Our Identity
QILA (KEE∙LAH)
Comes from the Alaska Native (Alutiiq) word for spirit of the earth, representing our focus on strength beyond the physical.
Alutiiq (AH∙LOO∙TIK)
The Indigenous people from South-Central Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Also referred to as Sugpiaq.
Qila is a high-intensity Pilates-inspired workout that uses slow, controlled movement and purposeful cardio bursts to build strength. While intense, modifications and amplifications are always offered.
Studio Qila is the first Native-owned digital fitness studio. Qila was named after our founder's Alaska Native (specifically, Alutiiq) word for "spirit of the earth," representing strength beyond the physical.
Created by founder Bridget O’Carroll. Formerly known as Body by Bridget.
INDIGENOUS WOMAN-OWNED
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LED BY TEAM OF WOMEN
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10% PROCEEDS DONATED
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INDIGENOUS WOMAN-OWNED • LED BY TEAM OF WOMEN • 10% PROCEEDS DONATED •
THE QILA METHOD
FORM OVER EGO
Our method prioritizes physical toughness, mental focus and form. We use slow sustained movement to push your slow twitch (or type 1) muscles to failure, causing your muscles to shake as tiny tears in the muscle fiber form. This is why rest days are integral to our method — it allows your muscles to properly recover and grow stronger.
In class, expect to develop a deep understanding of your own body sensations. We describe how each movement should feels to help you build body awareness and learn what proper alignment and form should feel like. Form looks different for every body based on proportions and abilities, so we also work alongside you to find variations that work for you.
Meet Bridget
Bridget is an Austin-based entrepreneur and Pilates instructor, and also works full time as a strategist at Google. She combines her background in Tech and training in movement to build the Qila brand and method, while striving for greater representation, inclusion, and accessibility in the wellness space.
Bridget has worked in strategy & operations for the past 10 years. She holds an MBA from Wharton, a BA from Bowdoin College, and is currently a Product Strategy Lead at Google. Previously, she was Chief of Staff at Uber and a consultant to Fortune 500s.
Bridget was also a pro coach at [solidcore] and trained with SLT. Growing up, she ran cross country from high school into college, and was a professional and competitive dancer for 10 years, specializing in Irish Dance.
Bridget is an Alaska Native (Alutiiq / Sugpiaq) woman and a registered citizen of Egegik Village.
In the News
Team Qila
Native woman owned. Led by a team of woman.
Beyond our core team, we are proud to work with amazing freelancers including photographers: Cristina Fisher, Yekaterina Gyadu, Bliss Katherine, Chona Kasinger; designer: Abbie Winters; stretch coach: Alexis Moore.
If you love Qila and want to learn more about opportunities to work together, reach out!
Louisa Cannell, Creative
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Louisa is an LA-based artist and Creative Director. Louisa owns Qila's creative vision across our website, social, photography, and in-person events.
Louisa has a background in illustration, photo production and marketing from Refinery29, VICELAND and Condé Nast Traveler. Other clients include goop, Vogue, Popsugar, National Geographic, Amazon Prime and more.
Louisa centers her art around diversity, women's rights, and social causes. She strives to make women and non-gender binary people feel beautiful and empowered.
Erica Choo, Instructor
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Erica Choo is a Seattle-based fitness instructor, certified NASM personal trainer and former collegiate athlete. She has always been drawn to fitness because of its ability to strengthen, uplift, and empower people: both mentally and physically.
As an early Qila adopter, Erica was also especially excited about Qila’s focus on community and on the importance of embracing modifications when necessary. She strives to share this passion and make it more accessible to all. Outside of fitness, Erica is also a Tech Strategist at Microsoft and has an MBA from the Tuck School of Business.
Giving Back
At Studio Qila, our method is centered around pushing through discomfort in order to create change. We bring that same mentality to create change within our broader communities, and are always looking for ways to extend our impact. As an Indigenous-owned brand, we are especially passionate about supporting under-resourced communities, and amplifying Native and BIPOC voices.
10% Pledge
We build our values directly into our core business model. 10% of our proceeds go to organizations that support BIPOC communities. Previous recipients include Loveland Foundation and Second Chance Studios.
Donation Classes
Together, we have raised over $15K through donation classes, 100% are donated to nonprofit organizations that support our broader communities.
Scholarships
We believe wellness should be accessible to everyone. We now offer scholarships to cover the cost of Qila classes for anyone who needs it. If you or someone who know is interested, please email us to setup.
High intensity anytime, anywhere
Qila is designed for small spaces, minimal equipment and all bodies. You can use our suggested equipment, swap for everyday items around the house, or use your own body weight only.
What you’ll need:
1. CONNECTION
Access on demand classes on any device (laptop, phone, tablet) with wifi access. For live classes, we connect via Zoom.
2. COMFORT
We suggest using a yoga mat (or towel) for class. Feel free to have an extra towel or blanket on hand to protect your joints.
3. EQUIPMENT
We often use sliders (or socks) and light weights (or water bottles) in class for extra resistance and activation. Here’s our favorite equipment.
4. ADD ONS
Elevate your practice with a heavier weight or resistance bands. These are always optional.
FAQs
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Our classes are designed for small spaces and minimal equipment. Just grab a yoga mat (or towel), sliders (or socks), light weights (or water bottles). Grow your practice with a resistance band and a heavy weight, or modify with just body weight.
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Yes! We have lots of no equipment workouts, including all our Foundations classes. All of our classes can also be modified with no equipment.
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That’s ok! This workout is designed to be challenging, but we also offer variations to cater to all bodies and levels. There is no need to prep before your first class: try starting with Foundations, or just jump into a live class.
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You can drop into any class for $10, or explore all our pricing options here.
We never want price to stand between you and joining class. We offer Qila scholarships to whoever needs it.
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Yes :)
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Live class are offered via Zoom. Feel free to keep your video on or off, either way expect some personalized shoutouts. If you'd like some extra form guidance, just let us know.
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Yes! We do lots of bachelorettes, birthdays and wedding party classes, and also offer corporate partnerships. Email us to set up.
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Absolutely. Click here.
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Qila (KEE•LUH) comes from an Alaska Native (Alutiiq) word for SPIRIT of the EARTH, representing our focus on strength beyond the physical.
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Yes! Follow us on spotify.
All our live classes include music. Our on demand classes do not include music for copyright reasons, but we encourage you to play one of our playlists in the background!