Pleasant Grove, UT—The modern fitness industry has grown to its market size of $30.6 billion largely by monetizing body image expectations and pressures, particularly those that are placed on women. Compared to men, women are significantly more likely to have “consistent exercise routines and to workout to lose weight rather than for enjoyment” (National Library of Medicine).
While women are the majority consumer base of fitness services and products, the industry is largely run by men. As a fitness instructor, Camie Wray was largely impacted by the degrading realities of the fitness industry; so, she decided to do something about it. Camie started her own studio, Mountain West Pilates, to create a welcoming environment, rooted in female empowerment, that would be a comfortable place for women to not only practice a healthy lifestyle, but also enjoy exercise and fitness.
If You Can’t Find It, Build It—Camie Wray’s Story
Camie has always been passionate about fitness and health. She spent much of her life as a competitive dancer and trained to become a group fitness instructor following her college
degree. After teaching barre classes around Utah Valley, Camie was introduced to Pilates, which she immediately fell in love with. Shortly after, she became a certified reformer Pilates instructor and started her search for a studio near her home.
However, the Pilates movement had not yet reached Utah Valley. There were virtually no studios between Lehi and Provo!
As a last resort, Camie bought a used reformer on KSL, set up a pilates studio in her basement, and began taking private clients. “If you can’t find it—build it!” Camie expresses. After expanding her at-home studio to two Pilates reformers, she realized there was potential for something bigger. She knew that she needed to take a risk to truly have an impact.
Camie signed the lease for her studio in Pleasant Grove in February of 2020. Just a week before Mountain West Pilates’ grand opening, the state of Utah shut down due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Luckily, Camie and her team were able to work through the next couple of months, and open in May of 2020. They modified the space to adhere to health and safety precautions.
Even with the setback the pandemic brought, Mountain West Pilates took off like a rocket. Camie’s expectations for her studio were completely exceeded, proving just how much the Utah Valley community wanted a reformer Pilates studio!
In less than a year from their opening day, Mountain West Pilates outgrew their space and moved to a larger studio location in Pleasant Grove.
When the opportunity to expand that space became available, Camie jumped at the chance and opened up two more workout studios in their current space along with professional offices.
Feminine Power in Fitness
Unlike many traditional fitness environments, Mountain West Pilates is a female founded studio that embraces and emphasizes the power of femininity. The studio welcomes people of all backgrounds and fitness levels, creating an inclusive and inviting environment.
When you enter Mountain West Pilates, it’s obvious that the space is different from your average fitness studio. Camie incorporated soft pinks, lots of natural light, and feminine touches to make the space feel comfortable and inviting, especially to women. “Most gyms are bold, aggressive, and have a lot of masculine energy, but that’s not Mountain West Pilates” Camie expresses. “I wanted to create a space where women can come and live in that feminine energy while working out.”
The fitness industry can be intimidating, especially to women. But Mountain West Pilates is a place of acceptance and love, not exclusion. Camie is passionate about the team that she has cultivated at Mountain West Pilates. “I am a big believer that the energy you put out into the universe is what you attract,” says Camie. “All of the instructors at Mountain West Pilates put out compassion, love, and true genuine interest in our clients…and clients reciprocate that,” she continues.
Fitness lover, Female Founder, and Mom
Camie is not only a fitness lover and business owner, but also a mom to four cute kids (five if you want to include Mountain West Pilates, and six with the husband)! When asked how she
does it all, Camie says that it boils down to believing in herself. “I really do believe that women, especially moms, need to trust themselves more. Trust that you have felt called to be a mom and have felt called to start a business,” says Camie.
Camie admits that being a woman in business has come with difficulties. “A fun little hobby” or “cute little business” aren’t new comments to Camie’s ears. While aware that men are rarely met with this same belittlement when discussing their businesses, Camie has chosen to pay head to those who do support her.
The Future of Mountain West Pilates
As Camie’s expectations for Mountain West Pilates have continuously been surpassed, she looks forward to the future with high hopes and big goals. In 2024, Camie hopes to double Mountain West Pilates’ clientele, and in the next few years she plans to open a second studio in Utah Valley.
With a variety of class options including mat pilates, reformer pilates, barre, TRX, and yoga, and more, Mountain West Pilates has filled a hole in the Utah Valley fitness community.
Camie encourages people that might be intimidated by pilates to step out of their comfort zone and give it a chance. She says, “I think we find the most fulfillment when we are growing.” To encourage growth and inclusion, Mountain West Pilates offers free introductory classes so everyone can try reformer pilates. “I just want people to get out of their comfort zone and try Pilates, because at the end of the day, it is so fun!” Camie expresses. Whether you are seasoned in Pilates, or looking to move your body in a new way, Mountain West Pilates offers an incredibly unique, welcoming, and fun environment. With how quickly they are growing, the studio might soon be opening another location close to you!
