Bernadette Fahey helps Sydney’s hottest bods feel the burn

Bernadette Fahey already worked with the genetically blessed in her office job. But after swapping it for something more physical, she's helping some of the city’s hottest bods feel the burn.

Bernadette Fahey has gone from pilates student to master in just six short months.

The 32-year-old eastern suburbs health guru began her pilates training class at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, unable to return to New York where she was working as a fashion publicist.

Within half a year, she has become the go-to pilates instructor for Sydney’s elite.

Proving passion often beats experience, Fahey only began learning the art of pilates in 2020 before opening her own private studio – Body By Berner – in Tamarama in October 2021.

Since, she has worked with Victoria’s Secret model Victoria Lee, models Sarah Stephens, Indi Thew, Charlotte Coquelin, heiress’ Jess Ingham, Deborah Symons-O’Neil and Lou Hay, influencers Rey Vakili, Charlotte Heinrich, Nadia Fairfax, Caroline Tran, Yan Yan Chan and Alyce Tran and designers Kate Bond, Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote.

PR maven turned pilates instructor Bernadette Fahey. Picture: Supplied

Top modelling agency Chic Model Management even send all their models to Fahey’s boutique studio ahead of any major campaign shoots.

Those who are lucky to be a part of her exclusive club, membership of which is by referral only, pay a premium price of $150 per class for what Fahey touts as “an experience”.

Fahey’s clients include model Sarah Stephens. Picture: Caroline McCredie

… and Victoria’s Secret model Victoria Lee. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“First and foremost the setting is super luxurious and I’m offering something that’s not on the market,” Fahey said.

“Also my method. I start all of my classes with breath work and essential oils then we do a little meditation then get into the ‘burn’.

“For a lot of clients, it’s much more than a workout, it’s an experience because everything is just quite elevated down to the beautiful artwork I have on the wall.

“It makes it so much more than just a workout.”

And the proof is in the pudding when it comes to clients getting what they pay for, with all of Fahey clients walking away from her program with visible results.

“People call me the silent assassin,” Fahey said.

“They say they love and hate me within the one class. But they get results.”

Fahey’s clientele include top models, influencers and socialites.

Spots in her classes are coveted.

And so in demand is Fahey, clients have to get creative when trying to keep their coveted weekly appointment.

“My business partner Nikki and I are overseas for a few months and to not lose our early morning spot we’ve found a friend to take it over so we can have it when we come back,” client and SIR co-founder Sophie Coote said.

“A Body By Berner session is more than just a workout … Bernadette elevates the experience and makes it fun.”

Andy El-Bayeh, chief executive of marketing agency Example loves the experience of the class.

“I love coming to BBB classes as it keeps me in check, allows me to build deep core strength, feel muscles I haven’t felt before as well as sort out any imbalances, all whilst feeling the paradise vibes of the Tama studio,” he said.