ABOUT PURPLE DOOR PILATES
We aim to offer a restorative movement practice while creating a recreative community. A regular Pilates practice with us provides multiple benefits, including; improved posture, reduction of chronic pain, a more muscular body composition, increased stamina, better body literacy, injury prevention, and more confidence and competency in other athletic endeavors. We offer energizing workouts rooted in the classical Pilates method. Outside of group class, we aid those with biomechanical pain and work with special conditions, including but not limited to; osteoporosis, spinal disk issues, scoliosis, post-physical therapy rehabilitation, and safe pre and post-natal exercise. Our studio is private and tranquil—a place to build strength, endurance, and peace of mind.
Pilates is comparable to a close friendship, supporting your foundation while consistently challenging you to strengthen and stretch into enriched and improved capability.
Caroline Holden
Founder and Executive Director
I aim to give clear, patient and kind instruction We will work hard but stay light-hearted. Moving is play, something we all need. Physical therapy clinic referrals are a good portion of my clientele. I take my work seriously, but value finding joy and play within the work.
I was introduced to Pilates at a high school for dance in 1994, but my passion for the method came much later while being certified by second-generation instructor Michele Larson. I've worked and studied in Contemporary and Classical studios, and in both settings, I grew a love and value for different approaches and all Pilates lineages. I teach with a yes and approach.
After teaching for various studios throughout my 20's and 30's, I opened my studio in Madison, WI, in 2014. Outside my studio work, I love to travel. Attempting to marry my two passions, I instructed Yoga and Pilates classes at Santani Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka and recently guest instructed for six weeks at Florblanca Pilates in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Things that inform my teaching include Yoga practice (RYT certified), ortho-bionomy and bodywork mentorship, and a current course of study toward Master Trainer status with The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO.
I aim to make everyone who enters our studio feel welcome and safe.
Clara
Pilates Instructor
I was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin but moved to Chicago as a child. I attended an Arts High School in Chicago for dance and double majored in Dance and Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I love movement, especially Yoga, biking, running, dancing, and Pilates (of course)! Additionally, I’m passionate about holistic health and wellness, social justice, and fashion. I found Pilates and completed teaching certification through the UW-Madison certificate program under Collette Stewart.
I strive to spread the transformative property of joyful informed movement to all my clients. I hope to share all of the fantastic things that Pilates provides for me through not only teaching Pilates exercises but leading clients through an intellectual and somatic experience. I aim to leave them with a clearer mind, a stronger more aware body, and an empowered spirit. I am young and energetic and extremely excited to further my Pilates career while continuing to dig even deeper into the practice.
Lo Lynch
Pilates Instructor
I completed a Pilates certificate at UW-Madison under the direction of Collette Stewart and Liz Sexe and recently completed my first year as a dance teacher for Studio Dansu; I also teach at Pilates on Harrison. As a teacher, I lead with love. I firmly believe that the body is to be respected and appreciated, and I will always do my best to support my students' growth in this way.
I hope that my students leave sessions feeling strong and more entuned with their minds and bodies. I believe that the mechanics of the Pilates equipment is artful in the way that it supports, mimics, and challenges the human anatomy. I have always had both a mechanical and creative brain which makes Pilates a playground for me.
Natalie
Pilates Instructor
While in college, I completed a Pilates Certificate program under the instruction of Collette Stewart and Liz Sexe. In addition to my Pilates Certificate, I am an RYT certified Yoga instructor. I’ve taught mat and equipment Pilates at different studios around Madison, including Club Pilates and Capitol Fitness. I've worked as a yoga instructor for students with disabilities at UW Madison and instructed ballroom dance for seniors to help improve their balance.
I believe instruction happens through play, self-discovery, mindfulness, and agency, and I plan to utilize these traits in every class. I’m excited to join the Purple Door team as an instructor and a lifelong student of the practice.
Zoey
Studio Greeter
I am five.