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 Freidberg.

INDIGENOUS WOMAN-OWNED

LED BY TEAM OF WOMEN

10% PROCEEDS DONATED

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 feel 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 Freidberg (O’Carroll) 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. 

FOLLOW BRIDGET
READ BRIDGET’S STORY

In the News

Team Qila

Native woman owned. Led by women.

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

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 those who need it. If you or someone who know is interested, apply here.

92% of scholarship recipients are Native women.

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