Here’s How to Make Pilates Work for You, No Matter Your Experience Level

For Tyrek Shepard, Pilates is about more than movement—it’s about access. Through Philadelphia Pilates Club, he’s focused on creating spaces where people who may have felt overlooked in traditional fitness settings can find both confidence and clarity in their practice. What started as a response to his own experiences in class has grown into a citywide model, with pop-up classes across the city and a brick-and-mortar presence in Rittenhouse.

At Be Well Philly Fest Presented by Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, Tyrek is taking us back to the beginning with a mat session focused on the kind of intentional, education-driven movement that often gets lost in trendier formats. Ahead of the event, we asked him about the mission behind his work, what he loves most about teaching Pilates, and what he hopes attendees take away from his class.

What drew you to work in the wellness space?

I initially got into wellness because I wanted to teach the people who don’t feel seen in class. I’ve taken so many classes where I have felt out of place, sometimes even unwelcome, and I’ve made it my imperative to be inclusive by design and intention. Philadelphia Pilates Club was founded to bring physically accessible, education-forward Pilates across the city.

Although I have a physical studio opening in Rittenhouse, I also wanted to create a pop-up model that took Pilates all across the city. Philadelphia Pilates Club has hosted classes in Kensington, Germantown, South Philly, Spring Garden, and Rittenhouse – hopefully we reach every neighborhood!

How would you describe the mission behind your business?

Pilates should be taught as a repeatable practice, so my teaching is grounded in education, clarity, and empowerment. Pilates students are often taught fun or challenging choreography, but some never learn the proper fundamentals.

Philadelphia Pilates Club students are trained from the ground up in the classical method, giving them the confidence to progress throughout the repertoire, or even maintain their personal practice at home. The goal of a great teacher should be your student’s independence in the Pilates space, not their reliance on you.

What can attendees from your session at this year’s Be Well Philly Fest?

Attendees can expect an authentic classical mat Pilates experience. No props, no pulses, and no gimmicks – just old school Joseph Pilates.

What do you hope people walk away feeling after your session?

Aside from feeling good about their movement experience, I hope people walk away with an appreciation for mat Pilates. I don’t think this modality has been represented the best in recent years, particularly on social media, so I hope this helps shake any existing misconceptions or biases.

Be Well Philly Fest brings together so many perspectives on wellness. What part of the event are you most looking forward to?

Meeting other wellness instructors and enthusiasts! Building and maintaining friendships is the best part about being in this industry, so I look forward to connecting with others in our community.

This year’s lineup of includes a variety of classes and workshops that bring all corners of the Philly wellness world together. From finding comfort in your body with Three Queens Yoga, to building connection with Hike + Heal, breathe in the fresh air and discover workouts you’ve never tried before.

Join Tyrek (and a lineup of other wellness leaders) at Be Well Philly Fest Presented by Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center on Sunday, May 17th at Bok. Tickets are available at phillymag.com/bewellphillyfest.