OUR STORY

Journey to Empowerment: Tracy Kelly, Add Pilates, and Chestnut Hills Pilates

In 2018, the fitness landscape of Bloomfield and Montclair was forever transformed with the birth of Add Pilates, a studio that's much more than a place to exercise—it's a sanctuary where grace, spaciousness, community, and laughter are the core elements. The architect of our unique wellness spaces is Tracy Kelly, a woman whose journey encapsulates resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of inclusive wellness.

From Corporate to Core Strength

Tracy's path to Pilates was as unexpected as it was transformative. Like many, she navigated the demands of a fast-paced corporate life, balancing professional aspirations with personal commitments. However, her postpartum journey introduced her to Pilates, uncovering a passion that would soon redefine her life's trajectory.

A Quest for Inclusivity

In her search for the perfect pilates studio, Tracy encountered a glaring gap. Pilates studios were nonexistent in the Bloomfield area, and visits to studios in neighboring towns and cities lacked the essence of what she yearned for. This welcoming haven celebrated diverse bodies and backgrounds. Fueled by this need for inclusivity, Tracy and her husband, Andrew, embarked on a bold new path.

Becoming the Change

Tracy's determination led her to pursue a Pilates certification, a stepping stone toward her vision. Her early days were humble yet spirited, as she offered Mat Pilates sessions in a small gym in Montclair. Her unique approach, focusing on physical fitness and creating a nurturing and laughter-filled environment, quickly garnered attention.

A Bloomfield First

Tracy's dream materialized with the opening of her first studio in Bloomfield, NJ—a historic moment as the town's first-ever Pilates studio. Our studios are more than just fitness spaces; they are dedicated to embracing the wellness journeys of all enthusiasts. They are a testament to Tracy's dedication as a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and a trailblazer.

Expanding the Vision – Chestnut Hills Pilates in South Orange

In 2021, a semi-private studio in Montclair was added to the growing portfolio of wellness spaces. With the success of Add Pilates, Tracy recognized an opportunity to bring the same inclusive, high-quality Pilates experience to South Orange. In 2025, she launched Chestnut Hills Pilates, the town's first dedicated Pilates studio, continuing her mission of empowering individuals through movement. Chestnut Hills Pilates offers a transformative experience in a welcoming and intimate setting, featuring small-group, semi-private classes and state-of-the-art reformer towers. The name evokes the early monikers of South Orange Village, which was once surrounded by chestnut trees.

Beyond Fitness - A Community of Strength and Grace

The journey is about more than physical transformation at Add Pilates and Chestnut Hills Pilates. It's about finding strength in vulnerability, embracing diversity, and building a community where everyone belongs. As a woman of color leading the charge, Tracy represents empowerment in its purest form.

A Space for All

Pilates is Tracy's love letter to anyone on a fitness journey—mothers, professionals, beginners, and enthusiasts. These studios thrive on the belief that fitness should be filled with grace, spaciousness, and laughter—a belief that Tracy embodies and shares with each person who walks through the doors.

Join us at Chestnut Hills Pilates, where every stretch, move, and moment is a step towards a more empowered, joyful, and connected you. Welcome to our community, where your fitness journey is not just a routine but a celebration of your unique strength and beauty.

Add Pilates to your life.