During the last five months, SoMa's MNTSTUDIO (766 Brannan St.) underwent a makeover. The newly remodeled 6,000-square-foot space includes new classes, bathrooms and a small daycare area.

With its new look and services—which includes barre classes, Pilates and two different reformer Pilates classes—owner Elaine Hayes said MNTSTUDIO is different than a standard gym experience. 

The largest class is twenty students per teacher, and smaller, more individual focused classes are offered in reformer and Pilates. Classes range from $25 for a single group class to $200 for 10 classes.

Monthly memberships are also available for $350, which allows members access to all classes at the gym. New members can test out the gym with a 30-day pass for $199. 

"It feels more like a boutique spa. But we still kick your butt," Hayes said. "We just do it in a very pretty environment."

The renovation was supported by designer Cassandra Crain and architect Adriana Daringa of ADBC Architecture. 

“When we first started the demo upstairs in the new space, there was all of this acoustic tile that I wanted removed because it was really old," said Hayes. "The construction team started to take them out and we discovered these beautiful wooden beams. To me, that was really exciting."  

The remodel also allows Hayes to provide child care, a move inspired by her own pregnancy.

Other than San Francisco's YMCA branches, few gyms in the city provide child care, and Hayes reasoned that it was difficult for parents to find a sitter for the hour or so needed for a workout. 

"As a new mom-to-be myself," she said on the MNTSTUDIO blog, "I realize the importance of support when it comes to caring for your kids so that you can take care of yourself."

Customers can sign up for child care when they register for classes, but hours for daycare are not set in stone yet. "We’re basically listening to our clients and seeing what times people want to have child care," Hayes said. "It’s no more than four children to one adult." 

MNTSTUDIO has its origins in a private studio started in Hayes' apartment after she completed a teacher training course in 2010. “I grew up dancing, and I was introduced to Pilates by my dance teacher when I was about 15 years old.” Hayes explained. “Once I did Pilates, I noticed how much better I felt."

She also focused on customers' individual needs, ranging from injuries to pregnancy. Over time, demand for Hayes' style of Pilates training increased. “I was turning people away," said Hayes. "It got so packed I thought, I need to expand.” 

In April of 2013, Hayes found a location for her new studio at its current location on Brannan Street. She opened MNTSTUDIO that August. 

While the recent renovation took five months, the gym only closed its doors for three days during the remodel. “It was really important to me that we didn’t close," Hayes said, "Not only does my staff rely on full-time work, but also our community—they want to continue their routine."

“In the next few years, we would like to look into opening a new location in the Bay Area," she said. "But we’re gonna let this one settle and enjoy the new space. I’m really happy to be here contributing to the neighborhood.”

MNTSTUDIO is open Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30am-8:30pm, Fridays 6:30am-6:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 8am-1pm.