A boutique Pilates Studio with difference
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Small class sizes, a welcoming beginner-friendly approach and cuddles for unsettled bubs.
These are just some of the ways Elysium Studio Pilates makes space for its community.
Offering a relaxed, personalised environment with a focus on individually tailored sessions, Founder Elyse MacDonald, a Pilates Instructor and myofascial movement practitioner, first started her studio in 2016 with a focus on rehabilitation and recovery from injury.
Fast forward eight years and Elyse’s boutique Pilates and movement therapy studio in Weston Creek now offers all that and more, determined to meet new clients where they are – whether they’re Pilates beginners, injured and in recovery, pregnant or post-partum.
“The name ‘Elysium’ is not only a play on words for my name but signifies a place of bliss and delight, which reflects our commitment to providing a serene and joyful environment for our clients,” explains Elyse. “My background in holistic health and wellness drives the unique style of Pilates we offer, blending traditional methods with innovative approaches.”
As for Elysium’s community, Elyse makes sure that all members – from beginners to advanced practitioners – feel welcome in her classes, guiding each client to whatever form of movement therapy or Pilates best suits their goals.
“Our community is diverse, attracting individuals from various backgrounds and fitness levels, including young professionals, seniors, fitness enthusiasts, and those seeking rehabilitation.
“Clients love the personalised and intimate class sizes, which allow for individual attention and a supportive environment. They appreciate the wide variety of classes we offer and the results they see, especially in addressing injuries and niggles.”
Offering semi-private, private and group classes, Elyse prides herself on finding solutions for clients in rehabilitation – and no, you don’t need a GP referral to take part.
“For most of our classes, you don’t need a GP referral, but if you’re recovering from surgery or a major injury, your doctor’s clearance is required. Our semi-private sessions are personalised to your body based on an initial private assessment. Even if you have done Pilates before it allow us to meet the specific needs and goals of each client whether it is focusing on restoring mobility, strength or function.”
A proud part of many Canberrans’ multi-disciplinary care teams, Elyse has the knowledge to collaborate directly with your physio if you are being referred and all instructors work closely with clients to develop customised programs that facilitate their recovery journey and help them regain their confidence and physical abilities.”
“These semiprivate sessions can range from sport specific (triathalete training), running to specifics of rehabilitation (after surgery or injury).”
As for expectant mums or those navigating post-partum, Elyse holds pre and postnatal specialist certification and possesses extensive knowledge of the Pilates method and its application during pregnancy.
“Our pre- and post-natal Pilates classes are designed to support mothers through their pregnancy journey and beyond,” explains Elyse. “These classes focus on strengthening the core, improving posture, and enhancing overall flexibility and balance, which are crucial during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.”
“We’ve successfully worked with many clients right up until 40 weeks, helping them maintain fitness and strength to support childbirth as well as the support that is provided from other clients in our classes.”
“These sessions provide a supportive community for mothers to connect and share their experiences while working towards their fitness goals,” says Elyse. “Babies are welcome up until crawling age, and I’ll provide cuddles during the class for any unsettled babies to ensure my clients receive their best workout.”
Of course, Elysium’s offerings extend far beyond rehabilitation and pre-natal Pilates, with a range of semi-private classes, circuits reformer and matwork classes available as well as group fitness and Pilates fusion classes, including Elysium Circuit Sculpt and our Reformer & Barre (R&B) classes, that are open to all.
“Each class is designed to be fun, effective, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels,” says Elyse. “We also have some great workshops and events like our annual Pilates and Pinot, quarterly speciality workshops including Roll and Release, Happy Hips Mobility, Functional Feet Masterclass and Liberate your Shoulders as well as our annual Bali retreat in August each year.”
Elysium also offers specialist Matwork, Reformer, and Comprehensive accredited Pilates Training certification, available both online and face-to-face, in partnership with Body Organics Education. These certifications are recognised by Pilates Associate Australia (PAA) and Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). If you’re considering a career in Pilates, check the website for upcoming course dates.
For Elyse, gifting a love of movement to her clients is her ultimate goal, with a relaxed studio atmosphere assured.
