Pilates Republic Studio
Location: Preston, Ivanhoe, Kingsbury
Studio owners: Bianca Jones; Preston/Ivanhoe, Bianca Jones & Paul Dirago; Kingsbury
What has been your experience from moving from studio classes to online classes?
The positives about moving to online is that the Pilates Republic community became even more supportive. Clients and instructors found new and creative ways to engage with one another in order to keep everyone motivated and
accountable.
What are three things that make your studio unique?
We never take ourselves too seriously during exercise! The most important thing is that we are having fun during class while trying our best. Sure, technique and good form are important to us, but if you’re not enjoying the journey it’s going to be a long hard road. Consistency in delivering sessions that follow the same format and flow, while incorporating the trainer’s individuality and artistic flare.
Clients are always going to receive a quality grade of service regardless of what class they attend. We leave our egos at the door. Every single person is welcome regardless of their abilities. We provide a service that can cater for a beginner to an advance client, with absolutely no judgement. It’s a safe, inclusive place to come and enjoy yourself and get fit.
Tell us the Story behind your studio?
The dynamic reformer Pilates sequence blew my mind when it first began to gain momentum. I was so keen to find a way to incorporate this method into the community through a positive leadership style, while working with some super star trainers. I come from a sporting background and was always part of a local club. I wanted to create a similar environment for others that may not have experienced this before - not only to promote fitness, but to assist with mental
health also.
So with only $30k for the studio startup and high finance on the reformers, I begged, borrowed and stole to get our first studio up and running in Preston. Now that we have built the brand over the past 3 years, we are super motivated to continue to grow.
I love helping people and being a positive part of their journeys – the second and
third studios are testament to that. The Ivanhoe studio has transformed into a wellness hub, with partnered clinical pilates, massage, beauty and dietician services also available. The Kingsbury studio is a partnership with Paul, to deservedly welcome him into the PR family and community (I take no credit for his interesting singing ability!).
Do you believe online platforms will play a key role in studio business
strategies moving forward creating a multi channel studio?
We plan to continue with our PR TV online classes moving forward. We have committed to keeping it fresh and continue to evolve, considering there is a need and want for it. However, at this stage, our number one priority is to get back into the studio and train together safely. Being with other people is a human requirement which warms the heart and soul.
Will you be filming anything other than classes to keep up with the demand for online?
Absolutely – we have planed weekly nutritional talk with our very own dietician Georgia Cogan. Not only has she been a trainer at Pilates Republic when we opened our doors in 2018, she is also qualified to run these sessions to benefit our community’s health and well-being. We have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the PR team, so will definitely leverage that to keep giving to our community.
What is the best way to access the online platform?
We have daily live sessions and on demand classes (100’s to choose from). We moved to a PR TV online membership which is only $10 per week. This is how you access it:
1) Access the PR app
2) select ‘buy’ in our PR app
3) select ‘weekly membership’ or ‘autopay’
4) click on ‘PR TV Weekly Membership’
5) Request to join our PR TV Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/211726050242304/?ref=share
Are there any exciting changes being made to the timetable?
The most exciting thing happening at our studio right now is the launch of our Hot Pilates room in Kingsbury. We only had the opportunity to open it for under a week before the government mandated closure, so we feel we have SO much more love (and sweat) to give to the community. We also plan to roll out Hot Pilates rooms at our Preston and Ivanhoe studios in the near future, to streamline the Pilates Republic brand. We also look forward to being able to continue offering our Retreats (when travel restrictions permit) and Challenges throughout the year.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a part of the
pilates/yoga/barre community? Especially now in the current climate.
The most rewarding thing at present is that we aren’t looking at each other as competition as much. We are more of a united front experiencing the same challenges with our forced closures. It’s nice to know that you aren’t alone in pivoting through this changing climate.
