Hilo House Fitness Opens in Media

April 16, 2026
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An elite fitness studio expands to Delco with unbridled energy, ass-kicking classes and a vibrant community!

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Two Methods. Two Machines. Two Houses.

Owner Ann Phillips and her husband make quite the impressionable couple. Bill played for Coach Phil Martelli at Saint Joe’s – the former Hawk standout is 6’10! — Owner Ann Phillips and her husband make quite the impressionable couple. Bill played for Coach Phil Martelli at Saint Joe’s–the former Hawk standout is 6’10!

The Main Line, Philly burbs and the city are seeing an incredible fitness boom in 2026. Dozens of privately owned boutique studios and national franchises have either opened…or are planning to open soon!

Among the new wave of high-energy, results-driven fitness experiences-where strength, sweat, and confidence collide-is HiLo House Fitness, out of Wilmington, Delaware. The studio opened its first Pennsylvania locale a few weeks ago in Media. This past Saturday (April 11th) they held a high voltage, community grand opening party and we were there! What is Hilo House Fitness? We went one-on-one with owner Ann Phillips who is the second owner of the studio, a former principal at Ursuline Academy in Delaware, and now a dedicated fitness entrepreneur and wellness ambassador.

AroundMainLine: How did you come to own Hilo House Fitness?

Ann Phillips: I found HiLo on its first birthday in 2021—right after we moved into the apartments above the studio. I walked in as a guest and instantly fell in love. The energy, the people, the combination of VersaClimber and Lagree—it completely changed the game for me. ⚡️

In 2023, I started coaching both methods while still working as a middle school principal at Ursuline. I loved both roles, but I kept feeling pulled toward HiLo.

After the 2023–2024 school year, I made the decision to close that chapter and fully IGNITE a new path in health and wellness. The original plan? Coach at HiLo and build my own personal training business.

But then the opportunity to buy HiLo came up—and Bill and I knew we had to go for it.

Our vision was clear: elevate what already existed, grow our Wilmington community, and expand the HiLo experience so more people could feel the power of these methods and our community.

And we’re just getting started. 🔥

AML: Tell us about the studio’s background.

Ann: HiLo Wilmington opened in August 2020. I purchased the studio in July of 2024. HiLo Media soft opened on March 28th and our big Grand Opening was last Saturday, April 11th.

AML: What does the name mean?

Ann: Two fold: Both of our workout are HI-Intensity and LO-impact (incredible workout but no impact on your joints/connective tissue)

The “HI” is the VersaClimber, a unique, vertical, high intensity but low impact cardio machine that simulates climbing using both the upper and lower body.

The “LO” is the slow and controlled movements of Lagree on the new Mega Pros.

AML: Give us a sense of who takes your classes.

Ann: Our community is made up of people who are ready to LVL UP. ⚡️ From athletes, to former athletes to busy professionals, runners, lifters, and those just starting their fitness journey—you’ll find a little bit of everything inside HiLo. What connects our guests isn’t where they come from, it’s how they show up: ready to push past their comfort zone, stay consistent, and be part of something bigger than just a workout.

AML: A million boutique fitness studios are opening, many centered on Pilates. What do you attribute this recent fitness boom to?

Ann: I think it is two fold.

It’s a reflection of how people’s relationship with fitness has evolved. Today, people want more than just a box gym, they want to take a coach-led class, they want an experience, they want to see results, and they want to build connections.

There’s been a clear shift toward low-impact, sustainable training—and both Pilates and Lagree naturally fit into that space. Where some confusion comes in, especially locally, is that many studios use Lagree-inspired equipment and programming but aren’t trained or licensed in the method. Because of that, they can’t call it Lagree, so it’s often labeled as a version of Pilates. At HiLo, we’re proud to offer the true Lagree Method—taught by licensed coaches and delivered as it was designed—so our guests know they’re getting the real experience and results.

AML: What sets your studio apart?

Ann: The experience and the intention behind everything we do. We’re not just another boutique studio. We combine two of the most effective methods (Lagree and VersaClimber) to deliver a true HI-intensity, LO-impact workout that builds strength, endurance, and resilience all in one place. And as an official Lagree & VersaClimber studio, our guests know they’re getting the real methods and can see the results!

AML: Do you offer any promos for high school or college athletes? Seems like the perfect summer training program to us…

Ann: Yes, we always offer a student discount on our 5-Class Pack and our Unlimited Escape Membership. For the summer, we will be offering a special student 3-month summer membership for $499.