Body Be Well Pilates on Main Street in Catskill, N.Y. is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

On Oct. 5, the studio hosted clients to toast the business’ success.

It is the oldest of several businesses that have opened recently in the historic brick buildings that define Catskill, N.Y. as picturesque.

In the beginning

Owner Chelsea Streifeneder recalls the coincidence that lead to her purchase a property here: “I had heard of Catskill, N.Y., but suddenly I was on this magical strip,” she told us recently. “I made the decision in 5 seconds.”

In October 2012, en route from her Red Hook studio, Streifeneder pulled over on Main Street, lost.

Charmed by the idyllic surroundings, she called the number on a for rent sign on the building in front of her.

The owner picked up, offered a tour and soon a transaction was underway.

Three years later, she purchased the building, 401 Main St.

Why Catskill, N.Y.?

Catskill, N.Y.’s Main Street recalls an era when most businesses were family-owned and were more often accessed by foot than by car.

The preservation of this urban design is a draw for new business owners like Streifeneder who say they like the sense of community it fosters.

“There is a unique variety on Catskill, N.Y.’s Main Street: there are no franchises, no businesses in a box,” Streifeneder said. “Catskill, N.Y. does a good job making people feel at home.

“We’re a community inside and out.”

LUMBERYARD was drawn to Catskill, N.Y. for similar reasons.

So far, so good: last month, we welcomed hundreds of people to our campus for our second annual End of Summer Shindig.

Partygoers were able to catch a glimpse of our campus which Senator Chuck Schumer described as “an amazing space” during his September visit here.

About Body Be Well Pilates

Body Be Well Pilates is open 7 days a week for regularly scheduled classes and by appointment.

The studio’s approach is unique: workouts and programs are tailored to clients’ specific needs.

Streifeneder, who danced for 22 years and then graduated Bard College with a B.A. in writing and dance, works closely with studio teachers and staff, including her sister and mom, to ensure each student’s comfort and success.

“I wanted to create a space for anyone to feel at home; to come in and feel better,” she said.

“It’s not about being a size 2. Pilates complements everything you do in real life.”

What’s next for Catskill, N.Y.

LUMBERYARD joins Streifeneder in her observation that Catskill, N.Y. is increasingly a destination for people who enjoy being active and creative.

“I would love Catskill, N.Y. to be a destination: ‘I know this great studio in Catskill,’ Streifeneder said.

“In the future, I want to people to be familiar with things to do in Catskill, N.Y.: Pilates, hiking, restaurants, Thomas Cole House and Olana 10 minutes down the road. This whole area has so much to give.”

Streifeneder encourages other entrepreneurs to consider investing here.

“People said we were crazy to open a business in Catskill, N.Y., but we hit the ground running and we are still here 5 years later,” she said.

“We are beyond grateful for our regular clients who support us every week.

“I didn’t have a 1-year mentality. I didn’t plan that I would have 10 employees, 2 studios in the Hudson Valley and own both my buildings.

“Owning a business is hard work and I am determined to make Pilates a permanent place in Catskill, N.Y. and the Hudson Valley; to keep educating and spreading the word about how everyone needs Pilates.”

When LUMBERYARD opens in 2019, we expect to have many performers who will enjoy great workouts at Body Be Well Pilates when they’re not practising on our campus.