Our Story
The People Behind Art of Pilates
Founder
Meet Kathy Affrunti
Kathy Affrunti is a single mother who built Art of Pilates from the ground up. She had no prior business experience. No formal education in business management. What she had was a lifelong love of fitness and a belief that Pilates should feel personal.
She opened her first studio on Long Island over a decade ago. Today, she owns and operates three locations in Huntington, Greenvale, and Commack. Every class is limited to 9 reformers. Every instructor has completed 600+ hours of training. And every client gets treated like a person, not a number.
Kathy Affrunti, Owner
What We Believe
Pilates Should Feel Personal
Art of Pilates was built on a simple idea: you should know your instructor's name, and they should know yours. We run small, intimate group classes where every person in the room gets real attention, real corrections, and real results.
Pilates is a safe, full-body workout for all ages and fitness levels. Using springs, leverage, and body weight as resistance on the STOTT V2 Max Reformer, every session targets specific muscle groups through controlled, flowing movements. The results speak for themselves:
- A trimmed, toned body without adding bulk
- Corrected posture and better alignment
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Stronger core and improved balance
- Reduced stress and a calmer mind
- Injury rehabilitation and prevention
What Sets Us Apart
Why Clients Choose Art of Pilates
Big box franchises pack 18 to 20 reformers in a room. AI-driven programs follow a script on a screen. We do neither. Here is what you actually get when you walk through our doors.
Meet Our Team
The Instructors Behind Every Class
Every instructor at Art of Pilates has completed a minimum of 600 hours of training. They teach across all three of our Long Island studios in Huntington, Greenvale, and Commack.
Tara
Instructor
Tara trained at the Pilates Academy International in NYC and discovered Pilates through her background in dance and performance. Her personal health journey, including losing over 100 pounds, completely reshaped her life and deepened her passion for wellness, strength, and healing. Tara brings compassion, humor, and motivation into every class.
Eliza
Instructor
Eliza completed her mat and equipment Pilates training at the Kane School of Integrated Movement in NYC. Her background in dance gives her a strong foundation in movement, control, and body awareness. Her classes are thoughtful, flowing, and creatively challenging.
Claudia Hope
Instructor & Wellness Coach
With over 30 years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, spin instructor, yoga teacher, and Pilates instructor, Claudia has dedicated her life to helping people move better and live stronger. She believes Pilates is a core part of longevity and living a full, active life.
Ela
Instructor
Ela has spent years teaching across the fitness world, from strength training and cardio kickboxing to conditioning and dance. About 15 years ago, she found Pilates and connected to the way it strengthened not just her body, but her entire lifestyle. Her classes are motivating and full of heart.
Debbie Rapport
Instructor
Debbie is fully certified through BASI Pilates and the Equinox Pilates Education Program and has been teaching full-time for over 14 years. After retiring from a successful career in the fashion industry, she followed her heart into Pilates. Since joining Art of Pilates in 2022, she has found her home in its community.
Christina Wahlig
Instructor
Christina found Pilates while transitioning from running and strength training and connected to the classical system for how intentional and transformative it felt. She completed her Classical Pilates certification and has been teaching full-time since 2014, continuing to study under top classical mentors.
Lorna Sophocleous
Instructor & Wellness Coach
With certifications through Polestar Pilates, Power Pilates, and IMX Pilates, plus being a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, Lorna has been teaching Pilates for over two decades. Her deep love for health and movement started in her teens and has shaped a lifetime of teaching.
Heather
Instructor
Heather's Pilates journey began after spine surgery from a fitness-related injury. While searching for a safe way to stay active, she found Pilates and it completely transformed her strength, confidence, and quality of life. She is now a 500-hour certified instructor who understands firsthand how powerful this method can be.
Katie
Instructor
With over 15 years of experience as a performer and fitness instructor, Katie brings energy and heart to everything she teaches. She moved to NYC to pursue dance and built a career spanning personal training, SoulCycle, group fitness, and Pilates. As a mom of two, Katie understands how important it is to make time for yourself.
Mark
Studio Manager
Mark keeps things running behind the scenes so every class, every studio, and every client experience goes smoothly.
Ani
Front Desk
Ani is the friendly face you see when you walk through the door. She handles scheduling, questions, and making sure you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
Denise
Instructor
Pam
Instructor
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