By Sophia Pardo
If you follow the Dallas wellness influencer scene, the name Rachel Schwandt — better known as @pilateswithrachel — likely rings a bell. Her Pilates classes are some of the most in-demand in the city, with waitlists forming weeks in advance at workout hotspots such as O2 and Align. Rachel has built a cult following, and getting into one of her sessions takes serious scheduling dedication. With limited spots available, I find myself stalking her class offerings weekly, the same way I do during the latest PARKE drop, hoping to cop another mockneck sweatshirt.
As the “Pilates Princess” aesthetic continues to dominate both the fitness space and the social media scene — alongside the rising popularity of low-impact workouts — Rachel has become the embodiment of the trend and the unofficial face of the movement, here in Dallas.
Rachel recently launched her online platform, The Niche Method — a subscription-based service designed to make her signature workouts more accessible and easy to do from the comfort of your own home. Just this past month, she announced that her colleague and fellow Pilates powerhouse, Renata Bridges, will be joining the platform to share her own expertise as well.
Rachel sat down with me for a Q and A to talk all things Niche, wellness, community building and what is next, just in time for summer break and perfect for anyone looking to workout and get their bodies feeling tight, toned, long and lean and with hopes to serve “body tea,” for the upcoming school year.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and what is your background?
My name is Rachel Schwandt and I am a certified Pilates instructor currently living in Dallas, TX! I am originally from Metro Detroit and spent a few years living in NYC before coming to Dallas. I am a corporate girl turned pilates instructor and absolutely love it! I’ve been teaching pilates for about 5 years now and am the Co-Founder of The Niche Method, an on-demand pilates & wellness platform on a mission to deliver industry-leading pilates classes to you in the comfort of your home!
What originally got you into Pilates, and what was the shift that made you begin teaching?
I grew up a dancer and was a member of the University of Michigan’s Dance Team in college, so movement has always been a passion of mine. I grew up dancing every night after school and on the weekends and taught dance summer camps after graduating high school. After my dance career ended in college and I began going through some mental health struggles, I lost my love for movement. Health and wellness began to feel like a punishment instead of a gift. When I was living in NYC, I discovered pilates and my entire approach to health and wellness was changed forever. It reminded me of the beauty of dance without the immense pressure and mental health struggles it brought. Once I started practicing pilates regularly, I fell in love and had to share it with others.
How has Pilates impacted or changed your life and daily habits?
I’ve always been an extremely determined and dedicated person, as most collegiate athletes are. However, Pilates taught me the art of balance and gratitude. It has really forced me to become more intune with my body’s needs and wants when it comes to movement. The old me would push my body to extreme limits, the new me sees my body as a reflection of my environment and I give myself grace when I’m not feeling 100%. I have way more appreciation for the body as an entire system than I did before I began teaching.
Environment is everything. How have you created a space and class that people consistently return to? Both of your classes are always booked and have a really dedicated group of clients. Spill your secrets.
If you’ve been to my class before, you know I am always saying “it’s not that serious,” and I mean it! I spent years and years of my life walking around with so much anxiety surrounding movement and now I’m at the point where I move because I love to and it makes me feel so much better! I try to emulate that experience for everyone in my class. I also teach a challenging class and I think that makes people want to come back for more. My Pilates mentor back in Detroit taught me to teach a class that’s 75% “doable” and 25% “WTF was that?” and that is what I do! I think it’s the perfect balance of having students leave and feel like they achieved something but are also craving to come back and get stronger!
What helped you build your community in Dallas?
I moved to Dallas in the summer of 2022 and before coming down here I knew nobody! Dallas was a brand new city for me. I think the best thing I did was teach as many classes as possible and said yes to every community event! I also make a conscious effort to get to know my students on a personal level – I love connecting with them and hearing about their life!
Can you tell us more about Niche? What is it, and why did you start it?
Niche is an online only (for now – wink) on-demand, Pilates and wellness platform designed to give students access to industry-leading Pilates classes designed to lengthen and strengthen you from the comfort of your house! Niche originally began as Pilates with Rachel (PWR) with me posting free Pilates videos to Youtube but evolved into Niche over time. My vision was to eventually create an entire app that had multiple quality instructors on the platform, so I wanted it to be larger than PWR! On the platform I have a range of pilates classes such as classic pilates, pilates sculpt, power pilates, pilates x strength and stretching classes! Up until now, Niche has been just me but I am thrilled to announce that Renata Bridges is joining the Niche team and is Niche’s newest Pilates instructor and Co-Founder!
With the news of Renata joining the team, what new things can Niche members expect?
What makes Niche different is the instruction. Niche trainers are only the best-of-the-best. Renata is a former pre-professional ballerina, having danced at the Boston Conservatory. She is also extensively trained in Pilates, has over 10 years of Pilates instruction experience and is also a Mom of three beautiful children, so she is an expert in pre and post-natal pilates. When I say she is the best, I mean it! She will absolutely kill you on the mat and help you sculp those long, beautiful lines! Renata is launching her first Niche Program kicking off on May 12th and it is a 5-day Power Pilates Series! There’s so much more to come with Renata and Niche – this is just the start!
For someone intimidated to start Pilates and unsure where to begin, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them?
Everyone starts somewhere – just start and you will be amazed what your body can do overtime if you’re consistent with it!
What’s the biggest misconception people have about Pilates?
That Pilates is only for wealthy people. It’s so far from the truth and is one of the reasons we created Niche!
What’s a habit or part of your routine that would surprise people to learn about?
I think something that would surprise people is that I prioritize sleep over basically everything! Rest is so important and overlooked!