‘Changing lives one plank at a time’: Brisbane’s best pilates studio revealed

We asked our readers to vote for Brisbane’s best pilates studio. After a week of voting, our readers have crowned a new winner! See the full list and read what our winners had to say.

Bodyfit and Flex. Picture: Supplied

We put the call out to our readers to nominate Brisbane’s best pilates studio and after hundreds of responses we narrowed the list down to a group of finalists. We can now reveal, as voted by our readers, Brisbane’s best pilates studio, 2023!

1. Bodyfit and Flex

Address: Shop 1 and 2, 112 Birkdale Rd, Birkdale

Instagram: @bodyfitandflex

After eight years in business and 80 “Bodyfit Bubbas”, founder Kymmie Wyeth said the studio has come a long way since she first started in the industry.

“I started with one client, three reformer beds, an old fan and transformed my garage into a cozy pilates space,” she said.

“Over the past eight years, Bodyfit and Flex has undergone four expansions to meet the growing demand for its services. Today, the studio proudly operates two facilities: a state-of-the-art reformer studio with 12 beds and a spacious movement studio equipped with a stage, catering to various fitness programs such as yoga, mat pilates, balanced body, tabata and aerial hammocks to name a few.”

Bodyfit and Flex. Picture: Supplied

The studio provides support to pregnant and post-partum members, encouraging them to remain active throughout their pregnancy.

“It’s an absolute honour to guide each members pregnancy through tailored exercise options that consider the specific needs and limitations of pregnant and post-partum empowering them to stay active, maintain their strength and flexibility, and enhance their overall physical and mental wellbeing,” she said.

“As Bodyfit embarks on its eighth year, it does so with gratitude for the support of everyone who has ever walked through our doors, the dedication of its instructors present and past, and the continued support from our community. Here’s to many more years of changing lives one plank at a time.”

2. FS8 Victoria Point

Address: Cnr Cleveland &, Bunker Rd, Victoria Point QLD 4165

Instagram: @fs8_victoriapoint

Owned by two best friends, FS8 Victoria Point cultivates a sense of community at the core of the business.

“Who have a passion for delivering vibrant workouts in a fun, friendly environment, creating a community unlike any other,” co-owner Kerri Bootle said.

FS8 Victoria Point. Picture: Supplied

“It’s the relaxed approach in delivering what is commonly perceived as a serious workout. “However, don’t let that fool you, we still bring the technical pilates burn. We are wellness with some hell yes.”

3. Cooley Health Clinic

Address: Unit 3/6 Nepean Ave, Arana Hills

Instagram: @cooleyhealthclinic

Describing the instructors at the clinic as “crazy motivating”, Cooley Health Clinic focuses on leading by example.

“Everyone encourages one another no matter their age, gender or athletic ability,” instructor Suzanne Cooley said.

With a focus on offering a holistic approach to training, the studio collaborates with massage therapists, health coaches and pilates instructors.

Cooley Health Clinic. Picture: Supplied

“Unlike large gyms, it is so special to have created a place where people come ‘early’ to class just to connect with other members, like family. This happened organically and we are super proud,” she said.

“We truly get to know each client so we can ensure they receive a personal approach to their training. Our studio is more than a place to exercise, it is a place where you walk out feeling better physically and mentally than when you walked in. We are so lucky.”

4. Pilates 26

Address: 26 Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane

Instagram: @pilatestwentysix

With a mission to help pilates become accessible to everyone, manager Pascal Curtis said the instructors at the studio aim to help people find joy in movement.

“Our group sessions are warm and welcoming and our team of friendly instructors are equipped with the skills to create classes that are fun, engaging and motivating, while still offering an inclusive and personalised touch,” they said.

Pilates 26. Picture: Supplied

“From stretch to strength, cardio to calm, whatever your body craves and whatever your movement background, we have the perfect class for you.”

5. Studio Pilates Toowong

Address: 48-52 Jephson St, Toowong

Instagram: @studiopilates_toowong

Owned by a mother and daughter team, proud owners Louisa and Flick pride themselves on giving the best client care.

“We have a luxurious clean workout environment providing the ultimate escape for clients,” they said.

Studio Pilates Toowong. Picture: LP Commercial Photography

“Our sessions were created by physical therapists for safe, muscle-burning exercises that are extremely effective, yet low impact on the joints which ultimately means no matter what your physical level is, you can give it a go.”

6. Vicalates

Address: 3/85 Commercial Rd, Teneriffe

Instagram: @vicalates

Despite the explosion of pink on almost every wall, owner Victoria Spiliopoulos said instructors at the studio deliver a “truly hardcore class.”

“It is the ultimate place for you to both enhance and develop your pilates and be nurtured,” she said.

“If you want to take your pilates to the next level we are your people.”

Vicalates. Picture: Nicholas Goodridge @nickreative

What sets the studio apart from other businesses is that it provides ample opportunities for after-session debriefs and cuddles with a resident studio dog named Brooklyn.

“Our studio is designed to feel like so much more than a gym, but to be an artful space where you can hang out and retreat from your day,” she said.

7. Move Pilates Ascot

Address: 159 Racecourse Rd, Ascot

Instagram: @movepilatesascot

Offering a comprehensive range of pilates classes, Move Pilates Ascot provides weekly community classes and caters to all backgrounds.

“Our classes have a personalised results driving approach and are intimate in nature with only eight reformer beds,” owner Kate William said.

Move Pilates Ascot. Picture: Supplied

“We cater to a wide range of clients from women, men, teens, and welcome with open arms pre-natal and post-natal clients no matter where they are on their journey.”

8. Body Reformers

Address: 207/113 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough

Instagram: @bodyreformers

Located at the edge of the Scarborough waterfront, the studio offers both private classes as well as small group classes.

9. Pilates Physiomoves & End Physio

Address: Boundary Steet, West End

Instagram: @emmanajman

Operated under the talented Emma Najman, the studio is a pilates physiotherapy business, with private health fund rebates and NDIS funding available.

“Services provided include a speciality focus on cancer rehabilitation, autism spectrum disorder, amputees, rehabilitation after surgery, chronic pain, chronic illnesses and mental health,” owner Emma Najman said.

Pilates Physiomoves & End Physio. Picture: Tahlia Moloney Photographer

“Every client has a thorough initial consultation, their program designed specific to their own needs and goals and works on a variety of traditional pilates equipment including the reformer, cadillac, or trapezium, wunda chair, spine corrector, barrels and more modern physiotherapy rehab equipment.

“We have a wonderful community of loyal long term clients who have been through life transitions together and understand the importance of looking after their health and fitness to avoid injuries, maintain ease of movement and strength to optimise their quality of life and longevity.”

10. Core Contour Wilston

Address: 2 Heather Street Corner Heather & Macgregor Streets, Wilston

Instagram: @corecontour_wilston

With childminding options available, the studio is able to cater to busy families.

“Core Contour is all about the client experience. Wide range of reformer Pilates are low impact with intensity tailored to you, whether you’re a pro athlete or newbie. Onsite supervised creche gives parents a well-earned break to work out,” they said.

Core Contour Wilston. Picture: Supplied

“The unlimited class memberships are just one of the many reasons people always come back for more, and also with other pack and membership options for flexibility.”