Photography courtesy of SJR Media Co

Situated in Hamilton is Grace Movement, a new boutique reformer Pilates studio that brings to Newcastle a truly personalised experience with their unique small group classes.

We first caught up with founder Rosie Grace Hartigan in February this year, when we heard about Grace Movement By The Sea – offering waterside Pilates sessions at Dixon Park Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Rosie has no plans on stopping the much-loved sessions – in fact, the business is expanding. After months of searching, September 3rd marked the opening of this dedicated 6-bed reformer Pilates studio on Dennison Street in Hamilton.

“I would walk past this space, which was occupied at the time, and think how perfect it would be as a studio for Grace Movement. Everything fell into place in taking over the lease and creating our dream studio,” Rosie said.

Located just off the roundabout and across from the Hamilton bus depot, the studio’s location offers great natural light, and plenty of on-street parking. 

The space itself, which was originally a photographer’s studio, has been thoughtfully transformed into a serene and welcoming environment where clients can find peace and focus.

From the ocean-inspired photography on the walls by Mario Stefanelli to the reclaimed custom wooden benches and shelving, the Grace Movement studio space radiates calmness and peace, and visually acts as an ode to the ocean and the beach lifestyle Newcastle is known for.

“I wanted my clients to feel peace, happiness, and at home here, like you cannot wait to get in the door and into class.”

Offering a unique Pilates experience, with six reformer beds in the studio, the small class size allows for a more personalized approach, ensuring that each client receives the attention they need to achieve their individual goals.

“The difference with offering a small class size of only six is that we can give our clients 1:1 attention to support their individual goals. I think once a client steps through the doors and experiences the feel of a small class, they will see value and appreciate the difference.”

The studio’s class offerings are diverse, catering to a range of needs and fitness levels. The Grace Foundation class is designed for absolute beginners or those who prefer a slower-paced session, while the Grace Signature class provides a total mind and body workout, underpinned by strength-building exercises and fluid movement patterns.

For those looking for a bit more intensity, the Grace X BALA class fuses Pilates with strength-building exercises using BALA weights and equipment, for a challenging yet fun experience. There are also Mums and Bubs classes, offering new mothers a supportive environment to rebuild strength and restore mobility postpartum, all while bonding with their little ones.

Beyond the studio, Grace Movement will continue to thrive with its popular mat Pilates sessions at Dixon Park SLSC. These sunrise and sunset classes have grown into a committed community, even braving the cold winter mornings.

“Our mat classes run every Wednesday and Friday morning, and we are so excited to be launching a new weekly class to kickstart the weekend; Saturday’s 6am mat Pilates followed by swim and coffee catch-ups.”

The first Saturday class on September 29th will be a free community event, where both new and returning clients are welcome.

As for the future, there’s plenty in the works for Grace Movement with Rosie sharing,

“I was going to keep this close to my heart, but I am excited to share we will be holding our first Grace Movement retreat, which will of course be all things Pilates, health, and wellness in a beautiful and accessible location with amazing food and some incredible teachers.”

Whether you’re a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or a complete beginner, Rosie and her team of hand-picked, gifted instructors are ready to welcome you into their peaceful, ocean-inspired sanctuary. To celebrate the launch of the studio, Rosie is offering an introductory offer of a four-class pass for $50. 

“I think that anyone who has experienced a class with me will know that I love a good time, we laugh a lot and don’t take things too seriously, but I acknowledge time is precious and I appreciate that people show up to my classes for a killer all-rounded Pilates class that is both inclusive and challenging to all levels where everyone feels comfortable and seen.”