Meet Strong Core CollectiveWe’re a community of movement.
A space where you belong.
Pilates, Phoenix, Arizona and BeyondAt SCC, Pilates is more than just exercise. It’s a practice of strength, balance and transformation. Our boutique studios in Arcadia and Glendale are designed to support your journey through Pilates, creating a space where every body belongs. Whether you’re new to Pilates, recovering from injury or ready to take your practice deeper, our private sessions meet you where you are.
The mission is simple: make Pilates accessible, supportive and empowering to all.
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Compassionate Guidance
Every session is led with care, patience and encouragement. Feel supported through your entire journey.
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Inclusive Environment
Accessible and adaptable. Strong Core Collective welcomes all ages, abilities and stages of life.
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Educational Approach
Blending instruction with insight, Kara helps you understand your body and adjusts sessions to how you’re feeling.
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Results that Last
SCC help you achieve long-term wellbeing improvements, both in body and mind, in-studio and in life.
Why Pilates?
Pilates is the sweet spot between strength and self-care, offering movement that challenges without depleting you. It strengthens your core, improves balance and connects you to your body in a deeper way.
With consistent practice, you’ll notice stronger posture, improved flexibility and more energy throughout your day. Many clients also experience weight loss, increased muscle tone and enhanced endurance. But the results of pilates extend beyond the physical. Pilates helps to reduce stress and anxiety through mindful breathwork, leaving you feeling calmer and more grounded.
Pilates is a low-impact and adaptable exercise option, making it accessible for all bodies, including those recovering from injury, navigating pregnancy and more. Each session combines strength, stretch and mindfulness.
Strong Core Collective is about more than how you move. It’s about how you feel, both inside and out.
About KaraMeet the Founder
(and your instructor)
Kara Levenda is the heart of Strong Core Collective. With over 500 hours and years of experience working in renowned studios with a diverse range of clients, Kara brings both expertise and empathy to your Pilates journey.
Kara fell in love with the Pilates practice and philosophy in 2021. Since then, she’s built a community of movement, connection and strength. What began as a dream of having a small home studio has now grown into Strong Core Collective: two studio locations in Arcadia, AZ and Glendale, AZ.
No matter what your age, ability or stage of life, Kara is there to support you. Kara has extensive experience in training clients through injury recovery, surgery rehabilitation, prenatal and postpartum journeys, as well as post-treatment for cancer and other illnesses.
Kara’s philosophy is simple: you should always leave your session feeling better than when you arrived. Stronger in body. Clearer in mind. More connected to yourself.
MOVEMENT MEDICINE
STRONGER EVERY DAY
MOVEMENT MEDICINE STRONGER EVERY DAY
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2021: Fell in Love with Pilates
I started taking Pilates for my own fitness and wellbeing and quickly realized how much better it made me feel, mentally and physically.
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2022: Began Teacher Training
I decided that I would love to become a Pilates instructor and began Teacher Training, where my love for Pilates grew even stronger!
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2023: Strong Core Collective is Born
I became fully certified in ALL Pilates Apparatus through Club Pilates. This was the year I started building my Arcadia studio to accommodate private Pilates sessions!
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2024: Turning Passion into Purpose
I started teaching Pilates full time at Club Pilates as the Lead Instructor of the Arcadia location; working in group, semi-private and private settings.
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2025: Going All In
I opened my Glendale studio and made the leap to pursue Strong Core Collective full-time — bringing my vision for personalized, welcoming Pilates to life!
Where every rep is personalDiscover the power of private Pilates.
Individual AttentionEvery move is cued and corrected just for you.
Tailored SessionsFocus on your goals and work specific body parts.
Adjustable IntensityGo harder on high-energy days, dial it back when needed.
Flexible SchedulingA schedule that works for you, not preset class times.
Built-In AccountabilityHaving a session just for you = less likely to skip.
Clean, Private spaceWorkout without the germs, crowds, or monthly gym dues.
50+
continuing education hours
500+
training hours for certification
900+
private Pilates sessions taught
A Pilates practice like no other.
Take the first step toward a stronger, more balanced you! Experience Kara’s teaching style, ask questions and find out how Pilates can support you by booking your free consultation and introductory workout session.