstudio and @vitadailymedia and make sure to fulfil all the entry rules in the caption of the corresponding contest post. Contest opens January 6, 2025 and closes January 13, 2025. Complete contest rules and regulations here. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.