Club Pilates
“This is my first interview ever,” Molly Mullane laughs, admitting her slight trepidation at sharing her story. As the owner of two Club Pilates studios in the Salt Lake City area, Molly’s journey from a small farm town in Indiana to becoming a fitness business owner is both inspiring and relatable.
After moving frequently due to her husband’s career in the oil and gas industry, Molly and her family settled in Salt Lake in 2017, drawn to its outdoor lifestyle and close-knit community feel. Molly was initially a stay-at-home mom, raising her three daughters. As her kids grew older and began attending school full-time, she found herself considering a return to the business world. “I was wondering what it would look like if I went back to work,” she recalls. With a long-standing passion for health and fitness, Molly wanted something that would allow her to focus on wellness while also building a meaningful community.
Her interest in Pilates began years earlier, but accessing classes was often challenging due to cost, commute times, and availability. A visit to a Club Pilates studio in Ohio changed her perspective. “I was shocked at how affordable and accessible it was,” she remembers. This model catered to people of all fitness levels, with a welcoming atmosphere and leveled classes that ensured safety and progression for beginners and experts alike. Inspired, she researched the franchise and soon decided that Salt Lake City would be the perfect location.
In 2020, she opened her first studio in South Jordan, and a second location followed in the Marmalade district in 2023. Although she does not teach, Molly’s background in product development drives her role behind the scenes. “I’ve always loved the backside of things - creating a product for people to enjoy,” she explains. For her, Pilates is that product. Hearing members’ stories about how Pilates has changed their lives is a source of pride. “It’s amazing to hear a twenty-year-old or an eighty-year-old say that Pilates has helped with their spinal issues, knees, hip replacements, and more.”
Each Club Pilates studio under Exponential Fitness shares a commitment to consistency and quality. “All Club Pilates locations are set up with the same philosophy and equipment, so you can visit one in any city and feel at home,” she says. Her studios emphasize member safety by requiring beginners to start with two introductory classes, allowing instructors to assess each person’s comfort level. To advance to the next level, members must also test with two instructors. “We want everyone to feel confident and safe,” she explains. In addition to group classes, her studios offer private sessions in a dedicated, beautifully designed room.
Molly has created a vibrant atmosphere within her studios, organizing potlucks, charity fundraisers, and fitness challenges that keep members motivated and connected. “We’re not just a Pilates studio; we’re a place where people can build relationships and feel at home,” she says. Each month, they recognize a “Member of the Month,” highlighting individuals who have reached fitness milestones or found new friends through Pilates. The studios also support charitable causes, such as hosting classes to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and organizing holiday gift drives for families in need.
Looking to the future, Molly is contemplating opening another studio in Utah and bringing the Club Pilates experience to her hometown in Indiana. “I believe in the brand and what Pilates can do for people,” she says with conviction.
Reflecting on her journey, Molly adds, “I know a lot of our members probably haven’t met me, but I’m so grateful for each of them. Seeing them reach their class milestones, watching them connect with each other and our staff - that’s what makes this all worth it.” With a smile, she glances around her studio. “This space wouldn’t be what it is without our members and our incredible instructors. We’re all here because we believe in the transformative power of Pilates, and that’s truly special.”
