Owner Ashleigh McDonald
- When did you start practicing Pilates and why?
I started around 15 years ago. I’ve never been a big fan of HIIT style workouts or a traditional gym setting so went in search of a different way to move my body and absolutely fell in love with pilates.
- How long have you been running a Pilates studio for?
Nearly 5 years.
- Why did you choose to open your own Pilates studio?
When COVID hit, I couldn’t return to my FIFO job in WA, and there were no places offering reformer Pilates in the Whitsundays. With no work, I decided to use the time to complete my Pilates training. I started teaching a few classes from home to see if there was interest and within just three months, I had outgrown my house, and the business has since expanded twice.
- What have you enjoyed the most about running a studio?
I love the freedom of making my own decisions around what feels right for myself and my family. I’ve been able to create a studio which I truly love stepping into and feel so passionate about.
- What have you found most challenging?
Being in a small town we have very limited instructors. In my postpartum period with my first born I needed to return to teaching much earlier than I was physically and mentally ready for to ensure the business could continue to run. Although an extremely difficult time in my life, I learnt many lessons from it.
- How long have you been affiliated with NPT?
Just over a year.
- How has this relationship helped you grow your business?
We were lucky enough to have Katrina join us for an Education Day in March, bringing together a community of Instructors and studio owners from North Qld. It was the first time that we have been able to host National Pilates Training and the Director of Training Katrina Edwards, building a strong, supportive community and a sustainable future.
Principle Movements~ Ashleigh McDonald