Transforming Wellness in West Africa: The Pilates Studio Accra
Pilates has long been celebrated for its ability to transform both body and mind. In West Africa, where the fitness culture is rapidly evolving, one Black-owned business is pioneering this transformative practice. The Pilates Studio Accra, founded by Cida Morrison, is reshaping wellness in Ghana through Pilates and a deep commitment to community empowerment.
Cida’s journey began as a personal exploration of Pilates, but it has since evolved into a mission to bring its benefits to Accra and beyond. “My personal Pilates journey has been deeply transformative and ultimately led me to Accra in an unexpected yet profoundly meaningful way,” she shares.
The Story Behind The Pilates Studio Accra
A Journey of Passion and Resilience
Cida’s connection to Pilates began as an obsession. “After discovering the immense benefits Pilates brought to my physical and mental well-being, I felt compelled to share this experience with others,” she explains. This passion led her to enrol in BASI teacher training and countless supplementary courses.
Her relationship with Accra started in 2017, when she was captivated by the city’s vibrancy and dynamic energy. “I saw an opportunity to bring Pilates to this thriving city, blending my passion with a genuine desire to contribute to the wellness culture here,” Cida recalls. What began as a two-week holiday in February 2020 turned into an 18-month stay due to the pandemic. During this time, she opened The Pilates Studio Accra and became pregnant with her second child. “Accra has since become the place where my passion for Pilates and my life as a mother and entrepreneur have seamlessly come together,” she explained.
Introducing Pilates to Ghana
“Accra, with its vibrant energy and dynamic growth, felt like the perfect place to introduce Pilates. The city’s natural resilience and strength are reflected in its people, and I saw an opportunity to complement that with a discipline that promotes not just physical strength but also mental clarity and inner alignment. Pilates is about more than exercise—it’s about wellness, confidence, and self-discovery. Bringing this to a region with such vitality and potential felt both needed and incredibly inspiring,” she said.
“My goal was to create a space where people in Ghana and West Africa can reconnect with their bodies, cultivate mental clarity, and feel empowered in their daily lives. In a city as fast-paced as Accra, this practice feels not only relevant but essential for fostering balance and holistic well-being.
“I started teaching in the small compound where I lived to neighbors who initially had no experience with Pilates. At first, we held just two classes a week, and while there was some curiosity, and maybe a bit of skepticism, quite quickly they saw the benefits.
“Eventually individuals came to us with concerns stemming from desk-bound work or back pain, so we emphasize core strengthening and postural alignment,” she explains.
Impact and Community Initiatives
Empowering Through Pilates
“Pilates has also brought a unique dimension to Ghana’s evolving fitness culture. While more traditional forms of exercise are widely practiced, Pilates offers a mindful and core-focused approach that emphasizes alignment, balance, and holistic well-being,” she mentioned.
“In a society that deeply values strength and resilience, Pilates complements these qualities by promoting not only physical strength but also mental clarity and emotional balance. It fills an important gap in the wellness landscape, providing a practice that supports both the body and the mind in a way that resonates with the community’s needs.
“Sure it’s still a relatively unfamiliar concept for many. Some initially perceive it as simply stretching, without realizing the depth, strength, and precision the practice requires. Addressing these misconceptions has been key, so we’ve focused on communicating the science behind Pilates and its many benefits.
“To make it more accessible, we’ve offered free introductory sessions and collaborated with local influencers to help demystify the practice and show how it can benefit everyone. These efforts have been instrumental in building awareness and interest in Pilates within the community,” she said.
Celebrating the unique culture
“We also made sure we incorporated elements of the local culture to create a welcoming and familiar environment. For example, we use locally inspired music, such as Afrobeat or traditional Ghanaian rhythms, to create an energizing atmosphere. Our studio space reflects the vibrant culture of Accra, featuring locally made textiles and artwork, while our teaching approach emphasizes community and connection, values that are deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture,” said Cida.
“By meeting people where they are and understanding their unique needs, we've made Pilates both accessible and engaging, ensuring it resonates with the community in a meaningful way.”
“In a society that deeply values strength and resilience, Pilates complements these qualities by promoting not only physical strength but also mental clarity and emotional balance. It fills an important gap in the wellness landscape, providing a practice that supports both the body and the mind in a way that resonates with the community’s needs.”
Supporting our community
“Our charity work, like the Pilates for Pads initiative, has significantly impacted the community, especially young girls in underprivileged areas, by providing essential supplies and introducing wellness practices to support their development. We also support female entrepreneurs in Ghana by offering them space in our studio to showcase their work, helping expand their reach. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact within the community,” she said.
Expanding Across Africa
The success of The Pilates Studio Accra has inspired Cida to dream bigger. “My vision is to create a network of studios that provide accessible Pilates education and wellness opportunities throughout the continent,” she shares. Through teacher training courses, she is building local expertise and ensuring the ripple effects of Pilates reach more communities.
“I hope to demonstrate that creating spaces dedicated to wellness is not only essential but also transformative. Investing in wellness goes beyond individual health - it uplifts communities, empowers individuals, and contributes to building a healthier, more connected future,” she explains.
“Investing in wellness goes beyond individual health - it uplifts communities, empowers individuals, and contributes to building a healthier, more connected future.”
“I’m deeply proud to be the first Black-owned Pilates studio in West Africa and represent a movement that promotes wellness, empowerment, and inclusivity. This goes beyond running a business - it’s about breaking down barriers and inspiring people from all walks of life. Being a pioneer in this space is humbling, but also deeply rewarding. I hope it serves as a powerful representation, especially for young girls, to see what’s possible and to believe that they too can achieve their dreams!
“One of our key initiatives has been the introduction of our teacher training courses, which not only build local expertise but also lay the foundation for growth. By empowering others to become Pilates instructors, we’re creating a ripple effect that will help bring wellness to even more regions in West Africa and beyond!,” she said.
The Pilates Studio Accra is revolutionizing wellness in Ghana by blending Pilates with community initiatives. Cida’s work is inspiring positive change across West Africa, demonstrating that Pilates is not just exercise, but a journey of empowerment and self-discovery. Through her pioneering efforts, Cida is proving that Pilates is more than just exercise—it’s a path to confidence, empowerment, and self-discovery.
FAQs
1. What inspired Cida Morrison to open The Pilates Studio Accra?
Cida was deeply transformed by Pilates, which led her to share its benefits with others. After falling in love with Accra’s energy and growth, she saw an opportunity to introduce Pilates to the city and contribute to its wellness culture.
2. How did Cida begin teaching Pilates in Accra?
Cida started teaching Pilates in the small compound where she lived, offering classes to neighbors with no prior Pilates experience. Her focus on core strengthening and postural alignment quickly gained interest and trust in the community.
3. What does Cida hope to achieve with The Pilates Studio Accra?
Cida aims to create a space in Accra where people can reconnect with their bodies, gain mental clarity, and feel empowered. She believes Pilates is essential for fostering balance and holistic well-being.