A Pilates:ish experience is expanding its Austin footprint. According to public filings, Shine Hot Pilates & Sculpt, a Dallas-born boutique fitness concept known for its infrared heat and music-driven, Pilates-inspired classes, is planning a second location at 5300 S. Mopac Expressway, Suite 502, within the Target South Center.
What Now Austin spoke with co-founders Rachel Pierce and Whitney Stern, who confirmed the location and opening plans, with a soft opening targeted for early December 2026, pending permits.
Shine’s concept is deliberately distinct from traditional Pilates. Classes are held in infrared dry heat and set to loud music in a stage-centered studio; an experience the founders describe as Pilates-inspired, or “Pilates:ish,” rather than traditional Pilates.
“This is something very different, very unique to Shine, created by Rachel and myself,” Pierce said.
The South Mopac studio follows the brand’s downtown Austin location, which opened approximately two months ago, and is part of a deliberate two-studio strategy modeled after the brand’s approach in Dallas, where it operates three locations.
“We wanted to cover different corners of Austin,” the co-founders told What Now Austin.
The South location specifically targets a different demographic than the downtown studio, including young mothers, families, and the Westlake-adjacent community.
The studios are also spaced close enough that clients can move between locations to follow their favorite instructors. The brand has been operating for seven years and is already eyeing further growth.
A new concept and full rebrand are in the works for the Dallas market, with plans to eventually bring the concept to Austin as well. As part of that growth, presales for the South Austin location are expected to begin this fall.
For more information, follow Shine Hot Pilates on Instagram and Facebook.
