“I want to keep improving and get better and better and better as a person and as a teacher.”
Katrina has an extensive background in classical ballet and the Pilates Method.
Katrina started her journey with the Pilates method in 1998 undertaking a teaching apprenticeship with Craig Phillips at Dance Medicine Australia, Melbourne in the setup of the first Pilates studio in Melbourne. Since then Katrina has continued to undertake further advanced training. Completing formal accreditation with Body Arts and Science International (BASI) in 2000–2001 followed by Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction with Sally Anderson and PITC and then Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method.
Katrina opened her first Pilates studio in Moonee ponds in 2000. The business grew organically to where it is today with multiple locations and a registered training organisation offering government accredited qualifications.
Katrina has extensive experience in teaching movement, drawing from her elite classical ballet background and performing experience. She is now employed in several elite classical ballet and sporting organisations across Melbourne.
Katrina is a trainer for the Pilates International Certification Program (PICP) and a Director and Faculty Educator of National Pilates Training delivering the Pilates instructor training course Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork Instruction (91492 NSW), Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (91491 NSW) and the Advanced Diploma of the Pilates Method (91490 NSW).
“I want to continue to be able to play competitive sport for as long as possible and achieve physical feats like reaching Mt. Everest base camp.”
For the better part of a decade, Benjamin dedicated himself to his career as a fine dining chef, both here in Australia and in Europe. Years of 60-plus hour weeks being hunched over a bench caused chronic lower back pain and forced Ben to wear a brace on a daily basis just to accomplish simple tasks. Benjamin’s physiotherapist recommended he take up Pilates to combat the damage. He quickly developed a passion for the discipline, which in turn prompted him to enrol at National Pilates Training and obtain his Diploma in 2012.
Benjamin’s passion for the method is forever evolving. He has firm plans to further himself as an instructor and quench his lust for knowledge through continued professional development and designing and presenting industry-specific workshops. Currently, Benjamin is a part of the faculty for National Pilates Training, as well as a national presenter for various industry organisations.
On top of this Benjamin also holds positions on the health and conditioning teams at Melbourne City FC and Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. As well as a history of working with players from multiple football codes including players from the Western Crusaders American Football Club and national representatives for the Australian Outback Women’s Gridiron team.
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Pilates & Movement Specialist, Educator & Studio Owner
With over 30 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, Kath is a passionate, knowledgeable, and approachable movement specialist dedicated to helping people move well and feel great. She is the owner of Aligned for Life Pilates in Moonee Ponds, where she has been working closely with the Moonee Ponds and Essendon community for more than two decades.
Kath began her career in the energetic era of freestyle aerobics and bright lycra, before discovering the power of the Pilates Method more than 20 years ago. Since then, she has become a qualified Pilates instructor, an accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESAA), and a respected faculty educator with National Pilates Training, where she helps shape future Pilates professionals with her deep knowledge and experience.
She previously worked as the Rehabilitation Coordinator at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, where she supported adolescent athletes in recovering from injury, improving movement mechanics, and achieving peak performance. Whether she’s working with elite athletes, weekend warriors, or everyday clients, her approach is the same—to create positive movement experiences that help people move with confidence, strength, and ease.
In her fully equipped studio, Kath works with a wide range of clients, including those recovering from musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, individuals rehabilitating injuries, pre- and post-natal women, and people simply wanting to lead a more active, pain-free life. She specialises in breaking movement down to its most essential form to reduce pain, improve posture and control, and progressively rebuild functional movement and strength.
With a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and an Advanced Diploma in the Pilates Method, Kath applies a clinical approach to the Pilates Method combining scientific knowledge with decades of hands-on experience. Her ultimate goal is to empower every client—athlete or not—to live their most physically active and enjoyable life.
“I’ve had 3 children in under 4 years, all while over the age of 40. Without Pilates this wouldn’t have been physically or mentally possible.”
Chantel started Pilates while studying at The Australian Ballet School under the guidance of Andrew Baxter. With a 15 year career as a ballerina with Hong Kong Ballet and English National Ballet in London, Pilates has always been a part of her everyday routine, strengthening her body for different roles and dance styles and also for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Always knowing she wanted to be a Pilates teacher, after retiring from ballet Chantel completed her Pilates teaching training in the UK with Body Control Pilates. She returned to Melbourne in 2015 to teach at Aligned for Life Pilates CBD and Moonee Ponds, bridging her qualification to the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction with National Pilates Training.
In 2017 Chantel joined National Pilates Training as a Faculty Educator, mentoring and guiding students on their Pilates instructor journey.
Chantel opened the third Aligned For Life Pilates studio in Carlton in 2021, bringing high quality Pilates to a new Melbourne community.
Chantel has recently used the Pilates Method to assist her pre and postnatal journey through 3 pregnancies in under 4 years, all while over the age of 40. From this personal experience she understands the benefits in being physically and mentally fit to handle the unique challenges of all stages of motherhood.
“I want to continually challenge my body.”
Lina first became aware of Pilates after reading about the benefits people were gaining from the practice. Walking home from work, she noticed a recently opened Pilates Studio and decided to try it. That was in February 2002. After regular mat sessions, she began to notice the change in her body. Lina then decided to try studio Pilates and has been hooked ever since.
In mid 2013 Lina decided to study the Diploma of Professional Pilates as she wanted to focus more on herself and her mind-body wellbeing that Pilates gave her. This was one of the main drivers that helped her decide to take on the course – Lina wanted to share the benefits of regular Pilates practice she felt in her own mind, body and soul, with others.
Lina leads the Teen Pilates classes at Moonee Ponds. Starting in 2015, these sessions receive excellent feedback as the younger client increasingly felt the benefits of Pilates on their minds and bodies.
“I want to stay curious, to continually seek inspiration, to grow and learn, and to maintain body strength and flexibility into old age.”
Kellie first started participating in Pilates in 2000. With over 10 years’ personal experience in Pilates, including training through two pregnancies, Kellie has developed a passion for Pilates and a strong appreciation for the strength and stability Pilates brings to the body and everyday life.
A strong belief in the effectiveness of the Pilates method and a desire to inspire others to experience its genuine benefits led Kellie to embark on a career change after 20 years of being a Chartered Accountant in corporate business. Kellie completed the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction at National Pilates Training in February 2013.
Kellie takes regular classes with Kath Banks (owner of Aligned for Life Moonee Ponds) and participates in continuing education workshops to continue to learn and further develop as a Pilates instructor.
“I want to be this fit and active in 30 years.”
Danielle is an instructor at Moonee Ponds Aligned for Life. She first began participating in Pilates in 2003. She was so inspired by the many benefits of the Pilates Method that she went on to train to be an instructor after returning from working in the UK. In 2009, Danielle commenced her Certificate IV in Pilates Instruction before studying the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction in 2010.
Her comprehensive Pilates training, combined with a deep understanding of the human body and her caring nature from many years nursing, makes her a highly skilled and attentive Pilates Instructor. Danielle’s work as an orthopaedic and rehabilitation nurse means she has a thorough understanding of clinical conditions and rehabilitation for many musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
“I love everything about the Pilates method and I love that it has instigated a positive change in my life. It gives me joy to be able to give this gift to others”
Originally from Sydney, Rebecca has lived in many places but has made Melbourne her home for the last seventeen years. Her long-term interest in health and wellbeing led her to the Pilates method twelve years ago at her local gym. Instinctively feeling that there was more to this exercise modality than meets the eye she quickly sought out teachers and studios that offered a greater level of expertise. After feeling the wonderful benefits, that regular practice brings to the body, mind as well as the spirit, in 2015 she decided to further her understanding by gaining her Certificate 4 to teach mat classes with National Pilates Training Australia.
Her love of teaching and sharing the method led her to make a complete career change and advance her study by undertaking the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction with NPT (graduating in June 2018).
Rebecca’s teaching will both nurture and challenge you whilst working towards added mobility, stability and strength of the entire body. Whilst focus and precision will be asked of you, playfulness is not forgotten!
With a background in the hospitality industry as well as holistic medicine (Bachelor of Nutrition) she can appreciate both the gourmet and ‘food as medicine’ ends of the spectrum. When she’s not doing Pilates you can usually find her cooking up a storm in the kitchen or scheming about her next travel destination.
“I love how Pilates caters for every type of person and can impact people’s lives for the better”
Celine discovered Pilates at a young age thanks to her background in classical ballet and contemporary dance. After facing multiple injuries, she turned to Pilates as a rehab tool to heal and maintain her body. What started as a prescription quickly turned into a newfound passion, as Celine was exposed to the true power of Pilates to impact people’s lives for the better. She pursued her interest by studying with National Pilates Training and receiving her Diploma qualification.
Celine has a particular interest in women’s health, elite sports conditioning and the everyday athlete. She believes that Pilates caters to every type of person and is excited to share its benefits with others.
With a background that includes the Sydney Dance Company’s PPY, The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, and Melbourne City Ballet, Garuda Pilates and working, mentored and trained alongside Anna Tetlow Pilates and Rebecca Mottin, Australia’s Garuda master trainers. Celine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her Pilates practice.
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‘Movement is vital, and through Pilates, you’ll leave feeling stronger in both mind and body’
With a background in classical ballet, Lexie began Pilates while recovering from repetitive stress injuries as a young dancer. Introduced by her physiotherapist, the Pilates method became an integral part of her rehabilitation and continued injury prevention. The practice not only helped her return to the studio and stage supporting her full-time ballet training, but became a ritual that provided her with greater self awareness as she moved, along with focus & centring in everyday life.
Lexie completed her pre-professional training with Ballet Theatre Australia under the direction of Leeanne Rutherford, after performing with Melbourne City Ballet and completing her Royal Academy of Dance Graded and Vocational Examinations.
In 2023, Lexie pursued the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction with National Pilates Training, driven by her passion for movement and desire to deepen her knowledge around injury prevention, strength & conditioning. Lexie is excited to begin her teaching journey with Aligned for Life Pilates at the Carlton and Moonee Ponds studios.
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“Eat well and enjoy movement and challenge to make the most of the gift that is your body.”
Lisa commenced a gym program as part of her rehabilitation after having a motorcycle accident resulting in a leg injury which left her unable to walk for 6 months. She soon realised that exercise needed to be a lifelong commitment to prevent and manage pain and maintain and increase strength and general conditioning to enable her to have the feeling of being in control of her body rather than it dictating her life and activity choices so in 2009 she decided to undertake the Personal Trainer certification to gain a better understanding of anatomy, exercises and programming, leading her to develop a keen interest in corrective exercise.
This led her in 2014 to undertake a weekend course in Pilates matwork, followed by a series of other Pilates short courses. Whilst working full-time in an administrative role, she commenced teaching Pilates in 2015 to friends, family, and a small community group as a volunteer developing a greater appreciation for it and how adaptable it is to all body types and fitness levels. In the process, she found that regularly practicing Pilates improved her postural alignment which had been negatively impacted by riding a motorcycle for many years combined with her long-term administrative role. Along the way she also began appreciating the benefits of a clean diet combined with regular exercise.
Wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the Pilates method, she took a year off her full-time role to undertake the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction in 2020 and now continues to enjoy passing on her combined knowledge and experience in personal training and Pilates onto others so that they may benefit from it too.
On weekends, Lisa enjoys hiking and bike riding.
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“To create length and balance in the body.”
Originally from country Victoria, Harper moved to Melbourne at age 16 to train full time at the National Theatre Ballet School while completing her VCE studies via Distance Education. Harper has danced in New York City and at Oklahoma City Ballet where she was until 2020. Since being back in Australia, Harper has trained to be a Pilates instructor and is loving being a part of a wide range of people’s Pilates journeys.
She also teaches dance classes at the National Theatre Ballet School and The Australian Ballet. Harper’s classes revolve around “finding what feels good” while also feeling the burn, building strength and creating length through the body.
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“Pilates is a form of exercise, but the Pilates method offers more than that. It is a practice of the mind-body connection. If you persist at it, you will see a momentous shift in all areas of your life like what it has done for me.”
Eleena has dabbled in different forms of exercise in her life but nothing stood out to her until she came across Pilates. She was particularly attracted to the Pilates method because of its methodology and how it can be tailored for the individual, especially if the person has pre-existing conditions. She found that it was the solution to help her partner with postural issues developed over years of working as a chef.
When Eleena commenced her studies in Pilates instruction, she noticed that with daily practice of Pilates she started seeing a positive shift in areas of her life such as her mindset, her relationship with herself and her family, how she carries herself in her posture and ultimately her body.
Pilates does not discriminate your age, gender, condition, background, strength and flexibility, and the list goes on. She strongly believes that everyone can benefit from Pilates.
“For me, Pilates starts with honesty and acceptance of the present bodily condition, further discovering its mechanics, delighting in the changing outlook and aspiring to achieve new challenges.”
Thea has an extensive background in creative arts and design, having worked the majority of her adult years as a skilled Gold and Silversmith in Melbourne. Sixteen years of manufacturing handcrafted fine jewellery come with postural side effects, and after several diagnoses of chronic health conditions, she sought physical therapy to manage these.
Thea began her Pilates practice in 2013 through visiting an osteopath and Pilates teacher for treatment of upper back and neck pain and was soon attending studio classes every week, later adding matwork into her routine to further extend her endurance.
It was here that she found significant changes in overall health and wellbeing, and able to balance a busier work schedule due to improved physicality and reduced fatigue.
For Thea, regular Pilates practice offers a deep level of physical awareness, personal growth and an ever-expanding urge to learn more about the body and self-care.
After several years of Pilates practice, Thea developed a desire to work directly with people and help them discover the benefits of discover the Pilates as she had done. She completed her Certificate of Pilates Matwork Instruction with National Pilates Training Australia in 2019.
She is currently upgrading her qualification to the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction, whilst working as a Matwork instructor for Aligned for Life in Melbourne CBD.
Thea’s passion is to assist and empathise with others who experience limitations from chronic pain and illness, and enable people to maintain a functional body where pain would otherwise limit them.
Her love of creative movement is complimented by the broad scope which Pilates enables the body to physically master.
Drawing, Making, Gardening, Food, Art, Animals, Good company & Going bush!
Aligned for Life CBD
“The mind-body connection Pilates affords enables women to prepare for childbirth, heal from trauma and experience vitality and wellness. Pilates enables women to embrace themselves with confidence and self-assurance, which has a far-reaching effect on women’s sense of resilience, wellness and love of self during all life stages.”
Mel Mazzarino has been working as a clinical registered Nurse and Midwife for 20 years. She has worked in many senior roles including clinical midwifery education, maternity services management and university lecturing.
Mel’s passion for reducing fear of childbirth and helping women to holistically prepare for childbirth and postnatal recovery led her to study active birth movement including a Diploma of Studio & Rehabilitation Pilates with Polestar Pilates. Mel has worked privately as a hypnobirthing practitioner, childbirth educator and was one of the first midwives in Australia to integrate childbirth education with the Pilates method of exercise. She has travelled to Mexico to work with midwives and doulas to learn traditional rebozo techniques for relaxation, comfort and movement that promotes a vaginal birth.
Mel is committed to evidence-based practice. She completed a PhD thesis in Pilates for Pregnant Women, with published studies in high level peer-reviewed journals. Her feasibility study found that Pilates may improve women’s quality of life during pregnancy. Mel works co-currently as a hospital midwife as well as a Pilates practitioner to empower women’s physical preparedness and confidence in their bodies and to have a positive mindset on self. She has a special interest in pelvic floor birth preparation and recovery, movement that facilitates an easier vaginal birth, strengthening pelvic biomechanics for an active birth, and recovering from a caesarean section.
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“Our bodies are our homes. Our bodies are worthy of care and appreciation for all the incredible things they do.”
Amanda first discovered Pilates as a dance student looking to manage back pain and hypermobility. She was also diagnosed with a mild scoliosis that had caused some imbalances in her body. She went on to train to a professional level in contemporary dance and has an extensive background in performing and teaching. These experiences have contributed greatly to her skills in teaching, refining and progressing movement.
For Amanda, the Pilates method is ideal for balancing mobility, strength and stability whilst developing mind-body connection and postural awareness. With over a decade’s experience teaching movement to children, teens and adults, from absolute beginners through to pre-professional dance students, Amanda’s approach is collaborative, supportive and motivating. She has developed an exceptional ability to read movement mechanics and find just the right cue or instruction to progress her clients to the next level.
Amanda is passionate about finding movement that allows each individual to feel and function best. Her personal experience of scoliosis and hypermobility means she understands what it’s like to feel limited or concerned about movement, and can help clients overcome this to feel capable and strong. Pilates has led Amanda to find an empowering understanding and confidence in her own body and she looks forward to sharing this with all of her clients
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“My Pilates journey has empowered me to make a positive change in my body, enabling me to lead an active and healthy life; and aroused a passion to encourage others to achieve the same.”
Jenny came to Pilates at a time when the toll of years of office work and old sporting injuries were having a significant impact on her body. As a frequent traveller, Jenny took up matwork and always packed her favourite Pilates DVD. Attending the odd group class and practising using the DVD helped to improve Jenny’s strength and posture, but it wasn’t the panacea she hoped for.
After reaching a plateau, Jenny came across “Aligned for Life” in Moonee Ponds and it didn’t take long before she started to realise the full benefits of Pilates method and embrace all it has to offer. Coupled with her own experience, watching many fellow clients go through body and life transforming experiences lead to the desire to eventually train as a Pilates Instructor with National Pilates Training, with the hope of assisting others to take back control over their bodies and improve their quality of life.
Having come from a background of Systems Engineering where her work focused on designing, integrating and maintaining complex systems, Jenny has a passion for optimising the performance of all elements of a system. This engineering training has influenced Jenny’s approach to her practice of Pilates and development as a Pilates Instructor. Jenny applies an analytical approach to assessing a client’s movement and physique, to guide the development of personal programs that target each client’s individual needs.
Pilates has enabled Jenny to follow a full life and continue to have an active lifestyle. This flows through to Jenny’s support and encouragement of clients to keep moving and strengthen their bodies and slow the effects of aging.
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“Having a scoliosis myself, I am passionate about teaching special conditions. Pilates has helped me live a much stronger, happier and healthy life, and I teach because I want to help others do that.”
Kat is a Hobart born Pilates instructor, who moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at VCA.
Growing up with scoliosis, dancing and the injuries that came with it was the first introduction that she had to Pilates. Finding a good instructor was hard, but persistence was key.
With dedication, Pilates supported her in building greater strength than she had pre-injury. With her musical theatre days behind her, and a new career in Human Resources, Kat continued participating in Pilates to support her strength.
During Covid, Kat decided to study the Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction with National Pilates Training, with the intention of helping others to live pain free and experience the joy and strength of Pilates.
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Meet Tamar Storey, the Social Media Manager for Aligned for Life Pilates. Tamar has been working with Aligned for Life Pilates since the beginning of 2024, and is also studying Psychology at the University of Melbourne.
A childhood spent in the ballet studio and theatres sparked Tamar’s interest in the art of dance and movement. Growing out of ballet, Tamar developed a new interest in the world of Pilates after taking one class in place of a yoga class during the covid-19 pandemic.
This interest and her personal relationship with the founder of AFLP, Katrina Edwards, led her to Aligned for Life Pilates.
Learning more and more about Pilates through this employment, Tamar has found a new passion for spreading the joys of Pilates with others through social media, and the mindfulness a session of Pilates can bring to every day.
“I love the Pilates method because I love the connection between the body and mind, I love all the benefits to my mental health but also the physical impact it has on my body.”
Georgie has a background in dance, mostly classical ballet and has been teaching ballet and other types of dance forms for almost 35 years. Since moving to Melbourne she discovered the benefits of Pilates for dance conditioning on young dancers and their every day lives. Georgie then decided to study the Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction (10537NAT) with National Pilates Training to deepen her knowledge about the body and to inspire and empower her students and clients on their wellness journey.
Georgie has joined the Aligned for life Pilates team is located at our Carlton location.
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“I love the holistic approach of the Pilates Method and I practice mind-body connection because I want to embrace life as a whole”
After years of studying in universities and working in the Media and advertising industry, Pom experienced “Office Syndrome” and found difficulty enjoying her daily life. She took her physiotherapist’s advice and tried several types of exercises, but did not find the ‘right fit’ for her body and her scoliosis condition.
Pom came to Aligned for Life in 2021 and began to ‘feel good’ immediately after the session. In 2022, less than a year later, she considered career change and began instructor training at the National Pilates Training.
Pom loves how Pilates allows everyone to find their versions of the exercises, no matter what age and conditions they have. She feels rewarded to see positive changes on her clients just like how Pilates does to herself.
ป๋อมเริ่มเรียนพิสาทิสเพราะอาการออฟฟิศซินโดรม ด้วยความที่เป็นคนร่างกายไม่แข็งแรง ไม่ค่อยออกกำลังกายตั้งแต่เด็ก รวมทั้งมีอาการกระดูกสันหลังคด ป๋อมไม่รู้สึกสนุกไปกับการออกกำลังกายจนได้มาเรียนพิลาทิสที่ Aligned for Life
ป๋อมชอบแนวคิดของ Pilates Method และการที่พิลาทิสเหมาะกับคนทุกวัย ไม่ว่าจะไม่เคยออกกำลังกายมาก่อน หรือแม้แต่มีอาการเจ็บปวดต่างๆ ก็สามารถได้รับประโยชน์จากการเล่นพิลาทิสได้ทุกคน
ป๋อมเรียนจบคอร์สครูสอนพิลาทิสกับทาง National Pilates Training และปัจจุบันสอนพิลาทิสที่ Aligned for Life CBD
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“Empower my clients, family and friends with the knowledge that their minds and bodies, working in unison, have boundless potential, and that they have the power to unlock that potential and take control of their own health and fitness span.”
For Julia, four powerful words – BREATH, MINDFULNESS, MOVEMENT and CONTROL – have been the keys to rediscovering an active and pain-free life. These words have not only allowed her to achieve her personal goals but also to inspire others to do the same: to be active, well, strong and flexible for life and to truly live life rather than merely observing others live theirs.
Her journey began in 2017 when she found herself facing progressively worsening joint pain and the prospect of hip surgery. At the suggestion of her mother, she ventured into the world of Pilates at a local studio. Within weeks, Julia experienced a remarkable transformation – growing stronger and eventually becoming pain-free, as well as developing an insatiable curiosity to delve deeper into this transformative practice.
Over the years, Julia’s initial desire to help herself evolved into an unwavering commitment to “give back” and empower others to lead active, pain-free lives. In 2021, Julia embarked on a formal path by enrolling in the Mat Work Certificate program with National Pilates Training, which quickly progressed to completing the Diploma of Pilates Instruction.
Her prior background in Retail Management, Merchandise Control and Logistics instilled in her the ability to not only listen to clients but also to keenly observe their actions and reactions and then analyse their needs. This skill set seamlessly translates into assessing her clients’ movements, comfort levels and individual requirements in the Pilates studio.
Julia is deeply excited to continue her exploration of the Pilates Method and its potential to enhance the lives of people from all walks of life. Witnessing the moment when clients connect the dots and grasp the power of Pilates through the fusion of breath, mindfulness, movement and control is a source of immense joy and motivation for her.
The potential of our bodies and minds is boundless.
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“I feel stronger now after having three babies because of Pilates. I want to help others reach their full potential within their own body and movement practice”
A love of all things sport and exercise led Melissa to pursue a career in the Fitness industry. A qualiFied Personal Trainer and Physical Education teacher, she began teaching Mat Pilates in 2011 after participating in many classes herself, and feeling the improved strength, balance and Flexibility in her own body. In 2013, she completed her Matwork qualiFication with NPT and began participating in studio sessions.
In 2015 during her First pregnancy, Melissa experienced how the repertoire could support a changing body to keep moving throughout all trimesters and postpartum, inspiring her to further her Pilates teaching and she completed her Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction.
Melissa went on to complete her Advanced Diploma in 2019, particularly interested in not only how Pilates can assist in the rehabilitation of many conditions, but it’s use in improving performance in even the most highly athletic bodies.
Melissa wants to continue learning and challenging her knowledge of Pilates and how it can help others to achieve their goals.
“Pilates is more than exercise — it’s how I rediscovered my body and myself.”
April’s movement journey began with yoga, where she developed a strong understanding of the mind-body connection and breath control. Building on this foundation, she explored different forms of movement, including fitness training, dance, and eventually Pilates. Through her own practice, she discovered that consistent Pilates practice was particularly effective in relieving her headaches caused by her neck posture. This experience gave her a clear sense of direction and deepened her commitment to Pilates. Motivated by her passion and the transformative impact it had on her own body, April is Diploma Diploma-qualified
instructor through National Pilates Training.
April has a strong passion for rehabilitation, working with Scoliosis and body alignment, and this has led her to deepen her expertise through continued professional development. She understands what it’s like to feel disconnected from your body and how to rebuild that connection step by step.
April的运动之旅始于瑜伽，培养了她对身心连接和呼吸控制的深刻理解。在此基础上，她尝试了多种运动， 最终找到了自己真正的热爱: 普拉提。April发现，规律的普拉提训练对缓解她因颈椎曲度变直导致的头痛有显 著效果。这段经历让她找到了想要努力的方向，也更加坚定了她对普拉提的热情。怀着这份热爱，以及普拉
提带给她自身的改变，April通过National Pilates Training完成了专业学习，获得了Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction认证。
April非常关注康复训练、脊柱侧弯和正确的身体排列，这也促使她不断通过专业进修来拓展自己的知识和技 能。同时她可以很好的理解没有运动习惯，但是想要改善体态，提高身体素质的学生的情况。并通过合理排 课辅助学生达到预期的目标。
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“I love helping people feel good, creating a positive space for movement to support everyday life”
Born and raised in Alice Springs, Jorja began her movement journey as a ballet dancer. At a young age, the Pilates Method was introduced into her training as a method for strength and conditioning, this sparked a passion that led her to pursue it further.
In 2022, Jorja made the move to Melbourne to pursue formal education in Pilates. She enrolled at National Pilates Training. There, she completed her Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction by mid 2023.
Jorja is drawn to Pilates for its combination of movement exploration and practice and mindful focus. She believes there is a place in the studio for everyone—regardless of fitness level or background. Her teaching philosophy centres on inclusivity, creating an environment where everyone feels seen and supported. She thrives on learning and loves passing her knowledge to others, helping them feel their best and reach their goals.
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Pilates has helped me experience my inner truth
Lydia has been focused on training her body to reflect the precision and mastery that she strives for in life since trying yoga in 2017. Since then, tending to her physical strength, flexibility and body-mind connection has benefited her so greatly it has inspired a career change into instructing the Pilates method.
Prior to training and teaching at Aligned for Life, Lydia has lived out seasons of totally different careers, from accounting to fashion, searching for that thing that feels like her purpose.
Lydia’s passion for perfection has found its application in Pilates, where she enjoys taking clients to a point in their practice where they can fulfil their goals.
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Betty’s Pilates journey began in 2013, following a shoulder injury caused by poor posture at work. Referred to a physiotherapist, she was introduced to Clinical Pilates to strengthen her body and prevent the pain from returning and from that moment, Pilates became a part of her daily life.
Over the years, Betty transitioned from Clinical to a more comprehensive Pilates practice, until she reached a point where she knew she wanted more than just personal practice. She wanted a meaningful change. Betty chose to follow what truly lights her up: helping others move better, feel better, and live stronger lives.
With a passion for health and well-being, Betty is inspired by people who age with vitality and independence. As she want’s that for herself, and is driven to help others achieve the same. As Betty often says to friends and family: it’s important to keep people moving!
Pilates has transformed Betty’s life and sharing that transformation with her clients is her greatest motivation. Betty finds immense joy in seeing people become pain-free, resilient, mindful, and empowered through consistent practice. Whether you’re an office worker, retiree, or elite athlete, Pilates has something to offer you and Betty is here to guide you every step of the way.
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