By Trent Modglin

Last summer, Olivia Santelli, who grew up in Edison Park and previously worked for the Cubs in video production, received national attention — by way of a spot on The Today Show and Kelly Clarkson — for leading free early-morning Pilates classes on Oak Street Beach that started with 12 friends and, thanks to going viral on social media, were easily drawing more than 1,000 people just a month later and, eventually, 4,000-plus.

Sensing this may her calling, Olivia’s suddenly popular Rise Pilates Club needed a home, and she found one near her parents’ home in Edison Park, opening Within the Studio this past winter.

Q. When you started Rise Pilates Club in 2024, what were your initial goals? Was there a long-term plan, or was it just something you always wanted to do?

A. The start of Rise Pilates Club was honestly just a simple desire to move with friends outside. The goal was to create a space where people could connect to their body, breath, nature and each other during the summer. At the time, there really wasn’t a long-term plan or expectation for growth.

What’s been most special is that even as the club has grown far beyond what we ever imagined, the mission has stayed the same: making wellness feel approachable, connected and community-driven. Everything we’ve built since has really come from listening to what people were showing up for — accessible, community-focused wellness!

One moment we were gathering a small group of friends on the lakefront, and the next we were hosting thousands of people and being invited onto national platforms.”

Q. What was the experience like to go viral so quickly? Suddenly jumping to more than a thousand attendees, national TV appearances, etc. had to feel like a lot.

A. Watching something that started so organically resonate with so many people so quickly was surreal. One moment we were gathering a small group of friends on the lakefront, and the next we were hosting thousands of people and being invited onto national platforms.

It wasn’t just about Pilates; it was about belonging, shared experience and creating moments where people could disconnect from stress and reconnect with themselves and others.”

I think the virality really highlighted how deeply people are craving authentic connection right now. It wasn’t just about Pilates; it was about belonging, shared experience and creating moments where people could disconnect from stress and reconnect with themselves and others.

There were absolutely growing pains behind the scenes, but I’ve tried to stay grounded in the original intention of why we started in the first place. That perspective helped keep everything meaningful as things scaled.

Q. Tell us a bit about Within, your new Pilates studio in Edison Park, and what it offers.

Within was created as an extension of everything we’ve built through Rise Pilates Club, but in a more permanent and intimate space. We wanted it to feel grounded, elevated and welcoming all at once. Somewhere people could come not only to move, but to genuinely reconnect with themselves.

We offer a range of classes so every level of mover can feel like there is something for them. We’ve been really intentional about creating an environment that feels supportive, whether someone is brand new to Pilates or has been practicing for years.”

Our studio in Edison Park offers six-person group Pilates classes on the reformer and mat, rooted in intentional movement and accessibility. We offer a range of classes so every level of mover can feel like there is something for them. We’ve been really intentional about creating an environment that feels supportive, whether someone is brand new to Pilates or has been practicing for years. And that shines through from our instructors, who are all 500+ hour comprehensive certified.

Q. So the question begs to be asked: What’s next for you? Is there expansion on the horizon or new projects?

Right now, the biggest focus is continuing to grow intentionally. We’ve learned so much over the past year, and I want to make sure every next step stays aligned with the heart of the brand and community. There are definitely exciting projects on the horizon, more large-scale wellness experiences, and continued expansion of what local boutique Pilates can look like on the northwest side. Otherwise, you’ll have to just wait and see!

Within the Studio is located at 6709 N. Olmsted Ave. Follow Olivia’s journey via Instagram at @risepilatesclub and @within.thestudio and get more information on classes at WithinTheStudio.com