Inspiring Conversations with January Steward of The Studio Of Unique Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to January Steward.

Hi January, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for The Studio of Unique Fitness was born from a desire to create a Pilates community built on positivity, encouragement, and affordability—a space where individuals, regardless of their starting point, could find success. This vision became a reality on a day that began with an unexpected turn.

After parting ways with a previous studio, I received a call from my aunt, who, without knowing my situation, told me about a Pilates studio closing its doors. It felt like a perfect convergence of timing and opportunity. I drove to the location, fell in love with the space, and committed to opening my own studio that very day.

The Studio of Unique Fitness opened its doors on August 8, 2001. We’ve just celebrated twenty-four years of empowering people through movement, and every day I’m grateful I took that leap of faith to build a studio where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My business journey has been a masterclass in resilience. We weathered the 2008 recession, which was a brutal time for many businesses. On a personal level, I faced a divorce and the foreclosure of my home, forcing a difficult move in 2011. Most recently, we’ve had to adapt and persevere through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19. Beyond these major events, a consistent challenge has been building and retaining a strong team. Thankfully, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional instructors, and their dedication has been a cornerstone of our success.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Studio Of Unique Fitness?
The Studio of Unique Fitness is a boutique Pilates studio built on a powerful, three-part mission: to educate, improve, and empower. Our core belief is that movement is a path to understanding your body and, in turn, empowering yourself.

We specialize in teaching individuals not just how to exercise, but how their bodies are designed to function optimally. Through mindful, targeted movement, we help our clients improve their strength, flexibility, and stability, paving the way for a more functional and resilient body.

What truly sets us apart from other studios is the deep, personal experience that underpins our entire approach. My journey as a high-level gymnast, bodybuilder, and semi-professional cheerleader, which included numerous injuries and surgeries, has given me a unique perspective on the body’s incredible capabilities. This is further deepened by my personal challenges with chronic illnesses like EDS and Lupus. This background allows me to bring not only a high level of expertise in anatomy and movement, but also a profound sense of compassion and empathy to every client.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from professional athletes seeking to enhance their performance to individuals managing chronic pain and recovering from injury.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the culture of empowerment we’ve created at The Studio. We don’t just focus on the physical; our ultimate goal is to instill a sense of inner strength and worthiness in our clients. We want them to feel confident and positive about themselves, both inside and out. We are known for our meticulous attention to detail and a rare ability to see and correct discrepancies in the body’s movement—a talent honed over 24 years of training instructors and a lifetime of personal experience.

Stepping into our studio is an experience in itself. Unlike the subdued colors you might find elsewhere, our space is full of bright, vibrant colors. Each reformer is a different hue, reflecting the lively and energetic environment we’ve created.

We proudly welcome clients of all ages, from teenagers to seniors, helping everyone discover their body’s potential.

We want your readers to know that at The Studio of Unique Fitness, we offer more than just a workout. We provide a transformative experience. Whether you’re an athlete looking to reach the next level or someone seeking to regain control of your body and life, our services are designed to help you tap into your fullest potential and lead a more fulfilling, empowered life.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve had the privilege of mentoring aspiring instructors since I opened and in 2013 I founded The Bess Method, a certification/practicum program. Sharing my knowledge and helping others grow is how we can truly expand our reach and help as many people as possible. We are always looking for new instructors to join our family.

I’m always open to collaborating with like-minded people who offer other forms of healing that compliment Pilates. After all, it takes a village.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://thestudioofuniquefitness.com
• Instagram: Studiouniquefit