South side residents have a new space for movement and belonging as Studio Fuerza opens its doors, offering bilingual Pilates classes and a mission centered on making wellness accessible in a community where those opportunities are rare.

While Pilates is one of 2025’s trendiest workouts, for Studio Fuerza owner Daniela Vizcarra, it has a deeper meaning.

Vizcarra opened Studio Fuerza last month on South 12th Avenue, its pink and yellow sign acting as a beacon on the busy street. Inside, visitors are greeted by a mural of the Lady of Guadalupe, bringing a sense of positivity and inclusivity to the community.

Vizcarra, originally from Tucson, moved to Phoenix to pursue a career in journalism. During her time there, she discovered a passion for Pilates.

“When I first moved to Phoenix, I started making friends immediately. People started to invite me to do Pilates and I thought that was so strange,” she said. “I was like, ‘You wanna do Pilates for like, for fun?’ So eventually I decided to try it out and I loved it.”

After years as a Pilates student, Vizcarra decided to become a certified instructor, eventually moving back home to share her newfound passion with the community in which she grew up.

“I went and I had this fabulous career in Phoenix, and then I realized I missed home after 10 years,” she said. “I also realized there was an opportunity.”

She had noticed that Pilates wasn’t affordable for everyone, with classes costing between $45 and several hundred dollars.

“If it's not affordable, it's not open to everyone,” she said, explaining why her classes cost $15 to $20.

To address another barrier to access, Studio Fuerza offers bilingual classes taught in both English and Spanish.

“It was very important for me to open up in my community,” Vizcarra said. “I grew up in this community. My parents grew up in this community. I have very deep roots here and when I decided that I was ready to go back home and open up a Pilates studio, I had a ton of options. It just felt right.”

Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, a German circus performer imprisoned during World War I. He developed the practice during his imprisonment as a way to stay active by using his own body and breath.

One of the first students taught by Joseph Pilates, Kathy Grant, was a woman of color and is considered a pioneer of the practice.

“We deserve nice things, we deserve safe spaces, we deserve education, and just because we're on the south side, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't have a Pilates studio and that we shouldn't have a space to exercise and practice health and wellness and build a community and make friends,” Vizcarra said. “It was really important for me to uplift this community.”

Studio Fuerza offers three different classes: introduction, classical and contemporary.

Introduction classes start with a crash course in the history of Pilates and vocabulary, followed by step-by-step instruction that is beginner-friendly with a focus on proper breathing. Classical classes include the traditional methods of Joseph Pilates, while contemporary classes take the workout to a more challenging level by including weights.

Vizcarra said each class is open to students of all levels of experience.

“It is very challenging. However, the more you come, the better you get,” Vizcarra said. “I want people to be able to come here and take a load off. You want to come in here and you just want to land on your mat for 45 minutes? You do what you want. This is your time.”

In addition to the three types of Pilates classes, Studio Fuerza will also offer themed events and workshops, including astrology classes celebrating each of the zodiac signs.

“I want people to come and relax and feel seen and feel heard. I just want to teach people and help them grow in their health and wellness journey,” Vizcarra said. “This is not a trend for me, this is always gonna be here. My hope, my goal is to always have a fitness studio on the south side. I want us to be a permanent staple in the community and I want us to grow and get more people in here.”

Emma Diaz is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist based in Tucson.

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