The Full Routine takes Pilates to the next level with mat and reformer workouts that exercise the whole body.
By Jessie Dax-Setkus
When you head to the gym, you want to make sure your whole body is getting a quality workout. This is where The Full Routine comes in. Situated on the peninsula, the studio offers mat and reformer Pilates.
Owner Cassie Piasecki, who has more than three decades of experience in the health and fitness industry—including a former leadership role at GritCycle, prides herself on teaching Pilates, indoor cycling and dance, while also offering personal training. Overall, she has guided over 10,000 people at some point in their fitness journeys.
What is your background in fitness?
Cassie Piasecki: I have 33 years of experience in the fitness industry, starting as a step aerobics instructor and teaching nearly every fitness modality except CrossFit and yoga. Over time, I honed my expertise in classical Pilates and indoor cycling, which became my primary focus.
My journey led me to entrepreneurship and leadership roles, including becoming managing director of GritCycle in 2017 [and then CEO in 2020], where I helped expand the brand from two to seven studios in just two years. Later, I served as director of on-camera fitness talent for FightCamp, a connected fitness company specializing in boxing and kickboxing.
In 2023, I fulfilled my dream of starting my own fitness company and launched The Full Routine. We offer classical reformer Pilates classes and my signature workout, TFR Mat.
What does a Full Routine workout typically consist of?
CP: At The Full Routine, our reformer workouts are rooted in the classical repertoire designed by Joseph Pilates, enhanced with an athletic twist. Each week, I personally program the workouts, ensuring all instructors teach the same full-body, athletic routine across every class.
In addition to reformer classes, we offer TFR Mat in our second studio. I created this signature workout to blend Pilates mat exercises, dance, full-body sculpting, heat and music into one dynamic experience. It’s our signature workout—and it rocks.
Can you tell us the meaning behind the studio’s tagline, “The Full Workout is where Pilates meets a full-body transformation?”
CP: In The Full Routine studios, we combine our expertise in creating athletic workouts with the dynamic experience of group fitness, music, heat (in our TFR Mat workouts—our reformer studio is not heated) and mindful motivation that is not about fitting into a size 2 jeans, but more about feeling strong, sexy and confident. All of these key points together has delivered full-body transformations in our instructors and clients alike.
What health benefits come with this workout?
CP: Workouts at The Full Routine offer more than just physical benefits—they help build a strong, confident body and mind. Our classes are physically and mentally challenging, providing an hour of focus that allows you to tune out the outside world and concentrate on the routine. This mental reset fosters creativity, patience, reduced stress and a sense of calm.
Many clients also experience a powerful endorphin boost from the movement, music, camaraderie with others and the heat (in our TFR Mat classes), leaving them feeling energized.
What should a first-timer expect?
CP: In our reformer classes, first-time clients can expect a challenging, full-body workout rooted in true, classical Pilates. It’s exciting to learn the foundational exercises created by Joseph Pilates.
In our TFR Mat classes, new clients should come ready to sweat. Across all of our workouts, we encourage clients to embrace being a beginner. It typically takes two to three sessions to get familiar with the TFR vocabulary, and every one of us has been a first-time client at some point. We celebrate those who step out of their comfort zone to try something new—it’s incredibly empowering.
How does the group setting help motivate participants of your class?
CP: As someone who used to prefer working out solo, I didn’t fully understand the power of group fitness until opening The Full Routine studios. Watching our clients form friendships, cheer each other on, support one another outside the studio, compete to see who takes the most classes in a week, and high-five after a sweaty session—wow. It’s truly moving and sometimes even brings me to tears.
Group workouts also come with a built-in accountability factor. If you miss a TFR class, you can count on your workout buddies to call you out.
Workout Wares
Find the gear you need for a full-body workout, all at local stores.
(949-673-2300; jackssurfboards.com)
