About Us
A Journey Back to Strength
A Journey Back to Strength
A personal journey of injury, healing, and rediscovering strength through Pilates—at every stage of life.
A personal journey of injury, healing, and rediscovering strength through Pilates—at every stage of life.
Your instructor - ANNE
Anne's Story - Instructor/Owner
How it Began...
My name is Anne Torrey, and I’ve been practicing Reformer Pilates for 18 years, but my connection to it started even earlier — with my mother. Mom had severe scoliosis and COPD, as well as a pacemaker. Having begun a pilates practice in her 70s, by her 80s, medical professionals made the point that had she not been such a faithful practitioner, her last decade would have been spent in a wheelchair. Instead, she stayed upright, mobile, and fairly independent. This pronouncement had a profound effect on my own life perspective, and I began doing Pilates on a regular basis.
In my 50s, my own health took a sharp downward turn. Hormonal changes wreaked havoc on my body chemistry. My thyroid failed. I developed a severe sensitivity to perfumes and my tendons began breaking down. I felt weak and awful and assumed it was just aging or arthritis.
When I retired at 63, a series of MRIs revealed a severely torn rotator cuff, my bicep completely detached, an 80% tear in my left hip abductor tendon, a 70% tear in my right hip abductor tendon, as well as a torn labrum.
These afflictions led to three major surgeries over three years, including nearly five months collectively spent in a wheelchair. During these prolonged periods of inactivity, I lost strength and muscle mass. I gained weight, felt sluggish, and began losing hope that I could ever feel “normal” again. As a lifelong athlete and lover of all things outdoors, this was an extremely trying time for me.
Between each surgery I came back to Pilates. Each and every time it helped me rebuild my body and my mind, and brought a sense of joy back into my life. I am once again downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and thoroughly enjoying life! (Cool note: i’ve increased my height a full inch since beginning Pilates)
During that long, difficult stretch, I realized Pilates had rescued me, and I knew I wanted to bring the same opportunity to improve quality of life to others.
Sharing my Passion for Reformer Pilates
Finding no Reformer Pilates within 90 minutes of here, I began the long process to complete the Stott Pilates based instructor course requirements through the highly rated Blue Moon Balanced Body Education studio out of Orange County, California. I am also currently working to complete the Australian-based Breath Classical Pilates course.
For the last 15 years, I have trained consistently with my own personal mentor, Hmone Putz from the Twin Cities. Shout out to Jolene, owner of the kick-ass Big Sky Fitness Fusion studio in Big Sky, Montana, who has been so instrumental in helping me to understand there is no one right way to “do” Pilates, it’s about what works for YOU.
In early May 2026, Pilates in the Pines opens - a place where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can build strength, confidence, and resilience.
I want to extend a HUGE thank you to Martha Byrnes, owner of Northland Pilates Studio in Duluth, MN, who allowed me to take over her studio for multiple weekly student-teaching classes this year!
This work is personal to me. I’ve lived what Pilates can do, and I am proud and excited to share it with the people of northern Wisconsin!
Pilates is for EVERYONE, and it makes EVERYTHING better!
Testimonials
Anne has been a dedicated Pilates practitioner with me since I opened my Pilates studio in Edina in 2015. From the very beginning, her passion for Pilates has stood out; rooted not only in consistency, but in a deep connection to the method, its precision, and its artistry. She truly loves the practice, the community it creates, and the lifelong growth it offers. Over the years, Anne has developed remarkable strength, body awareness, and control. What’s especially impressive is her ability to translate her understanding into movement with clarity and ease. Her passion has naturally evolved into a desire to share Pilates with others, and it has been incredible to witness her growth as both a practitioner and a teacher. Anne brings thoughtfulness, care, and genuine enthusiasm into her teaching. I have had the pleasure of experiencing her instruction firsthand, and she creates sessions that are both effective and enjoyable. Her training, dedication, and ability to connect with people position her to make a meaningful impact in her community. I am incredibly proud of Anne for opening her own studio and wholeheartedly recommend her as a Pilates instructor. She has the knowledge, passion, and heart to truly help others feel stronger, more connected, and supported in their movement journey.
I met Anne via email when she reached out to me about completing the teaching and observation hours required for her Pilates Instructor Certification. Her excitement and energy practically jumped off the screen. I instantly knew I wanted to help her. Anne is a true go-getter. Her enthusiasm, positivity, and passion for movement were evident from the very beginning. She is both classically and contemporarily trained, which is such a gift to her students. This diverse background allows her to meet clients where they are and help them move safely, efficiently, confidently, and joyfully. Anne has the unique ability to understand what her clients need while creating an environment that is energetic, welcoming, and encouraging. Watching her grow into the instructor and studio owner she envisioned has been incredibly rewarding. Enjoy Anne Torrey and Pilates In The Pines. I miss working with her, but I could not be happier knowing she is now teaching in her own beautiful studio. She had a vision, and now she has brought it to life.
So excited to celebrate my amazing friend Anne as she opens her Pilates studio this month in Hayward, Wisconsin! 🎉 Her energy is contagious, and her passion for health and wellness is something truly special. I have no doubt she’s going to bring so much life, strength, and positivity to this community. I couldn’t be more proud of her dedication to Pilates, and I personally can’t wait to start taking classes! 💪✨ If you’re heading to Hayward this summer—or lucky enough to live there year-round—come join us and experience it for yourself. Everything you need is right here in this post, including the QR code and the website to sign up for classes! Let’s support her and show up strong! 💛
Anne I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful instruction during your time at Northland Pilates. You are a thoughtful instructor and I have learned better breathing techniques from your classes. Hayward is very fortunate that you will be opening your studio in May. All the best with your new venture Anne and hope to see you back in Duluth from time to time. We will miss you!
Anne is an attentive person and her awareness for proper techniques is assuring Her class is fun and bubbly! The music is also fabulous. Cheers!
Hi Anne, Thank you so much for the session today. I felt great after I left. The studio looks super and you’re clearly a skilled, well-informed and kind instructor. I have already started spreading the word about you to encourage others to contact you or check out your website.
You're invited: Open House
Come and see what Pilates in the Pines is all about! Let me introduce you to Pilates, discuss how it can work for you and even get you on a reformer so you can feel for yourself all the potential it can bring to your everyday life.
May 1st
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
You're invited: Open House
Come and see what Pilates in the Pines is all about! Get on a reformer and feel the potential for yourself.
May 1st
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Pilates in the Pines is a SCENT-FREE Studio. To provide the healthiest environment possible for our chemically sensitive clients and instructors, please refrain from wearing perfumes or colognes of any kind before arriving for class. Thank you for your consideration!