Brunswick’s SolHart: A Safe, Hot Pilates Space for Women
By Vishruth Vikram, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- Pilates is a low-impact, mind–body exercise method developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Originally called “Contrology,” it uses around 50 simple, repetitive exercises to build strength, flexibility, and control, with a strong focus on the core, posture, alignment, and breathing. It can be done on a mat or with specialized equipment like the Reformer. A popular variation is hot Pilates, practiced in a heated room to increase sweating, raise heart rate, and add a more intense, cardio-style challenge while still emphasizing controlled, joint-friendly movements and overall body awareness.
SolHart Pilates is a new hot Pilates studio, designed specifically for women, that has opened in Brunswick (1434 Town Center Blvd.). SolHart is an infrared heated fitness studio, offering hot Pilates, hot sculpt, and hot barre classes in a studio environment designed specifically for women. The studio emphasizes movement-based programming that focuses on building strength, consistency, and discipline through structured classes led by instructors.
Its stated mission is to provide a setting where participants can engage in intentional physical activity that supports both physical conditioning and mental focus, without an emphasis on competition or performance metrics. SolHart describes itself as a community-oriented space that aims to encourage resilience, restoration, and long-term wellness habits through regular practice.
Amani Dari is the founder of SolHart and a certified personal trainer with specialties in women’s health, group fitness, and barre. She has more than 10 years of experience as a fitness instructor. After experiencing two meniscus tears, she initially expected that she would no longer be able to teach. Her subsequent experience with heated movement formats, including Pilates and hot sculpt, influenced her decision to develop the concept for SolHart, an infrared heated studio oriented toward women.
“I wanted a safe space for women,” said Dari. “I've been working out and I've been instructing for over 10 years and, going to the gym, I always found myself in a corner. And, it made me sometimes feel a little bit uncomfortable. So, I wanted a space where women could come and feel safe, where they didn't have to feel pressure, where they weren't being watched, where they weren't being judged. They didn't have to have their hair done, their makeup done. They just can be completely themselves and come as they are. I feel like I wanted a space like that and I know other women could connect to that and would want the same too.”
Dari’s description of the studio emphasizes providing an environment where participants can engage in structured exercise, focus on rebuilding strength, and explore their own approach to movement. She was involved in the creation and design of the studio space and highlights that the setting is intended to be thoughtful and supportive for clients who attend classes there. “I think SolHart is different because, first of all, it's infrared,” said Dari. “So, we have heating ceiling panels up on top.”
“And, I don't know if there's other studios that are woman-based only,” she added. “It's different because it's a boutique, so it's very fancy. But then, it's very edgy and raw on the inside. It's very empowering for women. Just having a space where it's woman-only, I think, alone makes it so different and very special.”
SolHart opened on December 8th in Brunswick Town Center. You can find more information and book a class at solhartstudio.com.
Vishruth Vikram, Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifting, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Inside the new SolHart facility; visitors attend the grand opening of SolHart.