Caroline Berger
Merrithew® Certifications:
STOTT PILATES® Matwork & Reformer, Cadillac, Chair & Barrels; Halo® Training Qualified
Additional credentials:
MBA, École National des Mines de Paris; Master of Cultural Project Management, Master of Finance & Currency, Université de Paris, Sorbonne; Bachelor of Science, Université de Paris; contemporary dance degree
Caroline attributes the success of her studio, BIOPILATES PARIS, to its clients. She considers their work together a team effort guided by her extensive training and education.
How a single Pilates class inspired a career in mindful movement
After travelling the world as a dancer, a single Pilates class turned Caroline Berger’s thinking toward a career in mindful movement.
She describes a STOTT PILATES class, which she took while visiting an aunt in Tasmania, as transformative – both to how she danced and to her future.
“It was love at first sight. My teacher was exceptional,” Caroline says. “Through Pilates, my dance changed: more support, more stability, more muscular stamina, more strength and harmony. It was magical, I was dancing differently. And, I loved the Merrithew equipment.”
A mind and body transition
Changes in Caroline’s personal life helped clarify to her how central STOTT PILATES would be to her career, and, that she would focus on sharing its benefits with dancers.
“My Reformer had accompanied me on a trip to Bahrain. I had to go home to Paris where I started a new life with Pilates. I decided not to dance anymore, but to specialize and help the dancers.”
In 2009, Caroline opened BIOPILATES PARIS, Merrithew’s Host Training Center in France.
About BIOPILATES PARIS
While Caroline’s studio is popular among dancers, it also receives many clients with common back and knee issues.
She takes a similar approach with many clients, introducing them over time to a range of exercises that incorporate different pieces of equipment.
“My training is the same for everyone who starts. I start with the Rotational Disks, the Cardio-Tramp® on the Reformer, and the Stability Chair™,” she says.
Finally, I begin to add Cadillac programming. I’ve had excellent results in stability, power and articulation.”
Unlocking success, the essential role of education
From the studio’s beginning, Caroline worked tirelessly to build its clientele while also furthering her education.
In addition to an MBA, a Bachelor of Science and a contemporary dance degree she had already earned, in 2013, Caroline became a Merrithew Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES.
Her passion for education endures: “To belong to what I consider one of the best companies in the world, I have courage and skills be the best instructor possible.”
Caroline is also in her second of six years of training to become certified in France as an Etiopathie, a modern-day healer.
“This year, I will have my first national Level 1 anatomy certification for Etiopathie. In four years, I will have the national Certificate of Anatomy, Level 2. From there, I would like to work towards becoming a STOTT PILATES Rehab Instructor Trainer.”
Memorable BIOPILATES PARIS clients
Helping a former dancer with the Ballet of Maurice Bejar return to performing was memorable, Caroline says. The dancer, who had a tear in the labrum on both sides, was able to dance again after two years of their working together.
“She was able to dance again while for four years the various doctors had told her that she could no longer dance.”
Helping a 26-year-old woman recover after she was paralyzed from a stroke was also gratifying, she says. The woman had been treated at a military hospital before working one-on-one with Caroline.
“The Balance & Stability Domes and the single leg work on the Reformer were integral. Today, she has regained the use of her right side,” she says.
“At the military hospital, they told her that the equipment I had was better suited to her recovery and that she should carry on with me. It was a great experience.”
Secrets of success
Caroline attributes the success of her studio to its clients.
She considers their work together a team effort guided by her extensive training and education.
“When a client arrives in the studio, I make sure they can forget their life outside the studio. I'm trying to capture their attention. My goal is that clients relax so they can concentrate on the movement technique,” she says.
“If the results are there, the client is happy.
“It is teamwork between me and the client. We move together for excellent results.”
Caroline recommends taking a longer-term view of business. Specifically, she suggests investing equally in education and equipment.
“I advise people not to be afraid to invest in training, accessories and equipment,” she says. “I feel good working with Merrithew; this company brings me the tools I need to develop myself.
“I love my job and I try to do it in the best way. It takes a lot of work. I keep learning and I have a lot of fun when I master something new.
“For ten years, I have been trying to improve myself so that I can meet the expectations of each of my clients. It is a great opportunity to work with a company that has so much training and so many workshops for continuing education.”