CASE STUDIES
Amanda
Amanda
Who is Amanda?
My name is Amanda Goff, I'm 48 years old. I live in Bondi Beach and was previously a journalist. I've been doing Pilates for a couple of years now, which started during COVID - around 2020.
Why did you start Pilates?
Being in my forties, I thought to get fit I would need to do weights and cardio, but when I went to see a personal trainer in a hotel in Brisbane, she said I should try yoga or Pilates. I'm not a Yoga fan, so Pilates was an option. Although I didn't know much about it, I spent around 6 months doing BAR. Then someone said I should try reformer, although it looked really scary and intimidating. I had no idea what I was doing, but loving it and have been doing it ever since.
Why did you choose MPower?
I started reformer with another studio and reached my plateau. I drove past MPower, but couldn't really see in the studio. It seemed intriguing so I checked out their website, and loved the fact that they were a female-owned business, it had a family feel to it. All the instructors looked really good, it looked fun. There seemed to be a real energy in the studio. So I tried my first class there about a year ago and never looked back.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
I do the classes, they are really intimate, it’s like having a private session. I really enjoy the classes because they are about 45 minutes long, and you always move to the next sequence. It's mostly just reformer but we do have props we use too. I never felt intimidated once I was there, the instructors are fantastic. I really like how they care and correct you on technique.
How do you feel now?
It changed my whole life. It was a pivotal change in my life as getting sober. Made me look and feel better. People have noticed the change in me. It made me really believe in Pilates. I have more confidence in my body and my posture is so much better. It helped change the course of my life. I feel MPower is different from other studios, Michelle and Peta are so welcoming and I feel so empowered. You don't need to be fit, you just need to be willing to give it a go. The best thing about it is that it's for all ages. No judgment everyone is welcome. I am inspired to become a Pilates teacher myself!
Steven
Steven
Who is Steven?
My name is Steven, I'm 56, and my interests are weight training, spinning, and Pilates. I live in Paddington not far from Bondi.
Why did you start pilates?
I started around 10 years ago and was motivated to start due to my posture issues, and back pain from running. I felt like I had many injuries that needed attention through different exercises.
Why did you choose MPower?
My sister had been training with Michelle and encouraged me to start. Until you start it, you won't actually understand the benefits. We bumped into Michelle, and my sister introduced me. Michelle understood my pain areas and I was hooked.
I signed up for one class, and it led to more and more. I now go twice a week with Michelle. In the beginning, I didn't know what I was doing, but the instructors are so committed to helping you. They know just how to focus on your problem areas, and you feel the benefits, and being injury free is so rewarding. Just when you think you have mastered something, they give you something new to do, so it's always progressive.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
I usually partake in the one-on-one sessions, but I have tried the group class once or twice. Michelle usually has a plan for each class, and she adapts to your needs. We use a reformer, and the chair and ball. It's always different, I love the variety.
How do you feel now?
I feel so much better, and my injuries feel non-existent. I feel like I've set, myself up for the future. My balance, flexibility, and posture are so much better. As I'm getting older, I feel like these are all benefiting me. Pilates has helped me with all of this. There is always an element of going forward.
Kimberly
Kimberly
Who is Kim?
My name is Kimberly Bowers, I’m 53, and my interests have changed over the years. I used to enjoy kickboxing, skiing, and other outdoor exercises, before starting Pilates. I live in Japan right now but look forward to going back to Sydney again soon.
Why did you start Pilates?
I wasn’t a gym person, more an outdoors person, I enjoy hiking and other outdoor sports. Until around 5 years ago, I never even thought of joining a Pilates class. I was living in Singapore and had three kids. Everyone there was into yoga. I wasn’t flexible, so I didn’t like it. I went to see a chiropractor, and he slipped my disc and damaged my back so badly that I could hardly walk. I wasn’t sure if I could get back into the outdoor sports I enjoyed, and was living on painkillers. I moved to Sydney 4 years ago and battled to find my niche. Tried a lot of Pilate studios where they were all doing different things. I was on the northern beaches side at that time and started Pilates with another company, going up to twice a day, and it was doing well for my back. When COVID hit, it was hard to keep up with the programs.
Why did you choose MPower?
I found MPower online and went into the studio last year when they moved into their new studio in Bondi. After speaking to the instructors I knew I had found my happy place. They were honestly a turning factor in my life and showed me I had been doing it wrong over the last four years. They helped me change my whole perspective on Pilates, and I started to enjoy it a lot more. The smaller private classes gave me more attention and a great feeling of finding my core. With a back problem, they helped me feel like I was doing it right.
I didn’t want to leave. It was more about the function of what Pilates was all about. I love the fact they keep it realistic and functional. I’ve even bought myself a machine to do my Pilates at home in Japan. They are a wonderful group, and they know what they are doing and talking about. I can’t wait to get back to Sydney to join their class again.
Watching them teach is unbelievable. Where I was previously, it was more like a gym class with no personal attention. MPower helps you tackle those muscles that need attention.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
As soon as I walked into the studio, I felt like I had been there for years. I would laugh at myself thinking I would never be able to do the things they did, but they made me feel comfortable and able. It felt like a family, and the instructors are just so sweet and welcoming. They know what they are doing!
How do you feel now?
The results have impacted me greatly. For me, Pilates was my go-to place. You know it’s going to hurt but you keep going. Even though I’m not very flexible, you still cope and get as much out of it as you can. At my age, you struggle a bit, and Pilates has helped me feel leaner and stronger. I could get into positions I never thought I could and do movements I never thought possible. My back pain has become more bearable, and I’ve realised the strength I now have in my back, which has been a real problem in the past. My knees have strengthened especially since I ski a lot, I can feel the difference. I wake up in the morning not feeling awful!
Sam
Sam
Who is Sam?
My name is Sam and I’m 55 years old and a local Bondi resident. I love doing exercise, I’m a baker, pastry chef, and a mother of three adult boys.
Why did you start pilates?
I started Pilates about 4 years ago at MPower. I started Pilates to feel good again, as you get older, it’s important to look after yourself. So my husband went there first, and I went about 6 months later. He kept encouraging me to go. I had done yoga before, so I thought I would give it a go. It took me a while to find my rhythm, but now I’m loving it.
The reason I love it is because of the small classes. There is a personalised approach and personal attention. I now go twice a week.
Why did you choose MPower?
I chose MPower because of the location, and it was in a quiet area. We got to bond with Peta, who developed a lovely relationship with us. This was important to me. My MPower journey is based on personal one-on-one classes with my husband, which is fun. We get a lot of support from the instructors and they understand our weaknesses and help us strengthen those areas. Over time you start to feel the difference in your muscles. It takes time. Took me over a year to feel I had muscles, so you need to keep at it. You listen and learn, as the instructor tells you what each part of your body does. Helps you understand your body more. Breathing is so important, and you keep having to remind yourself to breathe. We even went to do an outdoor session in the park, which is really going out of the normal Pilates structure, and it was really fun.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
My favourite thing about MPower Pilates is doing all the different reformer exercises, and the energy you feel when you walk into the studio.
How do you feel now?
I feel so good, I feel stronger, younger, and have much more energy. I eat less and it feels like a good way to look after myself. It’s different from other exercises, where you don’t have to sweat too much to make a difference to your body. It’s also a really fun thing to do with my husband. I’ve also lost around 8kg which has made me feel good about my overall well-being.
Jake
Jake
Who is Jake?
My name is Jake, I’m 57, and I enjoy exercising with outdoor activities. I’ve been running for over 30 years and recently moved to Bondi Beach.
Why did you start Pilates?
I’ve been running for many years and was noticing injuries, especially in my knees. I needed to get some flexibility, so I started Pilates about 18 months ago to help.
Why did you choose MPower?
A good friend of mine had been doing Pilates at MPower for over 20 years and recommended it to me.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
It’s been a combination of small groups, with two or three friends, and private classes with Peta. Peta has been fantastic, patient, knowledgeable, and motivational. So we started off on the mat with the reformer. Peta uses a whole lot of different additions to make the classes interesting. The friendliness and vibe of the studio are amazing.
How do you feel now?
I can touch my toes! It’s definitely helped with flexibility and and I’ve had fewer injuries. Once you find your groove, and your muscles start getting stronger, you notice the difference Pilates makes. I love the feeling of feeling a bit better after every session.
Ruth
Ruth
Who is Ruth?
I am now 81, and I've been at MPower Pilates for over 21 years. I am originally from South Africa. I have travelled around the world with my husband's job. We ended up in Australia with our children and decided to stay!
Why did you start Pilates?
I joined when I was 60, soon after Michelle started.
Why did you choose MPower?
I knew a little about Pilates, and my daughter knew about Michelle at MPower Pilates. I needed to keep fit so I just by chance joined her group. I definitely chose right! It's important to have the right instructor, so I'm really happy with Michelle. Peta and Michelle are both so professional.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
I do 1:1 classes with Michelle. I used to do one class a week and now I'm doing as many as I can a week! We even continued classes during COVID via Zoom so that was so convenient! Since we travel a lot, I only miss my classes when we are not home. I have never been injured or felt pain from the classes. I use a variety of equipment and every class is different. Michelle has also evolved and I feel like I've evolved with her. She keeps up to date and knows my body, pushing me but in a positive way. She is an outstanding teacher and she understands what your body needs. I have a very good connection with Michelle, and it makes every session worthwhile.
How do you feel now?
My previous back problems have never affected me as they did before starting Pilates. When I started, I was relatively younger, however, I feel even better now than did then. I'm a lot fitter - I don't feel old at all! I don't need Pilates as therapy, so I'm glad I started Pilates before I started to feel frail or old. If I hadn't started Pilates when I did, I think I would be worse off. For me, Pilates was a preventative support for getting and feeling older.
Kit
Kit
Who is Kit?
Everyone calls me Kit, my real name is Karen. I live within walking distance of the MPower Pilates Studio. I am over 50 and have many interests including music, reading, swimming, hiking, nutrition, and more.
Why did you start Pilates?
I started at MPower in around 2020. I had a very painful lower back and battled to get up in the mornings. I went to physiotherapists, doctors, etc, and just got no relief or answers for the pain I was experiencing.
Why did you choose MPower?
I was referred to MPower Pilates by a neighbour and never looked back. I am fairly active and had been going to Pilates and physio elsewhere, but it never had an impact like I'm experiencing now at MPower. After starting 1:1 sessions with Peta, I have felt a world of difference. I took the one spot Peta had available. Initially, I was skeptical, but she was so patient and encouraging. She knows exactly what to do, and how to tackle the problems I was having. So I now go every Tuesday and Thursday. Peta pushes me pretty hard, but compared to the pain I used to feel, I'm slowly feeling so much better!
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
I would say that I always look forward to going to my classes. I have fun, I feel relaxed, and it's a non-judgemental environment. The people are all so nice and friendly, there are so many things to do there. My two daughters also now join the the group classes when they are in town, and they absolutely love it! MPower’s classes have positively impacted my whole family.
How do you feel now?
There is incremental progress without me feeling it. I don't know what I would have done without Peta. I feel so much better physically, emotionally and mentally. When you have had chronic pain for years, and it all of a sudden starts to improve, it changes your life. I can move better than I have in years. I feel prepared for another 30 to 40 years. I'm not worried about falling with improved mobility. It has even impacted my mindset, I feel so positive. It's a complete transformation. Your health is your wealth!
Tessa
Tessa
Who is Tessa?
My name is Tessa, I'm 54 years old, and live locally. My interests include being with family, doing Pilates, and the Sydney property market.
Why did you start Pilates?
I started around 17 years ago, initially with barre classes, and then met Michelle and started Pilates classes with her. The main reason I started was I had weak shoulders, and bad hips. I started waking up with aches and pains in my late 30s.
Why did you choose MPower?
I started at MPower because of Michelle. She inspires me, and even though she is tough on me, she teaches me new things constantly. My brother also does pilates at MPower Pilates.
Can you tell us a bit about your Pilates Journey at MPower?
I started at barre and then began Pilates classes. I didn't completely understand the terms they were talking about so I started private classes with Michelle. I now go twice a week with her and absolutely love the private classes. I love the personal and intimate classes. Each class is different, and there is no repetition. There are fundamental exercises we do, but it’s also tailored to my needs.
How do you feel now?
I'm much stronger than I've ever been. It affects your whole movement. My core is much stronger, and every exercise we do affects my entire body in a good way. I don't feel any more body aches and pains, and even feel more flexible! I can feel the difference when Michelle is away, so I look forward to getting back into the studio again when she returns. I have a huge level of trust in the instructors, and I don't feel like they would ever let me get injured with the different exercises. The energy of the new studio is amazing! The space is perfect for what we do and how we connect.