Maren Alder
Founder and head teacher
Maren opened Alder in 2016 after nine years as a professional dancer. She teaches twelve classes a week and runs the teacher course.
A Pilates studio in 12 South since 2016
Founded by Maren Alder. Ten reformers, a mat room and four teachers, upstairs on 12th Avenue South.
Our story
Maren Alder danced professionally for nine years. When a back injury ended that, Pilates got her moving again, and she trained as a teacher in 2012.
She opened Alder in 2016 with six reformers in a room on 12th Avenue South. She wanted classes small enough for a teacher to watch everyone, and kept them at ten when the studio grew.
Today Alder has ten reformers, a mat room and a private room. Maren still teaches twelve classes a week.
“Small classes are the whole point. If I can’t see your feet, the class is too big.”
Maren Alder, founder
Milestones
How one room with six reformers became the studio it is today.
- 2016
Opened on 12th Avenue
Six reformers in one room, with Maren teaching every class.
- 2018
Added the mat room
Mat and stretch classes began, and Priya joined as a teacher.
- 2020
Opened the private room
A separate room for private and duet sessions.
- 2022
Moved upstairs
The current studio, with ten reformers and room to breathe.
- 2025
First teacher course
Six new teachers finished Maren’s 450-hour course.
What makes us different
How we have run every class since the first one.
Ten people per class, at most
There are ten reformers in the room, and we will never add an eleventh.
Equipment checked every week
Springs, straps and ropes are checked every Monday morning and replaced on a schedule.
Teachers trained here
Every teacher finishes Maren’s 450-hour course before teaching a class on their own.
Meet the team
The four people who teach your classes and run the studio.
Priya Raman
Senior teacher
Joined in 2018. Teaches Reformer Strength and Jumpboard, and leads the teacher course with Maren.
Jonah Whitley
Teacher
Joined in 2021 after six years as a physical therapy assistant. Teaches Foundations and most private sessions.
Elena Ortiz
Studio manager and mat teacher
Has run the front desk and memberships since 2022, and teaches the mat and stretch classes.
Inside Alder
The rooms you will use, from the front desk to the private room.
Book a class
Good to know
Practical details before your first visit.
Parking
Four free spaces behind the building, plus street parking on Paris Avenue.
Class size
Ten people at most in every reformer class.
Towels and water
Free at every visit. Bring a bottle if you like.
Grip socks
Required on the reformer. $14 at the desk.
Lockers
Free lockers with codes, plus one shower.
Injuries
Tell your teacher before class. Jonah plans private sessions around injuries.
Arrive early
Come 10 minutes early for your first class.
Payment
Card and Apple Pay. No cash at the desk.
Come and meet us
Your first class is free. Maren, Priya, Jonah or Elena will show you around before it starts.
2809 12th Avenue South · Mon–Fri 6 am – 8 pm · (615) 555-0148