Founder Daisy McRandal works with her 80-year-old client, Jennifer Dolan
Dread the gym? A new Pilates studio at 53 Greenwich Avenue turns exercise into an inviting, luxurious experience—and delivers results. Behind the spa-like sheen and glistening sun rays splashing across cream cushioned reformers at PilatesPrivé is a scientific approach and the expertise of founder Daisy McRandal, a former professional dancer with two decades of experience in movement, wellness and therapeutic applications of Pilates. Her clients enjoy private or semi-private sessions tailored to their goals, whether conditioning, rehabilitation or injury prevention.
For Daisy, Pilates was the silver lining in her struggle with debilitating back pain from a decade of contortion-heavy dance, compounded by a pregnancy.
“I did a year of physical therapy combined with Pilates,” says Daisy, who hails from California but settled in Greenwich in 2015. “That really is what transformed me. I never felt better than when I discovered pilates.” She realized that physical therapy ends, but pilates can continue for life. Daisy’s spry 80-year-old client is proof of that. Young athletes, busy professionals, moms and seniors all walk through PilatesPrivé’s doors and emerge stronger—and calmer.
Daisy’s goal was an environment where clients walk in and exhale. “You come in and are able to tune in mindfully to your body,” she says. Her soothing aura matches the ambiance, and her depth of knowledge sets her apart from pilates instructors who are just following a trend or riding a social media wave. Daisy holds Pilates certifications from the classical Core Dynamics program and the Erika Bloom Method, which integrates Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique and somatic therapy.
She also holds advanced certifications in osteoporosis training, scoliosis management, diastasis recti rehabilitation, pelvic floor dysfunction and pre/postnatal care. “I not only teach but am constantly taking classes,” she says.
What is Pilates? “This isn’t a stretch class. This is more about strengthening than people assume,” explains Daisy. The method was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century and was designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility and restore alignment. Pilates was actually trying to help war veterans, which is why the “Cadillac” apparatus looks like a hospital bed.
“I focus on strength and posture,” says Daisy. “It’s very common to have a client who is behind a desk. Often even doctors are constantly working rounded over. Pilates really helps. I’ve helped people manage their injuries or recover after surgeries.” With older clients, Pilates improves balance, bone density and quality of life.
Daisy’s services are so in demand that she only accepts new clients via referral from a doctor or current client. She hopes to hire teachers and is planning a teacher certification program.pilatesprivegreenwich.com
LEGACY OF LIGHT
Inspired by her son’s selfless spirit, Daisy is dedicated to helping children heal
A portion of PilatesPrivé proceeds will be donated to the Give to Live Gala on May 1, to support St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The cause is deeply meaningful to Daisy. In 2022, she lost her son Julian to cancer the day after he turned nine.
“Part of his mission while going through his battle was: ‘How can I help other kids here?
How can I help the homeless people outside the hospital?’ Despite his pain, he would think about others and giving constantly,” recounts Daisy. “Outside the hospital, he never let me go home until he saw me physically go and help a homeless person.”