Spotlighting the People & Places Supporting Health in London

From time to time, The Local Wellness Connection highlights local wellness leaders who are elevating how our community thinks about movement, recovery, and long-term health. These are the studios, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who are not chasing trends — but instead building sustainable, intelligent approaches to well-being.

This month, Dr. B.J. Hardick sat down with Meaghan Terzis, his long-time colleague, friend, and co-owner of Canada’s first FS8 studio located in Hyde Park— a new, thoughtfully designed movement concept that blends Pilates, yoga, and functional strength training into a modern, low-impact (but high-results) experience.

The conversation explored why FS8 Hyde Park fills a critical gap in the fitness landscape, who it’s really for (hint: it’s not who most people assume), and why intelligent movement — especially as we age — isn’t optional, it’s foundational.

A Conversation with Meaghan Terzis

Co-Owner, FS8 Hyde Park

Dr. B.J. Hardick (BJH): Meaghan, you’ve been in the fitness and wellness space for a long time. Can you start by sharing a bit about your background and what ultimately drew you toward FS8?

Meaghan Terzis (MT): I’ve been in the fitness industry for over a decade, and I’ve always been passionate about health, movement, and helping people feel strong in their bodies. What really drew us to FS8 was the realization that there was something missing — a space that delivered intelligent, low-impact training without losing energy, structure, or results.

FS8 blends Pilates, yoga, and functional strength in a way that’s accessible but still incredibly effective. It’s structured, it’s intentional, and it supports long-term movement health. That combination is what made it so compelling for us.

BJH: A lot of people still hear “low impact” and assume it’s only for older adults, or only for women. That stereotype persists. What are you actually seeing inside the studio?



MT: That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. Low impact does not mean low intensity or low results.

We see a wide range of people — men and women, younger members, older members, athletes, people returning after injury, people who haven’t exercised in years. Some are coming back after having a baby, some after a back injury, others simply because they want to move better.

We also see many people who already train regularly but want something that complements their routine — something that improves mobility, flexibility, and control. FS8 attracts people who are thinking long-term about their bodies.

BJH: That resonates deeply with what I see clinically. People often only address the deeper stabilizing muscles after an injury or surgery — when in reality, training those systems earlier could change the entire trajectory. How does FS8 approach that?

MT: FS8 focuses heavily on the intrinsic muscles — the smaller stabilizers that don’t always get attention in traditional workouts. Inner thighs, deep core muscles, postural stabilizers — these are areas people often don’t realize they’re neglecting until they feel the difference.

Many members tell us they feel muscles they’ve never felt before. And yes, sometimes that comes with a good kind of soreness — the kind that tells you something important was activated.

FS8 owners Meaghan Terzis (L) and Amy Edwards (R) with Dr. B.J. Hardick

BJH: One thing I think people may not understand is what FS8 actually is. Pilates means different things to different people. Can you explain the FS8 model?

MT: Absolutely. FS8 is not traditional Pilates — and that’s intentional.

Our classes blend Pilates, yoga, and functional strength training. Yes, we use reformers — but we also incorporate mat work, dumbbells, and dynamic movement patterns. Some classes are more traditional and controlled; others are more energetic and strength-focused.

We rotate class programming regularly, so the body is constantly challenged in different ways. You might be working deep stabilizers one moment, then progressing into weighted movements like lunges, deadlifts, or upper-body strength work the next.

It’s a modern, intelligent approach to movement.

BJH: FS8 is built around the “Eight Elements.” Can you briefly explain what that means?

MT: The Eight Elements represent the foundations of healthy movement — including strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, control, power, recovery, and mobility. Every class is designed to touch multiple elements so that the body develops evenly, not just in one direction.

It’s about building a body that functions well — not just one that looks fit.

BJH: You and I spoke during my recovery from hernia surgery, and FS8 became part of my transition back into training. Why do you think FS8 works so well for recovery phases?



MT: FS8 is ideal for people returning from surgery or injury because everything is scalable. Coaches offer modifications, spring tensions can be adjusted, and movements can be controlled without impact.

You’re still building strength, restoring movement patterns, and supporting connective tissue — without overloading the body too soon. It’s a smart bridge between rehab and higher-intensity training.

BJH: Let’s talk about intimidation — because for many people, starting any fitness routine feels overwhelming. How do you support first-timers?



MT: We’re very intentional about this. We offer a Fundamentals class, which is free for first-time members. It walks people through how the reformer works, how to move safely, and what to expect — before they ever step into a regular class.

There’s no judgment here. Coaches are attentive, welcoming, and focused on helping people feel confident. Everyone starts somewhere.

BJH: Final question — if someone is on the fence, unsure whether FS8 is “for them,” what would you say?

MT: I’d say this: FS8 meets you where you are — and grows with you.



Whether you’re rebuilding, maintaining, or enhancing your movement, this is training that supports longevity. It’s not about going harder — it’s about moving better, feeling stronger, and staying capable for years to come.

Why This Matters

As a chiropractor, I see daily how movement quality shapes long-term health. Strength without control leads to breakdown. Flexibility without strength leads to instability. FS8 Hyde Park bridges that gap — and does so in a way that’s accessible, intelligent, and sustainable.



For those looking to move well now — and keep moving decades from now — FS8 is a powerful addition to London’s wellness landscape.

Thinking about trying FS8 Hyde Park?

Register online here and use the Promo Code BJ15

to save 15% on a 5 class intro offer.

This information is provided for non-diagnostic and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. This information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied upon to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual. Dr. B.J. Hardick is a Doctor of Chiropractic and is not a Medical Doctor. You should not use this information or information on Dr. Hardick’s website to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or to determine your need for medication or treatment. Always consult your healthcare professional before adjusting any diet, exercise or medical regimens.

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