KLÚB Studio, located in Helsinki, Finland, was never just about movement—it was about creating a space where energy, connection, and passion come together. In this interview, we sit down with Kate to explore her journey from discovering Barre and Pilates to opening her own studio. From teaching small classes at a university gym to building a thriving community, her path is a testament to following what moves you. Read on to discover how KLÚB Studio has grown, the philosophy that shapes every class, and the vision of the space for the future.
How did you find Barre and Pilates and what was your path from student to teacher and finally into a studio owner?
I didn't plan to find Barre or Pilates - they found me. During my student years, I moved to Finland and was figuring out my path. I came across a Barre course by chance, took it, and fell in love with how it combines grace, strength, and challenge. I started teaching small, free classes at my university gym, just to gain experience, and quickly realized how much I loved it.
Later, I worked at a studio in a bigger city where my style really clicked with clients, and I built a loyal following. But when the studio closed its Barre program, I had to decide: stop teaching or start something of my own. So, I opened KLÚB Studio, and it’s been an incredible ride.
Now, a year and a half in, the studio has grown so much. Teaching fewer classes has made them more meaningful, and being a studio owner has given me a whole new perspective. Watching people connect with our classes and community makes it all worth it.
Is there a special teacher or guide that was instrumental in developing and sustaining your personal practice?
Honestly, there wasn’t one specific teacher or guide who shaped my journey - it was more about the experiences and people along the way. When I first started Barre, I was figuring things out on my own, hosting small classes and learning through trial and error. My early clients were my biggest teachers, giving me constant feedback and helping me refine my style.
Later, when I worked at a studio, I learned so much from watching how clients responded to my approach. Their energy and connection to the classes kept pushing me to grow. So, while I didn’t have a single mentor, I’d say the people I’ve taught have been the most instrumental in developing my practice - they are the ones who inspired me to keep evolving and, eventually, to open my own studio.
Why did you choose Manduka as your studio equipment partner?
For me, the quality and safety of our clients is everything—it’s at the core of everything we do at KLÚB. That’s why choosing Manduka as our studio equipment partner was a choice I made easily.
At KLÚB, we love challenging classes! So, when you’re focusing on tricky exercises or perfecting form, the last thing you want to worry about is slipping or discomfort. And Manduka’s mats help us create a safe, professional environment, which is so important to me. It’s about making sure that every client, no matter their level, can feel confident and cared for from the moment they step into the class.
Can you share the story behind KLÚB? What was the inspiration to open the space for the community?
When I first started my career as an instructor, I had this natural excitement and eagerness to connect with people—it just felt like I could never get enough of it. After every class, I would stay and chat with clients, and during the sessions, I always wanted to create this united energy, where we weren’t just working out but truly moving together.
So, when the opportunity came to create something of my own, that was my biggest motivation—to build a space where we could move, vibe, and experience that collective energy. I have a very clear vision of the atmosphere, the rhythm, and the connection I want people to feel in class. And more than anything, I want to share that feeling with as many people as possible—so they can experience it again and again. That’s where my inspiration comes from: a deep desire to move together and create something special with every session.
Tell us about KLÚB and the energy it brings to the local wellness community. When people enter the studio, what do you want them to feel?
Well, we’re growing a space for Pilates and Barre lovers, bringing together people who are truly excited about this style of movement.
As for what people feel when they walk into the studio, I think it ties directly to what I just described. It’s that sense of belonging, of being welcomed and recognized, of knowing that when you step inside, you’re not just another client—you’re someone we’re genuinely happy to see. I want every person who comes to our studio to feel that excitement, to know that we are thrilled to move together.
And that energy—the positivity, rhythm, and spark—is something we want people to carry with them after every class. It’s that uplifting vibe, that feeling of movement, connection, and shared experience that makes each session special. Our goal is for every client to leave not just feeling stronger but energized, inspired, and truly part of something bigger.
Can you tell us more about your studio offering?
At our studio, we offer both Barre and Pilates classes in various formats and levels—Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced—to suit different needs and experiences.
We also host monthly community events, collaborate with brands to create special experiences for our clients, and run challenges and interactive activities, both online and offline. These events help deepen our connection with clients and make their journey with us even more engaging and exciting.
What is the goal or mission of the studio?
Our mission is to make fitness fun, accessible, and full of good vibes. At KLÚB Studio, we want that every class leaves you feeling strong, energized, and part of something bigger.
How has the vision for the studio evolved since it first opened? Have there been any key moments that shaped this evolution?
Our vision has only grown stronger, and our community values have been reinforced as our events have evolved. What started as occasional gatherings every few months naturally turned into monthly events, and now we’re at a point where they happen regularly, now even twice a month.
A defining moment for me was our one-year anniversary celebration, where we brought together nearly 100 people for an unforgettable event—a workout in a massive hall, a DJ, and an electric atmosphere. That day proved to me that we are so much more than just a studio and that our classes are more than just workouts.
Our focus on community, energy, and fun has only deepened over time. Through different event formats, this core value keeps evolving and growing—making every experience at KLÚB even more special.
What do you want students to take away from an experience at KLÚB?
I want students to walk away knowing that they are capable of anything. I want them to feel stronger, more powerful, and more confident—not just in their movement, but in themselves. KLÚB is about pushing limits, breaking self-doubt, and opening up to new experiences, new people, and new connections. It’s not just a workout—it’s a space to grow, challenge yourself, and step into your power.
What is the studio’s teaching philosophy, and how does it influence the class offerings and community events?
At KLÚB Studio, our teaching philosophy is centered around movement as a form of self-expression, empowerment, and community building. We believe that fitness should be both challenging and enjoyable, fostering not just physical strength but also confidence and connection.
This philosophy directly shapes our class offerings, which are designed to be dynamic, inclusive, and innovative. We provide a mix of high-energy, technique-driven sessions and expressive, movement-based classes that cater to all skill levels.
Beyond classes, this approach extends to our community events, where we celebrate movement in ways that bring people together—workshops, social gatherings, and special pop-ups that encourage growth, creativity, and collaboration.
Are there any upcoming projects or events to mention to the community?
The biggest project in KLÚB history lined up for spring 2025— stay tuned!
Is there anything else you'd like add and share with the Manduka community?
Yes, remember—KLÚB is for everyone!
- If you have a boyfriend or husband, join us for Couple’s Pilates.
- If you're a guy curious about Pilates, try our Men’s Pilates.
- Want to spend quality time with your mom? Mom & Daughter Pilates is for you.
- Looking to meet new people? Come to our Community Event.
- And if you just want to move, feel good, and enjoy your workout, our classes are waiting for you!
Listen
Connect
- Studio Website: www.klub-studio.com
- Instagram Handle: @klub.studio
- Owner: Kate @blissy.kate
- Location: Finland, Helsinki, Ratakatu 29A-1, 00120
- Type of styles offered: Fusion Pilates and Barre classes, offered at a variety of levels – beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced.
KLÚB Studio is outfitted with corporate branded PROlite® Yoga Mats.
