Seaside Sculpt Hosts Pilates Classes with the Most Stunning Waterfront Backdrops

Seaside Sculpt at the Newport Harbor Island Resort.

Sure, you can take a Pilates class in a studio or gym, but it’s taken to a whole other ethereal level when the classroom setting is the ocean. Seaside Sculpt is a series of outdoor Pilates classes lead by instructor Nina Rose @embodybynina), who is the founder and owner of Embody Studio in East Greenwich. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, her challenging classes can take you from your first time on the mat to Pilates pro, plus you’ll gain a chance to check out a new-to-you spot in Rhode Island, make new friends, and build a fitness community at the post-class gatherings.

Seaside Sculpt at OceanCliff.

I recently took one of her classes at OceanCliff in Newport. For Seaside Sculpt, mats were set up under a covered tent where the resort usually hosts events. The sides were all open to the stunning harbor views while we followed Rose’s every move. It was a rainy day for our class, but the sounds of the pelting drops made for a very relaxing and soothing soundtrack alongside Rose’s motivating playlist. All we needed for this class were a pair of grippy socks and our own bodyweight. No machines. The burn session made me feel strong, lean and empowered through movement with a group of like-minded women dedicated to wellness.

After the fifty-minute class, all participants were invited to a reception that included a signature drink and light bites. We were treated to a spread of cheese, charcuterie, fruit and crackers, as well as flatbread pizzas, cookies and other treats. We earned a little indulgence after all that toning and flexing for the session.

Rose’s next class, Seaside Sculpt at the Selene Day Party, will be held on Sept. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at the Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island. Reserve your spot here.

Nina Rose, founder and owner of Embody Studios.

Here’s a Q-and-A with Rose:

What made you want to start Seaside Sculpt by the ocean?

I’ve always dreamed of hosting a workout class by the water. There’s something so calming about being near the ocean, and I felt like pilates was the perfect movement to pair with that. Pilates allows you to slow down, be intentional with every movement, connect to your body, and really be present. Being able to do that outside, with the water around you, just makes the experience feel even more special. But Seaside Sculpt was never meant to be just a workout. One of my favorite parts is what happens after class. We move, and then we stay, connect, celebrate, have a drink, meet someone new, take photos and just enjoy being together. That feels very ’embody’ to me. I’ve always wanted fitness to feel like something that adds to your life, not something that takes you away from it. You can take care of yourself, feel strong in your body, and then go have fun and enjoy your life without having to compromise.

What do participants appreciate most about the events?

Another part of the vision is incorporating the restaurants and venues we partner with into the experience. I want people to discover a beautiful space, stay for brunch or cocktails, bring their friends back another time, and really experience everything that location has to offer. It becomes mutually beneficial. Introducing our community to these incredible local businesses while they help us create an experience that feels so much bigger than a traditional fitness class.

Where have you hosted it so far, and where do you hope to take it?

My first Seaside Sculpt was at the iconic OceanCliff in Newport. My original vision was to teach out on the lawn overlooking the water, but the weather had other plans! Instead, we ended up having this really beautiful, unexpected moment flowing under the tent while listening to the rain fall around us. It wasn’t exactly what I had pictured, but somehow it felt even more special.

Then I hosted Seaside Sculpt at the new Selene day club on Goat Island at Newport Harbor Island Resort. It was the complete opposite weatherwise; it was a beautiful sunny day, a light breeze, amazing energy, and had this dreamy European summer feel. It really brought the entire vision to life. I would love to take Seaside Sculpt all over New England, but my ultimate goal is to bring it to New York City. Manhattan is where I truly discovered my love for fitness, so teaching a Seaside Sculpt along the East River or on a rooftop overlooking it would feel like such a full-circle moment for me.

How long have you taught Pilates, and why do you love it?

I’ve been teaching Pilates for about a year, and I always say that Pilates found me when I needed it most. It has healed me in so many way, not only physically, but mentally too and that’s a huge part of why I love teaching it. I want other people to be able to experience what it has given me. Pilates is rehabilitative at its core, and coming from a dance background, it resonates with my body more than any other type of movement. The form, control, precision and mind/body connection all feel really natural to me.

I also love the community that Pilates creates. It has made my core the strongest it has ever been, but more importantly, it has made me feel stronger, more grounded and more stable overall. Being able to share that feeling with other people is really special to me.