Shore to Shore: Puppies and Pilates brings a new fitness trend to Rehoboth Beach

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — A new business in Rehoboth Beach is putting a furry spin on fitness. In the latest edition of Shore to Shore, WMDT visited Puppies and Pilates.

“Puppies and Pilates mixes the joy of puppies with a true workout and mental health and wellness, so it really is a trifecta,” said CEO and founder Bethany Kazaba.

People may come for the Pilates, but they often stay for the puppies. The Rehoboth Beach studio is giving residents a chance to experience one of the latest fitness trends.

“We do really focus on bringing that heat and intensity earlier on, just knowing that once a puppy is out, it is very easy to get distracted,” Director of Operations Alex Perrin said. “Go ahead and take advantage of that break that you do need.”

With French bulldogs providing plenty of puppy love, it can be hard to tell who is having more fun.

“Whether the Pilates continues after the first half of class or you want to get those puppy cuddles in and just that serotonin boost that we all live with, really, there’s no judgment here,” Perrin said.

Exercise can be “ruff,” but the team at Puppies and Pilates says the classes are designed to meet participants where they are.

“We had four generations of women here last week, and to me, that is just so awesome,” Kazaba said. “It’s just amazing to bring so many people together, from 12 years old all the way to people in their 70s,” Perrin added.

The women-owned business has hosted pop-up classes throughout the Delmarva region, but opening a permanent location along the Delaware coast was especially meaningful for Kazaba.

“We’re really, really happy to be part of the community, and I wouldn’t have started a permanent location anywhere else except here,” Kazaba said.

Kazaba said she and her longtime friend turned their vision of combining Pilates with playful puppies into a thriving business.

“She made it happen, of course, but she is a boss babe business owner, and I’m just so honored that she would join me in this,” Kazaba said.

For anyone looking to turn a workout into playtime, Puppies and Pilates is located at 19801 Coastal Highway, Suite 2, Rehoboth Beach.