Qila (KEE•LUH) comes from the Alutiiq word for SPIRIT of the EARTH.
We center our practice around strength that goes beyond the physical.
About Qila
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 Indigenous and woman owned, and is committed to giving back to our community. Qila means spirit of the earth in Alutiiq (our founder's Alaskan Native language), representing strength and focus beyond the physical.
Created by founder Bridget O’Carroll. Formerly known as Body by Bridget.
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 Black voices.
Donation Classes
Together, we have raised over $15K through donation classes, 100% are donated to nonprofit organizations supporting our broader communities. See some of our partners below.
10% Pledge
We build our values directly into our core business model: we allocate 10% of proceeds to organizations supporting BIPOC communities. Previous recipients include Loveland Foundation and Second Change Studios.
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.
Organizations we work with: Native Wellness Institute→ Loveland Foundation→ Second Chance Studios→ BUILD→ Beirut Emergency Relief Fund→ Austin Winter Storm Relief Fund→ Make a Wish Maine→
We are always looking to learn, grow and expand our reach and ability to support our communities. If there are any organizations close to your heart, or if you represent an organization that would be interested in partnering, please reach out at hello@studioqila.com
About Bridget, Qila Founder
Bridget is a Wharton MBA, strategist @ Google and Pilates instructor. She is a former Chief of Staff at Uber, former [solidcore] master coach and trained with SLT.
She combines her background in Tech and training in movement to build the Qila brand and method.
Bridget's Story
"Growing up, I lived in over 40 houses across the four corners of the U.S., Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Whether it was competitive Irish dancing in Ireland or cross country in Maine, fitness always brought me community, confidence and a sense of belonging.
In 2013, I started my career in consulting and began teaching Pilates at [solidcore] soon after. I worked my way up to become a Chief of Staff at Uber, while building my confidence in fitness and becoming a master instructor. In 2020, I was halfway through my Wharton MBA when the pandemic hit, and had just finished another Pilates training cycle with SLT. Feeling lonely and sluggish, I taught a Zoom class to a few friends at school. Friends and acquaintances started asking if they could join, and I realized my peers were seeking connection just as much as I was. So, I developed Pilates-inspired method designed for minimal equipment and small spaces and started teaching weekly. Eventually 500+ people joined me for virtual classes: a community of individuals seeking wellness, intensity and connection from home. As I juggled my MBA internship at Google that summer, I continued to build this platform, and won the Penn Innovation Fund.
Leveraging my background in business and fitness, I officially launched Studio Qila. My goal is to create a place to find your toughness, mental focus and a sense of belonging, no matter where you are, what you look like, or what your background is. We are a digital fitness studio that will continue to evolve to strengthen our community mentally and physically."
Bridget O'Carroll, Founder of Studio Qila
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Louisa Cannell, Creative Director
Louisa is an artist from the DC area, now based in Los Angeles. Her work focuses on inclusive and feminist portraiture. With a background in photo production and marketing, Louisa centers her art around diversity, womens' rights, and social causes. She strives to make women and non-gender binary people feel beautiful and empowered. Louisa is also the creative director for Studio Qila and Gracie Baked where she focuses on visual strategy and marketing.
WOMAN and INDIGENOUS owned. Led by a team of WOMEN.
Erica Choo, Qila Instructor
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.
