Meet Our Pilates Team
- FIT Carrboro
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
At FIT Carrboro, our Pilates team brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to every class. Whether you’re new to Pilates or a longtime practitioner, our instructors meet you where you are — helping you move better, feel stronger, and stay pain-free for life.
We asked each of our Pilates instructors a few fun questions about their journey, their favorite moves, and what they love most about teaching. Get to know the amazing people guiding you through every stretch, roll-up, and reformer session.
Gayle Silver, Co-Owner
Q: One thing people might not know about you:
I started teaching mat Pilates 20 years ago because the gym I worked at needed instructors. At the time, I knew very little about Pilates, but I realized it was easier on my body than the other fitness activities I was doing. I had no idea how much it would enhance every part of my fitness career — and my life. I truly believe Pilates is the reason I’ve stayed injury-free well into my 50s.
Q: One thing you want everyone to know about Pilates:
Pilates is for anyone who wants a stronger core, better mobility and flexibility, more body awareness, and fewer injuries.
Q: Favorite Pilates Reformer move:
Semi-Circle
Q: Favorite Pilates Mat move:
Roll-Over
Q: Best part about teaching Pilates:
I’m never bored! I’m always learning new exercises and creative ways to use props to enhance the experience. I love having smaller classes where I can focus on each student’s needs and see their progress over time.
Bethany Paine, Reformer Pilates
Q: One thing people might not know about you:
I was an avid runner — but also asthmatic — which made running difficult at times. After an injury, I started doing Pilates to stay in shape. I fell in love with how it made me feel, and it gives me the same endorphin boost that running used to.
Q: One thing you want everyone to know about Pilates:
Pilates makes everything else better. From everyday movements to athletic performance, it keeps you strong and aligned, helps you age gracefully, and prevents injuries by building a solid core.
Q: Favorite Pilates Reformer move:
Short Spine
Q: Favorite Pilates Mat move:
Teaser
Q: Best part about teaching Pilates:
I love the relationships and social connections that come from teaching. It’s so rewarding to see students become more aware of their bodies and grow stronger over time.
Ashley Sauder, Reformer Pilates
Q: One thing people might not know about you:
I started Pilates after having three kids and dealing with Diastasis Recti and back pain. At first, it was challenging, but I found that Pilates is the only form of exercise I’ve been able to stick with — because it works with my body, not against it!
Q: One thing you want everyone to know about Pilates:
“Pilates starts with movement, and movement heals.” It’s a gentle, accessible way to get back into exercise or rebuild fitness if you’re deconditioned. Many exercises are performed lying down, and you never push past fatigue — making it ideal for people who want to move safely and confidently.
Q: Favorite Pilates Reformer move:
Long Stretch, Tendon Stretch, Running, and Moving Plank — it’s hard to choose just one!
Q: Favorite Pilates Mat move:
Rolling Like a Ball and Mermaid
Q: Best part about teaching Pilates:
I truly love supporting people on their fitness journey.
Amy Michaels, Reformer Pilates
Q: One thing people might not know about you:
I got married at 32, and this year my husband and I are celebrating 32 years of marriage!
Q: One thing you want everyone to know about Pilates:
Pilates isn’t about perfection — there’s always room to grow. Everyone can benefit from it: athletes who want to prevent injury, middle-agers who want to stay flexible, and seniors who want to move with grace and balance.
Q: Favorite Pilates Reformer move:
Teaser on the Long Box
Q: Favorite Pilates Mat move:
Boomerang
Q: Best part about teaching Pilates:
Seeing students make progress and gain confidence in their movement.
Ann Archer, Reformer & Mat Pilates
Q: One thing people might not know about you:
I’m a clogger — I used to teach clogging with the Apple Chill Cloggers! As for Pilates, I actually started doing it before I even realized it. Back in college in 1980, a sorority sister introduced our group to the Shackleford Exercise System — inspired by Pilates — and I was hooked. I became her first instructor, studying from a Pilates-based manual. From there, I started teaching fitness classes, not realizing that I had been doing Pilates from the very beginning!
Q: One thing you want everyone to know about Pilates:
You can do it anywhere, anytime, and without equipment. It’s truly life-changing.
Q: Favorite Pilates Reformer move:
Down Stretch, Long Stretch, or Elephant — it’s hard to choose just one!
Q: Favorite Pilates Mat move:
The Leg Series Variations — it’s such a complete and flowing sequence that feels like a full-body experience from start to finish.
Q: Best part about teaching Pilates:
Watching people change and transform — and helping them understand that Pilates isn’t about aesthetics, but about preservation, longevity, and how you feel in your body.
Ready to Experience Pilates at FIT Carrboro?
Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, our instructors are here to help you move better, build strength, and feel amazing.
We offer small-group Pilates Reformer classes and private one-on-one sessions for personalized attention. Every session focuses on proper form, functional strength, and long-term wellness — all in a supportive and friendly environment.
Click below to learn more and sign up for your next Pilates class at FIT Carrboro!