Rio Pilates and Yoga Studio fosters movement, connection

Rio Pilates and Yoga Studio takes a unique approach to your typical exercise class.  

“We’re not a traditional yoga studio by any means,” creator and owner Connie McInnes said. “We have music in all our classes, we like to play in our yoga classes, get creative.”

McInnes is this week’s midweek mugging recipient. She said she decided to open Rio after finding there wasn’t anything in the city’s fitness community she felt connected to.

“I always had a passion for all things movement, it’s just always been a huge part of my life,” she said.

Rio offers pilates, yoga and barre classes. McInnes said one of the priorities at Rio is focusing on technique and form in an intimate setting.

“We are very hands-on,” she said. “We want to make sure we’re working with you and helping you through the whole process.”

The studio also offers modification for those with previous injuries or mobility restraints, so classes can be adapted for each participant.

“We can really cater to any level, so if you’ve never been before you really can jump into any of our classes,” she said.

Currently located on Charles St., Rio will be moving to 2470 Maynard St. at the end of the month.

McInnes said some of the most popular classes are the ones that focus on specific areas of the body, such as the core or lower-body.

“People really love those because it’s really targeted,” she said. “You really feel the burn throughout the class, and you can leave every class feeling stronger, feeling lifted, feeling lighter.”

Those interested in the studio can buy single or multi-class passes, or purchase a membership.

Memberships also covers classes at McInnes’s other studios: Rogue, which specializes in high-intensity workouts like kickboxing, and Rebel, which opens at the end of March.

“If you want to step it up a notch one day you can go to Rogue, if you want to dial it back and restore you can come to Rio,” she said. “It gives people a nice variety, allows people to explore different forms of movement, and it really is the best way for your body to move,” she said.

For Maynard, the important thing is making people feel part of a community.

“The studio is focused on bringing fun into movement,” she said. “We try to make it as much of a vacation from your mind and day as possible, that mini-retreat throughout your day.”