FS8 St. Petersburg will offer low-impact, high-energy workouts that blend elements of Pilates, Tone (strength) training, and Yoga into a single group class experience | St Pete Rising

A new kind of fitness experience is headed to downtown St. Petersburg.

Later this fall, FS8, a fast-growing brand created by the team behind F45 Training, will open its first Tampa Bay location at 2541 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District.

Behind the project are St. Pete locals Kate Dworsky and Heather Avery, two fitness professionals passionate about helping people reach their goals while building community along the way.

The pair signed their lease in January and have spent the past several months navigating the permitting process.

With approvals in hand, construction is now underway inside the former Lion’s Paw Antiques & Collectables building.

FS8 blends reformer and mat Pilates, yoga, and strength training into 50-minute classes designed to be approachable yet challenging.

Owners of FS8 St. Petersburg, Kate Dworsky (right) and Heather Avery (left) | FS8 St. Petersburg

The name stands for “functional style,” representing the brand’s eight pillars: cardio, mobility, posture, coordination, resistance, mental health, balance, and flexibility.

Launched in Australia in 2021, FS8 has grown quickly, with more than 150 studios expected to be open in the U.S. by year’s end, along with locations in Europe, Canada, South Africa, and Singapore.

Dworsky says FS8 stands out because it makes Pilates feel accessible.

“Pilates can sometimes feel cold and rigid, but FS8 is designed to be welcoming and approachable,” she explained.

“It’s not pure Pilates in the traditional sense. We use reformers, but we also add weights, mat warm-ups, and yoga elements. Whether you’ve been practicing for years or you’re brand new, you’ll still get a great, balanced workout.”

For Avery, opening the studio is also personal.

FS8 St. Petersburg will be the first studio of its kind in Tampa Bay when it opens later this year | FS8

“When I moved here in 2014, I fell in love with the city,” she said. “People here have so much pride, and it shows in the way they support local businesses and connect with each other. We want FS8 to reflect that — a place where people feel comfortable walking in and immediately feel like they belong.”

That focus on community is already taking shape.

While renovations continue, Dworsky and Avery have been leading free weekly outdoor workouts and building buzz online. The response has been strong, with more than 100 new leads a day coming through Instagram and Facebook.

The studio’s opening is expected within the next two months.

Memberships range from single drop-in classes to multi-class packs and monthly options, with trial classes available for those who want to try it out first.

“We’re in the trenches of the build-out right now, but it’s exciting to see it come to life,” Dworsky said. “We want FS8 to be more than just a workout. It’s about connection, confidence, and feeling stronger together.”

To stay updated on the grand opening, upcoming events, and pre-membership specials, follow FS8 St. Pete on Facebook and Instagram.