When Rebecca Laws Nemetz moved to Mercer Island from North Carolina, she brought her Pilates studio with her.

5 Elements Fitness, the new Pilates studio along the Sunset Highway, is smaller than Nemetz’s former Raleigh location, Studio @ Hargett, which she operated for five years. But it is much more manageable, she said.

Nemetz’s husband — and his job at Amazon — brought them here.

“Our population in the Washington area is so active that I’m finding a lot of people with injuries or rehabilitating injuries, and Pilates is perfect for that,” Nemetz said.

Pilates is named for Joseph Pilates, a German who rehabilitated wounded World War I soldiers.

Equipment ranges from the Reformer, Cadillac and Orbit, to a Tower, Wunda chair, TRX and stability balls. It’s all about stretching — whether your hamstring, spine, strengthening your core and lower back, working your arms and legs.

“Every body is different,” Nemetz said.

The studio’s “five elements” are strength, balance, core, flexibility and energy.

Nemetz has eight certifications and has also taught yoga.

Both individual and group classes are offered. The average age range is 40-60, with some people in their 70s, and the majority are women. The studio has one additional instructor, Barbara DeVault.

A 14-foot ballet bar will be installed in the studio by the end of August, and ‘Booty Barre’ classes will be offered.

5 Elements Fitness is located at 7785 Sunset Highway, #126, and can be reached at (206) 919-7128 or www.5-elementsfitness.com.