Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Bogo.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey in fitness in 2016, fully in my cardio queen era. Spin classes, running coach, TRX-qualified instructor. I loved the sweat, the rhythm, the rush of movement. Teaching lit me up, and I thought I had found my lane.
Then, at a TRX Qualification, I met a couple of Pilates instructors who would quietly change everything.
What started as a casual “come take a free class” conversation turned into me leaping headfirst into a 500-hour Pilates certification. Something about the method called me home. The precision. The depth. The way it asked you to slow down, tune in, and move with intention. I applied everything I was learning to my Spin Classes, to my HIIT Classes, and I spoke about this practice to anyone that would listen.
I immersed myself in Contrology. I committed to my own practice, listened deeply to member feedback, and taught every class the way I would want to be taught . That style was to teach with care, to challenge the class, and to be purposeful in the movement.
Nearly a decade later, I’ve evolved from teaching within a Well Known franchise and traveling across states (an experience I’ll always be grateful for), to teaching and practicing Pilates on my own terms.
Today, my classes blend Traditional, Contemporary, and Dynamic movement. The classes are always rooted in the principles that keep Pilates Pilates.
This work is intentional. It’s layered. It’s alive, and it’s exactly where I’m meant to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any meaningful career, there were bumps, steep hills, and some chaotic traffic to navigate through, just to keep moving forward.
About five years into this journey, I started to question myself. I wondered if this path was really meant for me. The hustle was real. I was teaching at four studios, sometimes all four in a single day, and it was exhausting. That is when the doubt would creep in and try to lay roots.
And then, almost every time I felt myself wavering, a member would pull me aside. They’d tell me how class helped them through a difficult season, or how it helped them fall back in love with movement. They spoke about feeling seen.
That’s when it became clear.
This wasn’t just a job.
This wasn’t just teaching exercise classes.
This is the path I’m meant to walk.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rooted & Rising Pilates is a movement sanctuary where strength, intention, and presence meet. We offer thoughtfully crafted Pilates experiences that blend Traditional, Contemporary, and Dynamic movement, always rooted in the Pilates principles.
The classes are created to be deeply intentional, and designed to meet you exactly where you are. Every flow is created with care, layering precision, challenge, and accessibility so you feel supported and empowered, not rushed or overlooked.
What sets R|R apart is our commitment to seeing the whole person, not just the movement. I truly believe connection matters. Cueing matters. Thoughtful progressions matter. You’ll never feel like a number here, you’ll feel guided, challenged, and held with purpose.
Rooted & Rising Pilates specializes in movement that strengthens from the inside out, and builds sustainable resilience. We are inviting members to rise not just physically, but mentally, and energetically. Whether you’re new to Pilates or deep in your practice, our work meets you with depth, respect, and intention.
What I am most proud of is the community that has already started to cultivate. R|R is a space rooted in trust, care, and consistency, where people feel seen, supported, and strong in their bodies again.
As an Instructor and Studio owner, I am not chasing trends at Rooted & Rising Pilates, instead I am honoring the work the members put in and we are rising together.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite Childhood Memory is going to my Grandparents Cottage at Pymatuning Lake. It was a peaceful spot, where I constantly felt connected to nature. My sister and I would drive out to PA with our Grandma atleast one weekend a month to live free and roam the woods, the Beach, and the little town.
Pricing:
- Membership is $250 a month
- 5 Class Pack $140
- 10 Class Pack $270
- 12 Class Pack $350
- Drop In Class $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rootedandrisingpilates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedandrisingpilates?igsh=aW54MTVjbzVuajly
- Other: https://share.google/PWOrROgS1TF0ZewBA
