Over recent years, Newcastle has become a bit of a hot spot for all things health and fitness, but there’s one workout that we just can’t get enough of, Pilates! For those that have jumped aboard the reformer train, you’ll be excited to hear a brand-spanking-new studio has opened up and right in the heart of Beaumont St; Meet Muse Pilates. 

Brought to us by two Newcastle locals, Allana Frisken and Alana Pearson, Muse Pilates Hamilton officially opened their doors to the people of Newcastle in April and have received nothing but fantastic feedback from the first few hitting the reformer beds. 

In 2019 Allana started the Muse brand with her first studio in Dulwich Hill. A year later, the girls separately decided to move from Sydney back home to the Hunter to be with their families.  With their mutual love for all things Pilates and Newcastle, they decided it was a no-brainer to join forces and bring Muse to town. 

They originally met at Pilates teacher training and with the same vision for health and fitness, the pair hit it off straight away.

“We know how difficult it is to juggle everything, with family, work, and socialising. It can be hard to prioritise time for yourself and your own wellbeing. We believe variety is the key to maintaining and improving your fitness levels so we created a studio where you can get a cardio burst, a strength session, and a full-body stretch, all on the one machine – the Pilates reformer and with just the one membership.

“We wanted to create a space for people to escape to. It’s not just about working your body, but also about looking after your mind, having a laugh, and leaving your stress at the door,” Alana said. 

Muse got their hands on the space late last year, located just next door to The Village café and directly opposite Bangkok Nights. The girls alongside close friends and family got to work to bring the signature Muse Pilates style to Beaumont St. They worked with their good friend and Interior Designer, Arabella McIntosh to bring their vision to life whilst also connecting with a number of local businesses to bring a touch of local.

“We wanted to make the space beautiful, warm and inviting, so that anyone who walked in felt welcome. We stock local brands and support small businesses as much as possible,” Alana said.

With vessels throughout the space brought to you by Moral Store, pendants from edde, all the glorious plants from the team at High Swan Dive, pots from My Plant Oasis, painting by the team at Garofalos, as well as curtains and soft furnishings by Cavallaro Millinery. 

With so many fitness options around town, we had to ask, what exactly is the point of difference for Muse Pilates?

“We want our clients to leave feeling stronger in mind and body, but have a bloody good time doing it; we are only friendly vibes at Muse. Our studio makes Pilates fun and accessible, everyone is welcome. Our aim is to create a great community of people. 

“Our studio is also huge, with lots of space between the reformers, meaning we can offer a variety of classes, adding so much more to the membership. Our teachers are really creative with their classes and all have different styles. We offer a Power Ring Class/HITT class and a Yoga off the Mat to mix things up” Allana adds. 

Muse are also hosting Wellness Retreats for an opportunity to take a pause for a few days, reconnect with yourself and others. Their first Pilates, Yoga, and Wine Retreat at the Hunter Valley has just sold out. There will be another retreat at Byron Bay in November 2021 – think morning Pilates, group activities, beautiful food and even better company!  

Muse Pilates offers a variety of classes - you can get yourself booked into one of seven different classes; Open, Stretch & Release, Booty Burner, Jumpboard, Power Ring, Mums & Bubs, and the newest addition, Yoga off the Mat (yes that’s right, think yoga but on the reformer!). 

“We are also adding a meditation class soon to our schedule as we wanted to create a certain vibe with our classes that isn’t just go, go, go! You can go really hard, but if it’s enough to just be here, that’s ok. We want you to choose your level. It can be intense if you want it to be, but it doesn’t always have to be.

“Pilates is for everyone and everybody. Whatever your age, whatever your fitness level, whatever your physique, reformer Pilates can benefit you. The instructors are there to help you through each of the movements whilst providing you with easier beginner and more intermediate/advanced options.”

The classes can hold up to 12 people, each with their individual Allegro 2 Reformer beds, which by the way, are possibly the most beautiful reformer beds we’ve ever laid our eyes on!

“Whilst we don’t want new clients to be intimidated by the reformer machines, your friendly instructor are there to take you through a detailed explanation on how each of the components of the machine works before your first class”. 

After you start moving, you’ll realise they are very easy to use and how fun they are to use, in no time you’ll realise how hooked you are to the Pilates movement! 

With a friendly, talented and just all-round brilliant group of teachers taking the classes, reformer Pilates allows them to adjust the classes to suit the individual’s level. Whether you want to take it easy or go hard, maybe you’re managing an injury or you’re pregnant, the teachers are there to help you adjust through each movement to suit your own needs.

For those interested in giving Pilates a try but aren’t too sure about what the bed-based workout is about, listen in…

“Pilates is a full body workout, it increases muscle strength and tone (particularly your abs, buttocks, lower back, and hips). It lengthens your muscles while strengthening them. It increases flexibility, increases energy and posture, and develops core strength.”

Basically, it’s a bloody good workout.

Keen to get started? You can choose from 5, 10, 20, and 50 class packs, a silver, gold, or platinum membership option or just get started with a one-off intro offer for $49! For more information on the Muse Pilates pricing options, click here. 

So, whether you’re a Pilates novice or a seasoned professional, the crew over at Muse Pilates are ready and waiting for you to drop on in and give their unique Pilates space a whirl.