Our Approach
At Studio86 Fitness our goal is to make fitness fun, accessible to all levels of ability, and different so you never get bored. We have chosen to offer unique styles of boutique fitness classes so that you will always have a combination of styles to choose from. Our instructors bring various backgrounds in dance performance, physical therapy, and exercise science to their classes adding their additional knowledge to their teaching styles. We are all trained in exercise modification for injury prevention and/or have worked in Pilates-based physical therapy clinical settings. We can help you after surgery or physical therapy sessions to continue in your fitness goals and transition back into your life.
Our Story
Studio86 Fitness was originally founded by Heather Daye as an online studio in 2019 to bring teachers and fitness lovers from all over the country together into a stronger community. After returning to her hometown of Columbus, OH, Heather opened the first physical location of Studio86 Fitness on March 1st, 2020. In the Fall of 2024 Studio86 expanded to a second location.
Studio86 Fitness is a boutique studio focusing on low-impact workouts that are appropriate for all fitness levels. We are the first studio in the Midwest to offer Jumping Fitness, a unique rebounding (mini trampoline) class originating in Prague, Czech Republic. Combining the cardio benefits of Jumping with the strengthening and stretching of Pilates, and Barre you are sure to get a complete whole-body workout.
Our instructors are all certified or have backgrounds in: Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Biology, dance, and nutrition. We can tailor any private session to your fitness goals and specialize in post-rehabilitation Pilates programs.
Meet the Team
We love what we do and cannot wait to share it with you!
Heather Daye-NPCT
Owner, Master Trainer
Pilates, Jumping Fitness, Barre86
Originally from Columbus, OH Heather has been a fitness instructor and professional dancer for over 17 years. She graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in 2009 with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance. After moving to Los Angeles to continue her professional dance career she became a physical therapy aide, and certified in the Pilates method through Balanced Body in 2011 with master trainers Roger Gonzalez-Hibner, Gabrielle Shrier MPT, and Allyson Cabot PT. In addition to her Balanced Body Certification Heather received her National Pilates Certification (PMA- now NPCT) in 2014, and is a 3rd generation Pilates instructor with direct lineage to Joseph Pilates through Romana Kryzanowska and Roger Gonzalez-Hibner. In 2022 she created the teacher training program for Studio86 offering certifications in traditional Comprehensive Pilates, Trampoline, and Barre86. With seven years of past experience in a Pilates-based physical therapy clinic Heather enjoys being able to help clients on their path to a full and healthy lifestyle.
To balance out her Pilates training Heather became certified to the Advanced Level of RedCord Active program in 2014, Jumping Fitness in 2015 through Master Trainer Jakub Novotny, and in Barre through the Burn at the Barre certification program in 2018. She is looking forward to sharing her love of movement to even more people through Studio86 Fitness. Heather enjoys using her past experience in physical therapy and as a professional dancer to help all her clients of any ability.
Alex Dyer
Pilates, Trampoline, Barre86
Originally from Florida Alex found Pilates in 2019 while dancing professionally in Columbus, OH. Alex has been teaching Pilates since 2020 and she completed her Comprehensive Pilates certification and Barre86 certification with Studio86 Fitness in 2023. She is passionate about creating a fun and safe environment for clients in their Pilates journeys.
Bridgett Allsbrooks
Apprentice Instructor- Pilates and Barre86
Pilates Apprentice. Bridgett has been personally practicing Pilates over the course of 20 years. She is a certified Yoga instructor and enjoys empowering her students with whole-body connection. Bridgett completed her Barre86 certification in 2023.
Cynthia Hengeli
Pilates
Cynthia has been practicing Pilates for nearly two decades. She became certified in Reformer and began teaching in 2020. Cynthia is Comprehensive certified through Studio86 and began teaching with us in January 2024. She has extensive knowledge in health and wellness and recently finished her certification in Health Coaching. She strives to provide a challenging and educational Pilates experience for all levels.
Christina Graham – NPCT
Pilates
Christina received her Balanced Body Comprehensive Pilates certification in 2021 and the National Pilates Certification in 2023. She is a certified Yoga Alliance RYT 200 yoga teacher and recently completed her AiReal Yoga certification. She fell in love with Pilates 20+ years ago. She loves that Pilates has so many diverse options for everyone, providing overall fitness and improved function in everyday movements for every person and every age! Her goal in teaching is that her students leave classes feeling challenged, and revitalized – both physically and mentally. As an avid tennis player and golfer she also loves to explore how Pilates can improve balance, strength, and function in sports. Chris has been teaching with Studio86 since 2021.
Gina Frabotta- NPCT
Pilates
Gina Frabotta has been teaching in the fitness industry for 25 years. Her love of movement began as a young gymnast and blossomed into studying Dance at Ohio University where she received her Bachelors degree. It was there she began her Pilates education as part of the dance curriculum and has continued developing her fitness knowledge ever since. She spent the
early years of her career dancing with companies from both Cleveland, OH and, Portland, OR. She has been teaching pilates for over 22 years, originally certifying through The PhysicalMind Institute, and later through
the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP). She is also a certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Personal Trainer (ACE). Her caring approach and attention to detail help individuals realize their full potential. She is
proficient in educating her clients on how to execute movements with the precision necessary to gain maximum benefits as well as exuding a passion for the joy of movement. She has a wealth of experience working with different populations. Over the years she has worked with professional athletes, swimmers, dancers and has a long history of working with injuries;
especially back injuries. Her clients have ranged in age from 12 years old to 93 years old. Gina believes everyone can improve their overall fitness no matter what level they begin at and truly enjoys meeting each person where they are on their fitness journey.
Natalia Young
Pilates
Natalia received her Comprehensive Pilates certification through The PhysicalMind Institute in 2023 from Master Trainer Emily Smith. In her teaching, she emphasizes the connection between the mind and body helping to create a conscious bond of mental and anatomical awareness through movement. Natalia has a passion for dance and expressive movement.
Samiyah Brown
Pilates
Sam began her Pilates practice in 2022 with Studio86 before deciding to pursue a professional career to help others in the same way Pilates has helped her find strength and balance in life. She became a Comprehensively Certified Pilates instructor with Studio86 in 2024. Sam has a very calm and caring nature in her teaching style while focusing on the details of proper form and safety.