Woden gets its own Muse Pilates Studio, and it’s luxe…

Posted on 26 October, 2022

Muse Pilates founder Allana Frisken believes that when busy people take the time to attend one of her reformer Pilates classes, it should be a positive experience on every level.

This extends from having down-to-earth and friendly instructors, to a regular schedule of classes to make things convenient, and—perhaps most obvious of all for the fast-growing Muse brand— Allana believes that her studios be so beautifully designed and appointed that they make the experience of exercise feel somehow a treat.

In town to put the finishing touches on Muse Woden, which opened in October, Allana is pleased to report that the brand’s signature luxe stylings—muted colours, sheer curtains, feature florals and just the odd hint of neon—run strongly through the new space on Furzer Street, fitted out by Canberra’s Studio & You.

Photo by Ben Calvert.

“I am always conscious of the spaces we create, and while we are open to men, the majority of our clients are female. They are more often than not rushed for time, and looking after the needs of their families or with demanding jobs, so when they come in here they are taking time out of their day and I want it to be an aesthetic experience as well as a physical one which I think gives them a little more of a psychological boost than a conventional gym setting.”

Allana is also a strong believer that exercise opportunities should be within easy travel distance—hence this is the third Muse studio to open within the year, following Kingston in late 2021 and then Muse Dickson earlier this year.

“There’s no doubt that people love having a studio in their own suburb, and they almost believe it has come specifically for them, which makes them more inclined to make the effort to get to a class.”

Photo by Ben Calvert.

It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for the Newcastle-based reformer Pilates boss, who has turned her concerted focus to the Canberra market on top of running seven studios across New South Wales.

“The reception we have had in Canberra has been overwhelming. We have been met with incredible enthusiasm and have been able to engage in instant community building. The feedback is that clients have loved the look and feel of our studios and feel comfortable with our staff, who have all been specifically trained to be as approachable as possible.

“We don’t want anyone to walk in off the street and not feel a warm welcome and a level of enthusiasm to make sure they get the most out of their session.”

Photo by Ben Calvert.

Allana loves Canberra so much that she has purchased the Woden Studio space rather than leasing it. “It’s been really wonderful to take that sense of ownership, and while it is always expensive to fit out a studio in our luxe style, I haven’t minded spending the money so much this time—the space is honestly gorgeous.”

Meanwhile, residents of the new developments of Campbell can get ready for their own Muse studio to open on Constitution Avenue early next year. We will keep you posted!