Wollongong Pilates Studio

24/01/2026

Thoughts for class? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSKj5sxDBvu/?igsh=MTdkdm56NmJobnJmaA==

14/01/2026

I hate the term Master Teacher! Im a Legacy Teacher

“It has become remarkably easy to position oneself as an expert long before the work has truly been done.”

10/01/2026

February intake for the OVER 60s
Max 6 participants
3 x consecutive Friday mornings
FREE

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DSh9zctZ2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/01/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTN_r7MkYZP/?igsh=MWQ4MXo1eHJkZ3VmZg==

09/01/2026

Programming for next weeks classes!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTBvbxICI34/?igsh=MWVpbXhlNWR6ejgxbA==

22/12/2025

Another opportunity for further 6 participants to join our 3 x free Community Classes for the over 60’s . We only offer this 2-3 times per year. Dont miss out. Reach out

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-WEkpPSa3U/?igsh=MWI0cXpwMnFseDd0aw==

12/12/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/donnaolivermoves/p/when-did-pilates-stop-feeling-intelligent?r=2bbs43&utm_medium=ios

10/12/2025

I feel very passionate about my industry. The involvement I have maintained at an association level over 20+ years has fuelled my need to help promote the Pilates industry as a stand-alone modality in the complimentary health field. It has enriched my life by delivering many of my bestest , bestest friend in the whole world (you guys know who you are!)

10/12/2025

For those who are interested in Donna’s knee saga.
For your reading pleasure!

How a Knee Fracture Reframed My View on Osteoporosis, Ethics, and Movement

04/12/2025

The work of this legend, Eve Gentry, has always underpinned the philosophy of Wollongong Pilates Studio , and its Teacher Training program

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRNVXZwCe5G/?igsh=N2M5NmZ4bDd2bDJ2

02/12/2025

Movement education grows stronger when we stay curious about how adults learn and how each person responds to different forms of guidance.
Cueing has its place, but adult learners thrive when we create experiences that blend imagery, touch, demonstration, and thoughtful guidance.
The heart of movement teaching lives in presence and exploration, not rigid scripts

https://open.substack.com/pub/donnaolivermoves/p/stop-cueing-start-teaching?r=2bbs43&utm_medium=ios

27/11/2025

Pilates and strength training are not competing ideas. They compliment each other beautifully!

Standing, functional movement prepares us for real life. Pilates gives us the control to do it well.

A Pilates Perspective-

23/11/2025

A beautiful memory of the studio teaching team from 10 years ago. I think this was taken at the celebrations of the studio 20th Birthday.
Lara Samuelsson
Shauna Downes
Sherrie Aprilovic
Alison Stewart
Tara Lewis
Joanne Neale
Natalie Harris
George Popovska (photo bombing from behind)
Thanks for share Tara!

12/11/2025

My latest article on Substack.
Bone density, disc height and the ethics of “just move”!

Enjoy. 😊

Rethinking Spinal Movement, Disc Health, and the Ethics of “Just Move”

10/11/2025

https://substack.com/profile/139957779-donna-oliver/note/c-175480937?utm_source=substack&utm_content=first-note-modal

My first article is live! Hi friends, I’m excited to share my very first piece for Movement Intelligence — a space where I explore teaching, rehabilitation, and the art and science of movement. In this inaugural post, I dive into thoughts about When did Pilates stop feeling intelligent. My inten...

08/11/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQuU_gKiHuS/?igsh=aXByZTRzbmpudWlj

07/11/2025

Truer words never spoken. A wonderful post with sound advice for anyone looking towards the Pilates Method as a client, teacher, or anyone looking for an intelligent approach to movement.

For more subscribe to my Substack.
https://open.substack.com/pub/donnaolivermoves

https://www.instagram.com/p/DQgn6Y-jMdc/?igsh=Y29qcW94MHd6Nmhw

04/11/2025

“The dumbing down of Pilates didn’t happen overnight.

19/10/2025

16/10/2025

We are seniors and we are freaking ROCKSTARS! Check this out! Thanks Elaine and Sherrie.

11/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1TAibc5nZd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What is pilates today, in my mind, its pretty clear, but for the general public, I am not so sure…

Joe Pilates signed his clients up for 3 sessions a week for their first month, he wasn’t into “jumping on the popular bandwagon, and making money out of what people wanted, or giving them what was popular”, no, he passionately believed in his system, yes system of exercises that if people committed themselves to his methodology that they would feel the change in their bodies.

Those of us who have spent years training and learning about the “how” and “why” his system works, and are still learning from experienced professionals in the industry with more experience than our own, and passing on the benefits to our clients.

And believe me, no one knows anything after 5 days of training in “pilates” no matter how glossy the cover looks.

So use the pilates name and make your money, whilst the rest of us continue his legacy of pilates, which is not instagram exercises to be interesting, nor just exercises on one piece of his equipment.

I am so tired of my industry of nearly 30 years being downgraded to just fitness on pilates equipment. This is not “pilates” and people should seek out the difference.

01/09/2025

Have you recently experienced a win, big or small? 🥳
We want to hear about them!

Maybe you got up and down the stairs without needing the handrail. Maybe you went for a 20 minute walk pain free. Maybe you actually did your exercises at home like you were supposed to do 😜

And let's hear it for Eve! She stepped into the studio today with a can-do attitude, and left full of self-belief in her new knee. We love to see you all getting stronger and more confident. 💪

👊

09/08/2025

A thing of beauty, and brilliance in design.
Feel free to ask questions next week. You know I’m busting at the chops to inform.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CU7WbikZQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

These are the nerves that come out of our spinal cord. In total, we have 31 pairs: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacrificials and 1 groin. They have the incredible function of transporting motor, sensory, and autonomous signals between the marrow and the rest of the body. Our organism is without a doubt a true wonder of evolution.

08/08/2025

Chuffed to be a contributor to this industry journal. This is my most recent article clarifying the concept between neutral spine and pelvis

04/08/2025

Our teachers are advocates of the Eve Gentry approach to Pilates Method
It took the traditional method and made it easy for the average person to access

Other advantages:
⭐️ Breaks the more challenging exercises into layers for learning
and skill building

⭐️ Reduces biomechanic load while learning the fundamental principles of Pilates

⭐️ Portable to take for home practice

⭐️ Call us if you would like to explore the Gentry approach to Pilates Method

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM5haDqouBj/?igsh=Zjc0dWl6Zm8wZTl3igg an

03/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1G4oCEY2Tu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

24/07/2025

Anne and Sue. Such a lovely read. Zweefers has been legendary and people will continue to “remember when”!

When the announcement came that Zweefers would close its doors after more than 30 years, it wasn't just the end…

09/07/2025

Anyone requiring a “make up” session? Donna has a spot on Saturday morning 7.30am.
😊

23/06/2025

Go straight to Pilates jail (do not pass go, blah blah)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKw_4xtNU9Q/?igsh=NzV6YjlnZ2N4bzdn

19/06/2025

This is a nice read
Thanks for the share Sherrie Aprilovic

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Zy7bH779/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Why Repetition Is Essential in Classical Pilates🤔

In classical Pilates, we don’t chase variety for the sake of entertainment—we return to the same exercises because they work.

Each movement was carefully designed by Joseph Pilates to build strength, control, and alignment in a specific way. When you repeat an exercise, you’re not just going through the motions—you’re deepening your understanding of your own body.

🔁 With repetition:
•You stop “doing” and start feeling
•Subtle muscles begin to wake up
•You refine your technique, breath, and timing
•You build true muscle memory—not shortcuts

Over time, the exercises don’t get easier—they get smarter. What changes is you: stronger, more aware, and more connected to your powerhouse.

That’s the power of a method built on progression—not trends.
Stay consistent. Stick with the system. Let the work evolve with you. ✨

18/06/2025

The next session of our free community classes for the over 60's start this Friday!
There are two spaces still available for this intake.
This is a great opportunity to find out about the pilates method and how it can benefit you in your self-care and fitness journey. Learn how pilates can best serve you to help you move better and feel better. No strings attached. Simply get in touch with our admin team to claim your spot. And please share with anyone you think could benefit from these classes.

13/06/2025

Pilates is highly recommended for those suffering from Lipodema
Look for more information coming soon!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1738TGf7Zv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Lipoedema Awareness Month is kicking off 1st June!

Did you know that lipoedema affects at least 11% of women. However, due to the lack of awareness of it and understanding, it’s often being mistaken for lymphoedema or obesity. As a result it is believed a significant number of cases go undiagnosed.

Why it Matters for Early Diagnosis?
Early intervention in conservative management to slow progression
Lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation
Getting support for emotional and mental wellbeing
Knowing you are not at fault.

Get your Lipoedema jumper or top from us to show your support and help spread the word of lipoedema to those unaware of the condition. Click here: www.lipoedema.org.au/apparel

31/05/2025

We have a long history of supporting those with MS and other neurological degenerative conditions.

We are a safe space for movement exploration.

Many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience problems with memory, concentration, and doing two things at once—like walking while talking or balancing while thinking. These symptoms can make everyday life much harder. Exercise has been shown to help, but not everyone has easy access to in-person programs.

A recent study looked at whether online Pilates classes could make a difference. Over six weeks, people with MS followed a home-based Pilates program via video calls. The results showed real improvements in both thinking skills and the ability to manage two tasks at once. This suggests that online Pilates could be a simple and accessible way to support brain and body health in people with MS.

Got a spare few minutes? Read the article and keep yourself informed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221103482500135X

On World MS Day, we stand with the 2.9 million people affected by MS around the world. This year’s theme, My MS Diagnosis, shines a light on the importance of early diagnosis and the strength of sharing stories.
MS affects everyone differently, but by raising awareness, supporting research, and pushing for better care, we can help improve lives—and move closer to a world without MS.

22/05/2025

And look who I run into during my time in Seville, Anne (Saturdays and Mondays).

We enjoyed catching up, watching some Flamenco and Tapas.

20/05/2025

Upcoming Free Community Class for the Over 60's.
3 spaces still available for the next program starting June 20th.

Here's what Jenny and Carl, previous participants in the program, had to say about their community class experience. Sounds like it's really worth checking out, right?

To book your spot simply call us at (02) 4285 2518 or email us at wollongongpilatesstudio@gmail.com

11/05/2025

A Very Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mums at Wollongong Pilates Studio. Wishing you all a relaxing day full of love 💐

07/05/2025

And that’s Cordoba. A beautiful city , a little quieter than Madrid where we made some new friends.
And on to Granada today.

19/04/2025

Please Share ⭐️Free Pilates course for the over 60s.
⭐️This is following on from our successful classes in 2024.
⭐️ Starting Friday 20th June.
⭐️ Have you tried Pilates only to find the class full of younger and fitter people?
⭐️ Did you find it hard to keep up?
⭐️ A good Pilates class should meet You where You are!
⭐️ Complimentary course of 3 introductory classes over 3 weeks; for over 60’s exclusively.
⭐️ Only 6 places will be offered this time around. You must register your interest.
⭐️ Delivered by teachers over 60, for the over 60’s. Donna and Sherrie have nearly 60 years experience between them in delivering Pilates Method
⭐️ Wollongong Pilates Studio (est 30 years ago) 9/83 Railway St, Corrimal. Ronald and Glass building. Above X-Ray!
⭐️ To register your interest, call the studio 42852518 and leave a message.
⭐️ DM your best contact details and my office will reach out to you.
#60

15/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AVpVkRZ8W/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are another step closer to getting health fund rebates back!

We are thrilled to announce that Pilates has received endorsement by Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, for re-inclusion in health fund rebates.

We were not expecting this endorsement whilst the government is in caretaker mode, but he states that this decision was made prior to “caretaker conventions”.

Our work will now be focused on lobbying the private health funds to add Pilates to their offerings.

For a fuller explanation, click here: https://www.pilates.org.au/mark-butler-minister-for-health-and-aged-care-endorses-recommendations-of-the-natural-therapies-review/