A Brookings native has opened a new workout studio in November, bringing yet another site for residents and students alike to stay active.
Owner Madysn Gilbertson said the studio represents the fulfillment of a dream she carried for years.
Gillbertson opened Studio Society on Nov. 1 at 1130 Main Ave. S. The studio opens among Synergy Strength Studio, b|well company and the Miller Wellness Center, which all offer a form of Pilates classes in Brookings. The Miller Wellness Center is the only other location in Brookings, however, that offers Pilates using reformer machines.
Since opening its doors, Studio Society has already gained strong momentum.
“I could not have asked for a better start,” Gilbertson said.
Raised in the Brookings area, she always hoped to return home. After graduating college at Lake Area Technical College and working as a nurse, the idea of opening a Pilates studio lingered in the back of her mind. As the months went by, the idea grew stronger.
“I kept having the thought and then pushing it aside and then having that thought again,” Gilbertson said. “I finally decided, ‘I’m going to do what it takes to get myself there.’”
In January 2025, Gilbertson pitched the idea of opening the studio to her parents. From there, she began planning, running numbers, researching and learning everything she could about owning a business.
Gilbertson’s parents are business owners themselves, and were able to offer guidance and support to help make her dream a reality.
“I am thankful for my family. They put me in some good hands and recommended me to some good people. It’s been a blessing,” Gilbertson said.
Gilbertson signed the lease and began construction in June. The studio’s construction was completed in October, and Studio Society opened in November.
One of the first to join her team was Noelle Mack, a senior at South Dakota State University.
“I’m unable to say enough good things about the studio and Madysn,” Mack said. “I have been able to meet so many new, amazing people and learned so much about being an instructor and what it is like working for a small business.”
Mack said she has loved pilates since the very beginning.
“It was the first workout that helped me fall in love with moving my body, and I have been obsessed ever since,” Mack said.
Studio Society currently offers four Pilates Reformer classes. Starting with method one, which is a beginner friendly workout.
“I highly recommend all new people trying pilates to take the method one class,” Gilbertson said. “You are going to learn your fundamentals and basic key moves.”
Method two and method three offer more of a challenge. After taking a recommended two to three method one classes, you can begin to move up to method two. Both classes involve similar movements, but involve a higher level of intensity.
Studio Society also offers a recovery pilates class that focuses on stretching and mobility.
“The recovery class is a time to come and rewind, relax and shut your brain off and just stretch,” Gilbertson said.
Looking ahead, Gilbertson hopes to add a variety of new classes to the schedule. One class will feature higher-intensity movements using different equipment, while another class will focus on strength training and heavier weights.
Mack is excited to grow alongside the studio.
“I am excited to grow as an instructor while helping clients feel stronger and more confident in their bodies,” she said
For newcomers looking to attend a pilates class for the first time, Gilbertson recommends having a pair of reformer socks. Socks are available for purchase at the studio or attendees can bring their own.
During your first class, clients can expect to get comfortable with the machine, learn movements, and build confidence. Above all, Gilbertson wants every person who walks through the door to feel welcome.
Studio Society makes it easy to get started with a $15 first class. After that, drop-ins are $20. The studio also offers packages, memberships and class credits. Students can take advantage of an $85 monthly membership which includes unlimited classes, a 30-day booking window, one guest pass a month and 10% off merchandise.
The studio also offers private group classes. These classes typically accommodate between five to 10 people.
As Studio Society continues to grow, Gilbertson hopes for her space to become more than just a gym, instead a place for people to feel welcome, have a good time and come back wanting more.
