This month, we’re staying local with a visit to Terra Pilates and Wellness in Carlsbad, San Diego, a space designed for movement, recovery, and feeling good.
Founded by Caitlin Cantor, Terra is a refined take on the modern studio, where Pilates meets intentional wellness, featuring a range of our Cocoa and Dune props throughout the space.
Tell us about your studio:
Terra Pilates and Wellness is a luxury reformer Pilates and recovery studio located in Carlsbad Village. We offer Pilates alongside sauna, cold plunge, and red light therapy in a space designed to feel calm, beautiful, and restorative. It’s more than just a workout — it’s an experience centered around feeling good, resetting, and making wellness part of your lifestyle.
How long have you been in Pilates, and what led you to open your own studio?
I’ve been part of the Pilates community for about 14 years and have been teaching for the last several years. Opening my own studio was not always the plan, but over time I felt pulled to create something that reflected my vision of wellness. When the timing felt right, Terra came to life. I wanted to build a space that felt elevated, grounding, and welcoming — where people could come to invest in themselves and feel their best.
What makes your studio unique?
What makes Terra unique is that it offers a more complete wellness experience. It’s not just about the workout — it’s about how you feel from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. From the design of the space to the Pilates programming to the recovery offerings like sauna, cold plunge, compression therapy, and red light therapy, every detail is intentional.
It’s elevated, but still warm and approachable. I wanted to create a space where wellness feels special, but never intimidating.
What is your biggest lesson learned?
My biggest lesson has been that you don’t need to have everything perfectly figured out before you start. Some of the most valuable growth comes through doing, learning, and adjusting along the way. It’s taught me to trust my instincts, stay flexible, and focus on what truly matters rather than trying to make everything perfect.
What is your greatest joy?
My greatest joy is seeing people walk into Terra and leave feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected to themselves. But just as meaningful has been having my kids witness the entire journey. They saw the space when it was just a dark shell, lived through the construction phase, and now get to experience it as a full, thriving community.
Hearing them talk about it, stop by on their way through the village, or mention that their friends’ parents come to Terra is something I don’t take for granted. It’s a reminder that our kids are always watching and learning, even in the moments we don’t realise it. Being able to show them what it looks like to build something from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding parts of all of this.
Kids are always watching — make sure to give them something worth watching.
What is your favorite Loops product and why?
It’s honestly so hard to choose because we use them all, and I feel like each of my instructors would pick something different. The Cocoa Loops are just so beautiful and comfortable on the machine — they really elevate the overall experience.
I’m also a huge fan of the Pilates Ball for its versatility. It’s something I use for upper body, core, and lower body work, and it provides incredible feedback for form while helping activate and challenge muscles in a really effective way.
What is your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day is the morning, right before the studio fills up. There’s something special about that calm moment before the energy builds — the music, the light, and the stillness. Then watching people walk in ready to start their day by doing something good for themselves, and seeing that post-class glow, is something I never get tired of.
What are you currently reading or watching?
My book club is currently reading Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.
As for TV, my fiancé and I have been loving Landman, and with our five kids, Beast Games has been a fun one for all of us to watch together.
What is something you’ve been loving lately that we all need to know about?
I am loving this time change and that we are headed into summer. My favorite is late afternoon beach days with all the kids, a pizza or a burrito, and soaking in all the moments.
I’ve also been loving BEIIN’s The Everywhere Lotion — such a good, everyday staple.
If we were to visit your studio, what is another “must-do” in your area?
Carlsbad Village has it all — beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the best sunsets.
For a little local edit: Cedar & Ivy is my go-to hair salon, and my favorite restaurants are Blue Ocean for sushi, Fresco’s 264 rooftop bar for Italian, and Nick’s Steakhouse.
We also have a farmers market every Wednesday.
Connect with Terra Pilates & Wellness:
@terrapilatesandwellness
terrapilatesandwellness.com
