New Pilates studio opens in Kensington with strong local turnout

A new Pilates studio has opened in Kensington, with locals turning out in force to welcome do pilates Kensington at its official launch on May 2.

Owner Becca King said the grand opening was a warm and encouraging sign of community support, with around 80 people attending and only one slice of pie left over by the end of the day.

“The grand opening on May 2 was really lovely, and we were so grateful for the support from the local community,” she told North West City News.

To mark the occasion, the studio partnered with Rumble Coffee and Double Dutch for what King described as “pie and lattes”, or “pi-lates”, while also offering complimentary mini-Pilates sessions throughout the day so people could try the space in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

“That was a real highlight and was received so warmly by the community as well,” she said.

The opening marks the arrival of a new local business with a strong neighbourhood focus. King and her husband have lived across North Melbourne, Kensington and Ascot Vale over the past 12 years, and she has been teaching Pilates in the area since 2018.

Over that time, she said she had seen how powerful movement could be, not just for physical strength, but also for mental wellbeing. But just as importantly, she said many people were also looking for connection.

That idea sits at the heart of do pilates Kensington, which King says was created by locals, for locals.

She said the studio was designed to feel different from larger or more impersonal Pilates chains, with more room between reformers, natural light, fresh air and a stronger focus on community. But just as importantly, she wanted to build a team of instructors who could make people feel genuinely welcome.

The studio offers a blend of reformer and mat Pilates, with small classes led by around five instructors focused on form, care and creating a supportive environment. Hands-on adjustments are offered with consent, and the aim is to cater to a wide mix of clients, whether they are completely new to Pilates, returning from injury, or have years of experience.

Local client Edel Rafferty said the instructors were what really set the studio apart.

“They are warm, welcoming and inclusive,” she said. “They all have different styles but are uniformly well informed and great at sharing their knowledge.”

Josh Spillane echoed that view, describing them as “the best I’ve come across”.

“[The classes are] interesting and varied, but with a focus on mindfulness, technique and breath work,” he said. “Lots of non-judgey options for different difficulty levels and timetables too.”

King said that sense of belonging was central to what the studio is trying to build.

At do pilates Kensington, we want people to feel like they belong exactly as they are, regardless of age, gender, experience, body shape or fitness level, she said.

For her, the studio is about more than exercise.

“We’re not trying to be just another Pilates studio chain,” she said. “For us, it’s about real Pilates, moving together and building community.”

The do pilates Kensington studio is located at 19 Thompson St, Kensington.
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