Carly Pink-O'Sullivan
Founder + Dog Mum of 2
Semi-Private Apparatus + Matwork teacher
Favourite apparatus?
The Wunda Chair! There's no hiding - you're either working hard or you're just not. I also love the versatility and challenge it provides. It's the one thing in the studio that makes me feel like I've been to the gym.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I'm encouraging and look at movement through a curious lens. I love when a new client attends the studio for the first time and tells me 'I've never been able to do X or Y' and within the hour they're doing a version of that thing! They just needed the support of the apparatus and encouragement to shift their perspective on how something 'should' be done.
What's your approach to working with our members?
I'm always looking to see what someone can do and what works for them on an individual level. I believe in normal human variation so there's no right or wrong way to move, there's just different ways. I also want to learn about each person - what they do, what movement they love (or don't love) - because this will impact how and what they work on in the studio.
What's your idea of self-care?
Going to bed early, limiting the time I spend on social media, being kind to myself when diabetes takes over my day and making sure I move my body in some way everyday (this varies daily, from walking Kermie + Olive to doing a Pilates session to strength training at the gym).
What's an ideal day off look like for you?
I have two types of ideal days off and couldn't decide! Both are my favourite:
Active: waking up with the sun, doing my own Pilates session or going to the gym, going for a walk with Geoff, Kermie + Olive, going out for lunch and catching up with friends. The afternoon will always involve a G+T or prosecco.
Rest: waking up while it's still dark to drink tea and either read a book or watch Netflix (Mad Men is always on repeat). I'll stay in my pj's all day and eat whatever food I crave in the moment. No social media and as little time spent on my phone in general. No interaction with the outside world - just Geoff, Kermie + Olive and an endless supply of tea.
Ashlee Avino
Matwork teacher
Favourite apparatus?
I love all Pilates apparatus as I think they are all so valuable, however, my fave would have to be the simple mat! I particularly love how challenging it can be to just move your body through so many different planes of motion with only space around you and the opportunity it gives you through flow to take up that space with no barriers.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I'd have to say I don't take Pilates too seriously whilst taking Pilates very seriously! ha
I like to play with movement, hopefully invoke a smile or 10 and a chuckle, because I think that moving your body should be enjoyable, fun and somewhat childlike, but in the same breath I want to help people understand the different exercises and get to know their bodies abilities.
What's your approach to working with our members?
I want to get to know you and I want you to know that your body is more capable thank you think. I want you to fall in love with how good your body (and mind) feels and when I hear you say "I can't", I will correct you with a "YET!", and help you find a fun journey to discover how you Can!.
What's your idea of self-care?
Knowing when to rest and when to go! But movement always. Sometimes restful movement is all you need.
What's an ideal day off look like for you?
I'm sure I am supposed to say 'spending time with my family' but.. as much as I adore them, if I'm totally honest, it would be at the beach, swimming and reading a book on the sand on my own!
Holly Broderick
Semi-Private Apparatus + Matwork teacher
Favourite apparatus?
Currently it's Matwork, as I love being able to explore different ways I can move and what my body can progress towards, needing nothing more than a mat and sometimes not even that. As I can take that anywhere I am, which is important to me, being a lover of adventure and travel.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Encouraging, listening to those in the class and adapting to suit the energy in the moment, focus on creating more mobility and strength within the body, using the Pilates principles, centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.
What's your approach to working with our members?
Finding what works for them, while reinforcing challenge and not strain. Support towards more confidence with what their body can achieve and knowledge of the benefit of certain exercises and reinforcing listening to what your body needs in the moment, as I am there to help guide but not to force anyone to do anything they are not feeling up to on the day.
What's your idea of self-care?
Finding time to rest, move my body, be in nature and prepare nourishing food.
What's an ideal day off look like for you?
A slow start, enjoying cups of tea, stretching and movement, ideally outside, biking riding, walks/hikes and quality time with loved ones.
Beth-Marie Smith
Matwork teacher
Favourite apparatus?
The mat because it's just my body and nothing else rolling around on the floor. Nothing fancy, super simple and easy to do anywhere. With or without said mat.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Simple, gentle and yet challenging. "Honour your body" is a favourite phrase of mine. I believe we should (try to!) meet ourselves where we are at any given moment, be kind to ourselves and challenge ourselves where we can.
What's your approach to working with our members?
To help them connect with themselves, enjoy moving in any way possible and hopefully not take themselves too seriously. And to remind them to be kind to themselves!
What's your idea of self-care?
Listening to what I need from moment to moment and trying to give that to myself when I can. Also having self-compassion and speaking kindly to myself always! Imagining what I would say to a friend or a loved one and giving myself that same advice and kindness.
What's an ideal day off look like for you?
No phone (full stop), being outdoors no matter what the weather, breakfast/coffee/CAKE out with a friend/loved one, an (preferably icy!) ocean dip, maybe a women's circle, connecting with other like-minded ladies, reading my favourite book (a real book, with pages!), a Pilates sesh, some magic and woo woo and howling at the moon.
Laura Kelsall
Semi-Private Apparatus teacher
Favourite apparatus?
Reformer will always be my first love with the Cadillac coming a close second, the strapwork offers such welcome feedback and the versatility is chef's kiss.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Nurturing and insightful, I like to blend personal autonomy with technical knowledge, I'm a Pilates nerd and I love helping members truly “click” with a movement.
What's your approach to working with our members?
I approach our members with a relaxed and welcoming vibe, I meet them where they're at on the day, helping them feel seen and supported.
What's your idea of self-care?
Pilates, saunas, nutritious food, rest..... remembering to take it easy on myself when those things don't always happen.
What's an ideal day off look like for you?
A slow morning, wake to a quiet house and enjoy a coffee alone, followed with a relaxed afternoon soaking up some sunshine with my loved ones.