meet OUR instructors
Grayson donachie
CO-FOUNDER / INSTRUCTOR
I’m Grayson Donachie, and I’m excited to bring my passion for Pilates to the Naperville community! With over 1,100 hours of training in both classical and contemporary Pilates through Classical Pilates Education and Balanced Body, I am deeply committed to blending athleticism with the integrity of classical principles. My sessions are designed to help each client feel strong, connected, and confident through purposeful, safe, and tailored movement.
My introduction to Pilates began through my experience as a dancer, where I first discovered matwork as a cross-training tool. I attended The Chicago Academy of the Arts and The Kirov Academy of Ballet, furthering my training through summer intensives at renowned institutions such as Joffrey Ballet NYC, Alvin Ailey, Visceral, Hubbard Street, River North Dance Company, and Ruth Page. I danced at a pre-professional level with Extensions Dance Company, and the highlight of my dance career was performing alongside members of Alvin Ailey’s professional company in their iconic Revelations. These experiences instilled in me the discipline, precision, and focus that now define my Pilates practice.
As a lifelong learner, I continue to study with exceptional mentors, including Elisabth David, Kathleen Osbern, Tanya Clark, Kira Lamb, and Troy McCarty. Their guidance inspires me to refine my craft and stay connected to the ever-evolving world of Pilates. I am deeply committed to helping my clients thrive in their daily lives, regardless of their age, fitness level, or experience.
Whether you’re new to Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, I’m here to guide you toward feeling your absolute best. Let’s work together to help you build strength, confidence, and a lasting connection to your body!
Ben donachie
CO-FOUNDER / INSTRUCTOR
My name is Ben, and I bring over ten years of experience as a High-Performance Specialist in professional soccer. My journey began in 2012, when I landed an internship with a professional soccer club in England. It was there I was introduced to Pilates and saw its ability to enhance traditional training methods, improve movement quality, and prevent injuries.
Working closely with a skilled Pilates instructor, I witnessed the profound impact it had on elite athletes, helping them recover and perform at their best. After eight rewarding years in England, I moved to the USA, taking on roles as the Director of Performance for teams in both the MLS and NWSL.
As I incorporated Pilates into my own training, I experienced its benefits firsthand—it improved how I moved and felt in ways I hadn’t expected. This sparked my decision to change careers and bring Pilates to the Naperville community, where my wife Grayson and I saw an opportunity to share its benefits with others.
After earning my comprehensive certification with Balanced Body under the guidance of renowned instructor Troy McCarty in Cleveland, Ohio, I combined my Pilates training with a Master’s degree in Sport Science. My mission is to help others improve their movement, build strength, and achieve healthier, more balanced lives through Pilates.