SWTY, a new Pilates studio, has opened just minutes from campus to introduce reformer classes to the community.
You may already be familiar with one of the co-owners, actor Jay Ellis of “Insecure” and “Top Gun: Maverick” fame. Ellis’ business partner Vince Purpera, Louisiana native and LSU alumnus, have been friends for years. They both consider fitness to be a big part of their lives.
Walking into the studio, you’re immersed in shades of blue, creating a tranquil space surrounding the eight reformer machines.
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Ellis and Purpera first met in Los Angeles, and the friendship quickly grew. Purpera owns Body Factory, a fitness boutique in Lafayette where Ellis trained for his first big show, “The Game.” So when the idea arose of a second studio opening, Ellis knew he wanted to be involved. The only question was: Where would SWTY’s first location be?
Purpera said he knew he wanted to create a company that grew in his home state. Ellis, knowing that he’s constantly passing through Baton Rouge going from Lafayette to New Orleans, figured this location was the perfect place. Of course, the fact that they’re both huge LSU fans and are always trying to catch a football or basketball game may have played a role.
“The campus is amazing, the city is beautiful, so to me, it was just a no-brainer,” Ellis said.
After Ellis did Pilates for the first time, he knew it would be a part of his workout routine. Ellis thinks it’s important to leave the misconception that Pilates is only for women in the past.
“I’ve done a lot of workouts, I’ve done a lot of stuff to get prepared for roles. I played college basketball. This is the best full-body workout you could do that doesn’t put stress on your body. What I realized about Pilates was I’m getting that flexibility, I’m getting that stretch while working out. The benefits are fast. You see results really, really quick,” Ellis said.
Ellis explained that the focus you have in Pilates carries outside of class. Most of his roles have a lot of physicality involved. Whether it’s portraying a football player in “The Game” or learning how to fly a jet for “Top Gun,” Pilates comes in clutch, he said.
“To go shoot a movie like ‘Top Gun,’ a show like ‘Insecure’ or ‘The Game’ – that was very physical – the mental preparation that goes into something like that, well, just because you’re an actor doesn’t mean you know how to prepare for those roles or that your body is physically ready for those things,” Ellis said. “I think that for me, Pilates has always given me a base to go do those things and push myself.”
Pilates can be a great place to hang out with friends, the pair said. Ellis has some iconic friends and castmates, such as Issa Rae/President Barbie, Yvonne Orji and Kendrick Sampson. Despite starring in the hit HBO show “Insecure,” the group has never done Pilates together.
“We should do a class when I get back home to LA. That’s actually a great idea,” Ellis said. “I’ve worked out with Yvonne, we used to live two streets away from each other… We used to hike quite a bit. I’ve never worked out with Issa before, although I know she’s a big walker.”
Ellis has a playlist acting as the soundtrack to his workouts. Notable artists like Drake, Future, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Lil Yachty are featured.
He doesn’t just stick to Pilates though; the average workout week for Ellis is filled with excitement.
“So I do fasted cardio every morning at 7 a.m. for 20 to 30 minutes depending on what time I wake up, and how much time I have, but that’s the first thing I do. Then on Monday, Wednesday, Friday I lift weights at noon for an hour. On Tuesday and Thursday, I do Pilates in the afternoon, and then on Saturdays I just run and that’s my week,” Ellis said.
First new client sessions are $10, and students get unlimited classes for $105 a month.
“I’ve been fortunate enough in my career to meet a lot of really amazing, professional athletes. Women’s basketball, men’s basketball, football, baseball, tennis, you name it and I will say there are a lot more professional athletes who use Pilates than what you would imagine,” Ellis said. “The doors are always open at SWTY.”
The co-owner’s said his mission is to make everyone who comes to SWTY have a great experience. Ellis described Pilates in three words: “tough, sweaty and gratifying.”
Many people are intimidated when they walk into a Pilates studio. Maybe it’s the machines or just that feeling of walking into unfamiliar territory, but there’s nothing to fear, Ellis said.
“What Pilates does for you long term is huge, the benefits in your day-to-day life are amazing but what you get out of it in terms of longevity is massive,” Ellis said.“If every single person on the LSU campus came to the studio we’d be happy.”
SWTY plans to grow throughout Louisiana within the year. The owners have been looking at New Orleans and Metairie locations and hope to open several locations. They also hope to bring the brand to Los Angeles at the top of the year.
The SWTY sign sits on the wall on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at SWTY Fitness Boutique on Highland Road in Baton Rouge, La.
