Forza Pilates Founder Sydney Dumler Brings Luxury to Pilates

When Sydney Dulmar opened Forza Pilates, she wasn’t trying to build just another gym; she was creating a luxury experience. Inspired by high-end hotels, intentional design, and a desire for something more personal, she launched Forza with every detail carefully considered.

“I’ve always loved teaching and building community, but I’m also someone who pays attention
to every detail,” she said. “I’m inspired by beautiful hotels, spas, restaurants, the kind of places
that make you feel taken care of. I wanted to bring that level of concierge into a fitness setting.”

At the Forza studio in Nashville, her vision comes to life from the minute you walk in. Clients are greeted by name, each reformer is set to their personal height, and the air smells like the studio’s signature clean linen scent. The design is clean and warm, offering a luxurious experience for clients.

The Forza Method is part of what sets the brand apart. Instructors are trained to speak directly and positively to clients, offering modifications and advancements without labels like “easier” or “harder.” The goal is to meet people where they are and make every movement feel empowering.

“Instead of saying ‘if you can’t do this,’ we say, ‘for more support, try this,’” said Sydney. “It’s a small shift, but it changes the whole tone of the class.” The goal of this is to make the client feel like the exercise is approachable. Forza aims to help their clients feel successful and encouraged when they leave.

Forza offers a variety of classes, including customized one-on-one sessions, foundational classes, and their signature class, Forte. They even provide a cardio class called Aria, which focuses on low-impact cardio, ideal for individuals with sensitive joints, and something a little more intense.

Sydney is currently working on a third studio and developing a digital platform to bring Forza into more homes. “We’ve had people from Atlanta, Chicago, and everywhere asking us to open a location,” she said. “This is our way to expand intentionally.”

Sydney first moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting, but her creativity led her to build a lifestyle brand that feels complete from every angle.“ I’ve always been someone who sees the big picture,” she said. “For me, it’s not just about the workout. It’s about how the space looks, how it smells, and how it makes you feel.”

That attention to detail has been noticed. Forza was recently featured in The New York Times as part of a new wave of fitness concepts merging wellness with hospitality and design. And with more projects in the works, Sydney is just getting started.

“At the end of the day, I just want people to feel good when they leave. That’s what drives
everything we do.”

That attention to detail has been noticed. Sydney’s innovative approach has earned her studio accolades within the wellness community. Recently, Forza was part of a new wave of fitness concepts that merged wellness with hospitality and design. And with more projects in the works, Sydney is just getting started.