When my husband and I first discovered the @pilates model, it immediately made sense. My background is in hospitality, and after years of working long hours, late nights, weekends and public holidays, I understood how difficult it could be to find movement that fit around real life. After opening our first studio on the Sunshine Coast, we visited Hervey Bay for what was meant to be a holiday. Instead, we fell in love with the lifestyle, the people, and the community. What I love most is that the same sense of connection we discovered on that holiday has become such a big part of our studio.
People often assume that because we’re a 24/7 studio, there isn’t much of a community. The reality is quite the opposite. Friendships have formed, coffee catch-ups have become a regular tradition, and there’s always someone cheering you on. Whether it’s another familiar face in the studio or someone from our team, there’s a genuine sense of support that makes it feel like so much more than just a place to exercise.
That said, not everyone is looking for the social side of fitness, and that’s okay too. Some people simply want a welcoming space where they can put on their headphones, enjoy a session, and get on with their day. What I love about our model is that it allows for both. Whether you’re looking for connection through our events, live sessions, and community activities, or you prefer to move independently, there’s space for you here.
Our community is made up of people from all walks of life. They range in age from 16 to 80, from those taking their very first steps into fitness to those who have been active their entire lives. Some are recovering from injury, navigating health challenges, building confidence, or simply looking for a little time for themselves.
There is no “typical” way to move, either. Some love the challenge of our HIIT-style sessions, while others prefer gentle stretch, mobility, or recovery classes. Some have an hour to dedicate to themselves, while others fit movement into a 15-minute window between school drop-off, work, and life’s endless responsibilities. We have people who visit before sunrise, on their lunch break, after a night shift, and at almost every hour in between.
We’re also fortunate to have an incredible team. While we all come from different backgrounds, we share the same passion: helping people feel supported, welcomed, and capable of more than they ever thought possible.
We were especially lucky when Steph recently moved to Hervey Bay as well. Many people will recognise her from the @pilates portal, where she appears in several classes. Her background in Clinical Pilates allows us to provide additional support for those returning from injury, managing ongoing conditions, or wanting to build confidence in their movement through both one-on-one and group sessions.
For me, that’s what makes both Hervey Bay and @pilates so special. It’s not about fitness levels, flexibility, or fitting a certain mould. It’s about creating a space where people from all walks of life can show up exactly as they are, move in ways that work for them, and know they belong.
By Maleah Nelson – Owner of @pilates Hervey Bay
Finding My Way Back Through Pilates
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be in the thick of training to become a Pilates instructor, I’m not sure I would have believed you. It was a dream that felt a little beyond my reach.
Pilates came into my life after a very challenging period. Following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, I felt a little lost. I didn’t feel strong, confident or particularly at home in my body anymore.
What I love most about Pilates is that it helped me find my way back to myself. It gave me a way to move that felt safe and supportive and taught me to appreciate my body for what it could do, rather than focusing on everything it had been through.
It wasn’t about chasing a certain look or fitness level. It was about rebuilding trust in my body, one session at a time. As the weeks passed, I began to feel stronger, more confident and more like myself again. I knew then, that I really wanted to help others to feel the same.
Now, as I move through my 40s, that feels invaluable. I move my body because I can, not because I “have” to. Since losing my mum recently, that perspective has become even more deeply anchored. Moving my body feels like a privilege, and one I never take for granted.
That’s why I feel so grateful to be part of our studio. So many of us carry stories that nobody else can see. We navigate illness, motherhood, stress, grief and life changes that can leave us feeling disconnected from who we are. Walking into a studio can feel intimidating, especially when you’re starting over.
I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and not recognise the person staring back at you. But I also know how incredible it feels to reconnect with yourself and realise just how capable you really are.
If I can help someone feel stronger, more confident, and more at home in their bodies, then that’s the biggest win for me. For me, that’s what Pilates and our Studio is really all about.
By Hayley Elliott @Pilates Instructor
My First Experience with Reformer Pilates
I’ll admit, I was a little nervous walking into my first Reformer Pilates session. Like most people trying something new, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I be able to keep up? Would I know what I was doing? Those nerves quickly disappeared the moment I met Hayley.
From the start, Hayley made me feel completely comfortable. She was welcoming and calm, and she took the time to explain how everything worked before I began. As it was my first session, knowing she was there to support me gave me the confidence to simply enjoy the experience.
What I loved most about this particular experience was that it wasn’t a traditional group class. I booked my session at a time that suited my busy schedule and worked through the workout independently, guided by the screen positioned near my reformer station. The instructions were easy to follow, with each exercise clearly demonstrated, while Hayley remained nearby if I needed any help or had questions. It offered the perfect balance of independence and support.
The studio itself is beautiful. The warm afternoon sun filled the room, creating a peaceful atmosphere that immediately helped me to relax. It never felt intimidating. Instead, it felt like a space where you could focus entirely on yourself, your movement and your wellbeing.
Another feature I really appreciated was the ability to adjust the spring tension throughout the workout to suit my strength and comfort level. It meant I could challenge myself without feeling pressured to keep up with anyone else.
I could feel muscles working that I honestly hadn’t felt in years. As someone who loved dancing as a child, I was reminded of how much my core had once been engaged through movement. It was a wonderful feeling to reconnect with those muscles again.
I left feeling stronger and refreshed, already looking forward to booking my next session. If you’ve ever been curious about reformer Pilates but felt a little hesitant, I’d encourage you to give it a go. Being able to exercise at your own pace and on your own schedule makes it a wonderfully enjoyable introduction.
By Kelly Penny
