Finding Comfort and Strength Through Movement: A Q&A with Ashley Taylor of Taylor Pilates and Fitness
This November marks 15 years of teaching for Ashley Taylor, founder and owner of Taylor Pilates and Fitness. What began as a personal journey of recovery from an injury has grown into a thriving Denver studio that helps clients of all abilities move well, feel well, and live well.
We sat down with Ashley to talk about her path into Pilates, what makes her studio unique, and what’s next for Taylor Pilates and Fitness.
Q: Ashley, how did you first discover Pilates?
I actually came to Pilates through injury. I was in an auto accident in college that damaged my cervical spine — my neck — and left me with chronic pain. As part of my rehabilitation, a physical therapist who specialized in chronic pain recommended Pilates.
It became a key part of my recovery and, ultimately, a foundation for everything I love to do — skiing, trail running, staying active, and feeling strong in my body. It was so transformative that I decided I wanted to help others experience the same comfort and ease in their own movement.
Q: When did you decide to make Pilates your career?
After my rehab ended, I kept practicing Pilates because it made me feel better and kept me moving. After about a decade working in sports marketing, small business ownership, and the corporate world, I went through Polestar’s comprehensive teacher training program and earned my certification in 2010.
My first professional experience was at a performance training center in Denver, where I worked alongside physical therapists and trainers. It was a great environment — half fitness-based, half rehab-based — so I gained a well-rounded understanding of how Pilates supports the body in both athletic performance and recovery.
Q: How did Taylor Pilates and Fitness come to life?
I’d always had my own business as an independent contractor, but after years of teaching in studios that changed ownership or direction, I realized I wanted a space of my own — a place where clients could receive comprehensive care under one roof.
When I opened Taylor Pilates and Fitness, my vision was to combine Pilates with complementary therapies, including myofascial release, physical therapy, and, now, acupuncture. The goal has always been to help people move well and feel well by addressing the whole body, not just one element of fitness.
Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about Pilates?
There are quite a few!
- That “true” Pilates only happens on the reformer — false. Joseph Pilates, who created the method, taught on the mat and designed the reformer, tower, chair, barrels, and Cadillac. Pilates incorporates mat work and apparatus unique to the method. Pilates exercises can also be combined with the Oov, the foam roller, balls, bands, and other small props to provide feedback, resistance, and a balance challenge (depending on the prop and way it is used).
- That Pilates is only offered as a group class — false. We actually specialize in private and semi-private sessions, which allows for an individualized approach to Pilates and enables us to focus on our clients’ specific goals. If your goal is to walk a 5k rather than run a marathon, Pilates will be beneficial, but taught differently to help you reach the finish line.
- That Pilates is just for women — it’s not. In fact, about a third of our clients are men.
- That Pilates is “easy” — it’s not. Whether you are just starting to exercise, a weekend warrior, or a competitive athlete, practicing Pilates will help you create a solid foundation through improved core control, strength, spine articulation, and flexibility. Pilates exercises can be modified or progressed to meet someone’s goals and fitness ability.
- And finally, that Pilates is the same as yoga — it’s not. While it shares mindfulness and control, Pilates is its own discipline. It challenges strength, mobility, and coordination in unique ways.
Q: You’re celebrating 15 years of teaching this year. What does that milestone mean to you?
It’s a chance to reflect and refocus. My mission has always been simple: move well, feel well, live well. I want people to have a greater quality of life through greater comfort in their bodies.
That might mean training for a marathon or Ironman, or it might mean carrying groceries, walking your grandkids to the park, or making it across the airport without pain. To me, success is being able to do what you want, when you want, with confidence and ease.
Q: What’s next for Taylor Pilates and Fitness?
I’m really excited about what’s ahead. In 2026, we’ll be rolling out a new website and launching an online library of Pilates classes.
It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while because many of our clients want to move more between sessions or when they travel. The online platform will make that possible. The classes will focus on whole-body movement — some using small props, some bodyweight only — all built around the Pilates principles of strength, balance, and control.
Everything will be video on demand, so clients can move with us anytime, anywhere.
Q: And what about your own growth as a teacher — what’s inspiring you next?
I’m always learning. This coming year, I’ll be studying the anatomy of the shoulder in depth, as well as diving into brain training — essentially the neuroscience of movement and balance.
The more I learn about how the body and brain work together, the better I can help clients achieve greater balance, mobility, and strength. Similarly, time in the cadaver lab enables me to better understand functional relational anatomy when teaching clients.
Q: Finally, if you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?
That movement is freedom. Whether you’re 25 or 85, movement done well gives you independence and joy. My goal — for the next 15 years and beyond — is to help as many people as possible move well, feel well, and live well.
Learn more about Ashley and Taylor Pilates and Fitness at https://taylorpilatesandfitness.com/