Owner Valarie Robinson

  • When did you start practicing Pilates and why?

I was advised to start Pilates by my Myotherapist after an unfortunate Snowboarding injury in my 20’s. It was through finding Pilates I was able to rehabilitate my body and found my love for functional movement. It changed how my mind and body felt instantly and I was completely addicted practicing 3 times a week. Pilates really is for every body!

  • How long have you been running a Pilates studio for?

I opened Pilates Lab Mordy in 2019, after training and working under some fabulous instructors. It was however time to branch out on my own and I am so glad that I did, even when Covid hit 4 months later. Not ideal timing for anyone with a new business however I tool it in my stride and pivoted to an online platform for my clients, which proved a huge success. I was very grateful my mindset was to stick with more individualised programming as we do in my studio and I was very lucky to retain all my clients and be teaching them till this day, plus many more.

     

  • Why did you choose to open your own Pilates studio? 

I decided to open my own Studio as I have a passion to help people and want my clients to feel the same about their movement as I do. I have an ability to identify imbalances and weaknesses in the body and help my clients rediscover their happiest, strongest and more confident self.  I am so grateful to be able to do what I do and it makes me so happy to be able to create a positive impact on the lives of my clients.

I want to be that subconscious driver of change in my client’s bodies! When they are slouching and they know their posture could be improved and automatically think of the connections taught in their classes to correct this while sitting, driving, standing. When they start to incorporate balance moves while brushing their teeth. I want to see positive change in my clients lives outside the studio. The practice doesn’t end when they leave their class. I want to give them the tools to take with them day to day to improve their lives.

  • What have you enjoyed the most about running a studio? 

I love that my Studio is still true to where Pilates originated. We believe in the foundations and principles that were implemented by Joseph Pilates however we have added to them in our classes where we know our clients will benefit. Pilates seems to be exploding and the small more boutique equipment Studio’s are few and far between these days. I love that how we teach at Pilates Lab allows us to give our client’s the individual attention they need. We don’t need them to be holding on for dear life in challenging moves that are not Pilates! We want them to feel safe, supported and that they are reaching their goals in their classes.

Our clients make running the Studio so enjoyable, we are so lucky to have such an incredible client base and seeing the difference we are making in their lives is what makes it so rewarding. The community we have created is really special and it always makes me smile to see the friendships that have developed over the years.

  • What have you found most challenging?

I have learnt so much since opening my own Studio, not only are you a Pilates Instructor, you become a mentor to your Staff, you are supporting your clients every step of the way on their journey, you are liaising closely with allied health professionals, you become a marketing manager & business manager, a social media manager and the list goes on. I have learnt to manage my time extremely well, to make sure I can stay on top of everything. However it can be incredibly challenging at times, luckily I have extremely wonderful staff who I am very grateful for.

      

  • How long have you been affiliated with NPT?

I have been affiliated with NPT for a few years now and have loved the support and guidance I have gained from Katrina. She is an incredible Instructor/Mentor and has a wealth of knowledge that she is always happy to share with you. I am looking forward to many more years ahead assisting their graduates to grow and become the best Instructors they can be. Having a mentor is extremely important for any Instructor even to this day and I have been practicing for over 25 years. I love my classes with Katrina and love that I am forever learning, improving my practice and growing as an Instructor.

  • What have you noticed about graduates from NPT?

From working with NPT graduates and many other graduates from different Course providers in Melbourne, I have noticed a huge difference in the confidence from the graduates coming out of NPT. Not only do I feel they are more prepared for the Pilates industry but their knowledge of the body and movement is at a high standard. They seem to be much more across contra indications and how to manage them in their classes which is extremely important. I feel NPT is setting their graduates up to succeed in their careers and teaching them the necessary skills to become great Instructors.

Pilates Lab Mordy~ Founder Valarie Robinson