Pilates had been her secret weapon throughout her ballet career, keeping her strong, injury-free, and able to keep performing.
So when she and her hubs Simon moved to the Southern Highlands with their two young kiddos, they decided to open Core Pilates Bowral.
With Natalie’s incredible expertise and Simon’s background in corporate training and marketing, they’ve created a welcoming studio where locals of all ages and abilities can feel supported, strong, and part of a community.
Let’s say g’day to them!
1 :: What brought you both to the Southern Highlands?
Natalie: We’ve been living here for just over a year now. We moved from Sydney after years of visiting on weekends. We originally signed a 12-month lease to test it out, but honestly, after about three days we knew this was home.
Simon: It’s the life we wanted. We have a two-year-old and a four-year-old, and they love it here too. Open spaces, nature, and such a friendly community. You take them to the playground and people actually chat to you! It’s been wonderful.
2 :: So you’re glad you made the move?
Natalie: It’s been amazing. The kids settled into daycare straight away. We moved around a lot in Sydney and never quite felt settled. But the moment we arrived here, it just clicked. We felt like we belonged.
Simon: I grew up in a house with a big backyard and I wanted that for our family too. There’s just so much for kids to do here, walks, parks, waterfalls. They hardly play with toys anymore because the outdoors is their toybox!
3 :: Natalie, tell us about your background and how it led you to Pilates.
Natalie: I’ve been dancing since I was three and decided at fourteen that I wanted to make ballet my career. By 16 I was doing full time ballet. As part of our ballet training, we did Pilates every morning, and private sessions every Friday. That’s where my love of Pilates began.
In my second year I began teaching pilates sessions. Later, when I trained in America, I noticed injuries creeping in because there wasn’t as much Pilates focus there. That’s when I realised how important it was for keeping the body strong and injury-free.
4 :: Was there a moment when you thought, “Yep, Pilates is my thing”?
Natalie: When I danced with Singapore Ballet, I had a flatmate who did Pilates religiously. It inspired me to study it more deeply. Later, in Wales with the Welsh Ballet, I tore the labrum in my hip. I was told I’d probably need surgery. Instead, I committed to Pilates, and it genuinely saved me. I healed and completed another full season.
5 :: Where did the idea to start teaching Pilates come from?
Natalie: It was always in the back of my mind. When I moved back to Australia, I was freelancing and travelling a lot. Then I met Simon, and we started talking about what was next for me. I realised I was ready to stop living out of a suitcase and focus on something long-term. Pilates had made such a difference in my life, so it felt like the right time to turn it into a career.
Simon: I have a lot of experience in corporate training, planning, and career development. One day, Natalie and I sat down to map out her career path – something that aligned with her passion while allowing her to step away from the constant travel.
6 :: Tell us about your Pilates instructor training?
Natalie: That time in my life was intense!
I had just started my teacher training while pregnant and was wrapping up my contract with Opera Australia, all while juggling everything else that came with it. It was exhausting, but looking back, I’m incredibly proud of myself for pushing through.
Once I qualified, I began teaching private sessions from home before transitioning into studio teaching. In many ways, it was also a huge part of my own postpartum recovery, helping me rebuild strength and reconnect with my body.
7 :: Then you decided to open your own studio?
Natalie: We didn’t plan to open the studio straight away when we moved down. But I couldn’t find a boutique studio that felt like home, so we decided to create it ourselves.
Simon: We opened last year as a multifunctional space designed to bring variety to the community. Our classes include Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, Wunda Chair, Circuit, Barre, and Mums and Bubs. One of the beautiful things about being a boutique, family-owned studio is the close connection we have with our members—we listen to what you want. This means we can adapt the schedule and introduce specialised classes and workshops from time to time. There’s truly something for everyone.
8 :: What’s special about Core Pilates Bowral?
Natalie: Our classes are small, no more than ten people, so I can give everyone personal attention. I don’t just teach from a rigid plan. I read the room and offer variations to suit everyone’s needs. It’s about making sure everyone feels supported and safe.
Simon: We’re always checking in to ensure everyone feels supported, safe, and heard. Members love the small class sizes and the attention to detail Natalie brings. A common theme in feedback is how much people appreciate the calming space, natural light, and knowing their form is being watched. It’s not uncommon to hear, “This feels easy,” followed by a small correction and suddenly, “Ohhh, I can feel it now!” That’s the power of proper form – it’s what makes Pilates so effective.
9 :: Okay, so what is a Wunda Chair?!
Natalie: The Wunda Chair is an incredible piece of equipment that not many people have heard of until they step into the studio. It’s incredibly versatile and often a favourite among those with injuries, seniors, pregnant members, or anyone who prefers not to lie down. Like the Reformer, the resistance can be adjusted with springs to modify the challenge. Our most senior member, in his nineties, regularly attends a Wunda Chair class each week. It provides a full-body workout and is brilliant for building core connection.
Simon: One of our members comes almost every day, sometimes twice! She had never tried the chair before, but now it’s her favourite. It’s unique to offer it in a class setting, and people love it once they try it.
10 :: Your Mums and Bubs classes sound fab!
Natalie: They’re beautiful. We do them twice a week on the mat, and there’s always a great energy. I love hanging out with the babies, and afterwards, everyone goes for coffee. It’s really social and supportive.
11 :: Pilates really is for everyone, right?!
Natalie: Yes! A lot of people think they need to be super fit to start Pilates, but that’s not true at all. We have all ages and abilities. One of our newer members was nervous but now she’s hooked. Pilates meets you where you’re at.
Simon: Pilates strengthens the supporting muscles many don’t realise they need – until they start and suddenly everyday activities feel easier. Whether it’s getting through a full day of gardening without an aching back or simply moving with less discomfort, the difference is life-changing.
12 :: What are you excited about for the future of Core Pilates Bowral?
Natalie: I’m excited to see our wonderful community continue to grow, to introduce more classes, and to keep adding variety so there’s always something new to challenge and inspire.
Simon: This year is about strengthening the foundations of what Core Pilates Bowral is all about. From there, the future will naturally evolve as we grow and adapt to our community’s needs.
And after chatting with you both, we reckon locals definitely feel welcomed at Core Pilates Bowral.
If you’ve been keen to give Pilates a go, looking for a new way to get your body moving, or ready to get back on the horse [a.k.a. the reformer machine], check out Core Pilates Bowral.
Last section No matter your age or fitness level, there’s a class waiting for you. beginners on the mat to other amazing options like reformer, the super cool Wunda Chair, barre and more.
Go on, give it a go.
For all the details on classes, the schedule and pricing, head over to the Core Pilates Bowral website here.
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