discover san

The san methodology

The san studio methodology intentionally combines a full-body XFormer Pilates workout with conscious musical and meditative practices. The name san means three, representing the integration of mind, body, and spirit into every journey for a holistic, highly effective workout that tones and sculpts the body while balancing your mind.

Sculptural: Improve the strength, tone, flexibility, and overall vitality of your body.

Spatial: Incorporate mindful breathwork with your movements while listening to curated music featuring binaural beats to reduce anxiety, relax the mind, and boost your mood.

Soulful: Experience our subtle yet intentional energy practices, woven throughout class to connect you to your inner power.

Why xformer pilates?

XFormer pilates creates unique resistance that beautifully tones and sculpts the entire body unlike any other machine.

visible results

The movements are some of the most highly effective for strengthening abdominal muscles and creating definition.

core strength

low impact

A low-impact yet challenging cardiovascular workout that doesn’t strain the joints and creates alignment.

Engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously with constant time under tension for a full-body workout in an hour.

full body

Meet the san squad

A portrait of San Studio's founder, Alex Hesse, looking off screen and wearing a white athletic top.

Alexandra Hesse

Founder & Buyer

Alex is an adventurous Australian who has been working in the health and wellness space for over 20 years. Her journey took her across the globe from NYC to LA to Bentonville. Alex’s career of working with wellness brands on the East and West Coasts led her to discover the transformative power of  XFormer. Inspired by a desire to evolve this type of workout with a more holistic approach, she combined her passion for wellness and entrepreneurship into san studio. Alex has been practicing XFormer for over a decade, and as a certified XFormer Instructor she is excited to share it with this community.

A portrait of san studio's lead instructor, Carley Knight, looking at the camera and wearing a one shoulder cream colored athletic top.

Carley Knight

Lead Instructor

Carley has extensive experience in the fitness industry, leading a variety of group classes from core and cardio to barre and pilates. As a certified XFormer Pilates instructor, she is dedicated to inspiring others on their wellness journey through this transformative workout. With a background in Integrative Mental Health Medicine, Carley brings a holistic approach to health and wellness and is passionate about fostering a community that focuses on both physical and emotional well-being. Above all, she wants her students to celebrate the joy of movement while achieving their fitness goals.

A portrait of san studio's holistic consultant, Steffy, wearing a flowy teal dress with braided detailing and looking at the camera.

Steffy Téllez Schnaas

Holistic Consultant

Steffy is a seasoned Holistic Consultant certified in yoga, breathwork, meditation, astrology, sound healing, and tantra. ​​She started her journey in the luxury hospitality industry, studying in Switzerland and working in renowned international destinations. She has since dedicated the past 10 years to learning from esteemed holistic teachers worldwide to bridge the gap between hospitality and holistic offerings. Today, Steffy focuses on supporting founders creating successful, feminine led businesses, and has been instrumental in designing the holistic elements of san’s journeys.

A holistic workout that sculpts, strengthens, and elevates

Experience san studio

Our Scandinavian design-inspired space creates a luxurious and rejuvenating environment. We have a dedicated gathering area where clients can connect and chat, cubbies for storage, a changing and restroom, and a water-filling station. San studio is designed to ensure that you feel comfortable and taken care of during your time here.

amenities

The san boutique is a curation of fashionable activewear and athleisure brands renowned for their exceptional quality, fashionable designs, and performance-enhancing features. Expect to find contemporary activewear, stylish studio-to-street wear, luxurious health and wellness products, and a range of accessories.

retail

brands we carry

FAQ

  • XFormer is the next-generation of the Pilates reformer machine that is used at san studio. The XFormer is designed with high-end finishes specifically custom-made for san, offering increased resistance and intensity in a dynamic and challenging way. It is an upgrade to the traditional Pilates Reformer machine, with additional features and attachments. The XFormer Pilates machine helps engage core muscles through every movement, making it highly effective for developing core strength, improving posture, toning the entire body, enhancing balance, and preventing injuries. It provides a low-impact workout that creates visible results without adding excess bulk. At san studio, we exclusively feature XFormer machines for our integrated workouts.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes early for an introductory session with your instructor to familiarize yourself with the XFormer and discuss any injuries or modifications that may be necessary for your workout. If you haven't already created an account, please allow time to do so or you can set it up prior through our website or app.

  • Due to the limited number of spaces in each class, we ask that you please cancel within 8 hours of the class start time, otherwise a loss of class credit and a penalty fee will be applied.

    Out of respect to fellow students, if you do not arrive within 5 minutes of the scheduled class start time, your space may be given to someone on the waitlist and you will lose a credit and incur a penalty fee.

    We understand things come up, so as a courtesy we will extend a one time forgiveness for a no show or late cancel.

  • We recommend bringing a water bottle that can be filled or refilled at our water station to keep yourself hydrated during your workout. For attire, we suggest wearing breathable and form-fitting clothing that allows for mobility and flexibility.

    For safety and stability, we require all clients to wear grip socks during their workout. If you don't have your own pair, we have a selection of high-quality grip socks available for purchase at our studio.

  • San strength and sculpt classes are designed to work your body muscles to fatigue. Therefore, you will ideally take one day in between to rest and recover. In general, we recommend taking classes three times a week to allow your body proper recovery time. However, some students love the workout so much that they come in as many as four times a week. The key is to listen to your body and to find a routine that works best for you.

    Our san stretch classes are suitable to take every day and are a great option for recovery on the same day or in-between a strength or stretch class.

  • Yes! To book a private class, simply access the booking page after signing in on our website or app. If you have any further questions or would like to inquire about availability, please feel free to email us at info@sanstudios.com. We are more than happy to assist you in booking a private class tailored to your needs.

  • Our classes are safe and suitable for people of all fitness levels including those recovering from injuries, dealing with joint issues, and women who are pre or postpartum. We do not recommend taking an XFormer class while pregnant if you haven’t done this exercise before. Please tell your instructor if you are pregnant or dealing with an injury. Before attending a class, it’s important to consult with your doctor to ensure Pilates reformer is a safe and healthy exercise option for you.

  • Parking is available in any of the public parking lots located in downtown Bentonville. The closest parking lot is next door (Midtown Center).

  • For the comfort and safety of all clients, we do not allow children or pets in the fitness studio, but welcome them in the boutique.

  • The minimum age to take a san studio class is 16, but all ages are welcome to shop in the boutique. Minors will need a parent to sign up for an account at the studio.

A young blonde woman stands and stretches on arm over her head, wearing a beige workout outfit.
A graphic of a cell phone with a Reminder popup stating "It's time for your San Studio class!".

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