Meet Leana Knight, the friendly face behind local biz Studio Pilates International in Bowral.
Leana Knight is not only a super lovely local, but she’s also super passionate about getting Highlanders into Pilates.
She runs Studio Pilates International in Bowral, where the focus is on proper form rather than sheer repetition, prioritising safety over trendy social media moves, and using top-quality reformers instead of a lot of different equipment.
We recently had the chance to tour the studio, and we were super impressed by the clean layout of the space, the stunning hardwood floors, and the charming chandeliers that add that extra special touch.
And we can’t help but adore Leana for her warm and welcoming demeanour, her infectious energy, and her genuine love for the Highlands.
Join us for a chat with Leana to hear all about her journey to the Highlands, and why locals of all ages and abilities absolutely adore having her here.
1 :: Firstly, let’s get a little personal. Tell us how you ended up living in the Highlands?
I lived and worked in The Highlands from 2000 to 2007, serving as the HR Manager at Joy Mining Machinery, now known as Komatsu. After returning from London in 2020, I settled back in Wollongong, where I had first moved after leaving Cape Town, South Africa, in 1995. However, I was eager to return to the beautiful Highlands, so I decided to open the Studio in Bowral.
2:: And what inspired you to open Studio Pilates International?
After retiring from a career in HR, I found myself a bit bored and eager to start something new. As a devoted Pilates enthusiast who began my journey with Studio Pilates International in Brisbane, it felt like a natural step to become a trained instructor and open my own Studio Pilates International studio.
3 :: And what do you love about running Studio Pilates International?
I love the staff I work with. Most of our instructors started as clients and they loved it so much they decided to retrain and join the team. I am so blessed with the wonderful team of Instructors that I have. They are all wonderful human beings.
Studio Pilates International instructors are very well trained through our own very highly regarded Education Academy that allows them to provide a safe and client-focused workout that can be tailored for each client depending on their fitness, strength level and any health & injury issues they may have.
4 :: And can you tell us more about the classes you offer?
We offer around 54 classes per week and have 13 reformer machines.
Our classes are scheduled Monday through Sunday and are carefully designed by physiotherapists. They are safe, effective and fun!
We have Reformer classes and Stretch & Mobility classes. We also have Pre and Postnatal classes.
For our pre and postnatal classes, we actually welcome new mums to bring their babies up to six months old, so there’s no stress about finding a sitter. We also encourage people with back issues to attend these classes since there’s no lying on your back or doing abdominal work.
We have classes running from 5:45 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as lunchtime classes, the rest of the week the classes commence at 6:30am and evening classes through the weekdays. On the weekends our morning classes start at 7:15am because we know Highlanders like a little sleep in.
5 :: And what do you recommend for someone just starting in the Pilates world?
All clients are required to complete an Orientation class, even if you are experienced or if Pilates is new to you.
The class explains how our reformers work, and also some fundamentals of Pilates ie how to keep your back safe during a session and the best strategies for engaging those deeper abdominal muscles, the ones we call the T-Zone.
Studio Pilates classes are an incredible way to boost your strength, muscle tone, posture, and overall fitness with exercises designed by top-notch instructors. We cater to all ages and fitness levels, making sure everyone gets the right workout. They’re also great because you can easily adjust the exercises with more or less resistance and any modifications you need.
6 :: Wow, we bet you’ve seen some happy clients over your time?
Yep! We’ve helped many clients boost their overall fitness, strength and muscle tone, alleviate back pain by enhancing their abdominal strength, and see significant improvements in plantar fasciitis discomfort, posture, and an increase in body awareness.
We’ve also helped golfers with their swings, women with perimenopause issues, and older folks with their balance and mobility. Plus, getting those endorphins going has really boosted the mental health of many of our clients.
7: And of course, we have to know, what do you love about living and working in the Highlands?
I love that we still have a rural feel which translates into strong community awareness. I love the cold winters – otherwise, why are you here!!?
Our clients are all absolutely lovely human beings so it makes every day worth it.
Even though I don’t have much free time at the moment, I always make time for a Pilates class at the Studio and take my dogs for a walk around town or to the amazing Seymour Park dog park in Moss Vale.
So, if you’re looking to get that strength up, improve your mobility or reduce some aches and pains, all whilst getting all those lovely endorphins then we recommend paying Leana and her team at Studio Pilates in Bowral a visit.
Whether you’re a multitasking parent or carer, on that 9 to 5 thing, or enjoy squeezing in a lunchtime workout, Studio Pilates offers classes from mornings to evenings that will suit whatever schedule.
The studio offers a range of different class packs to match your needs and Leana and the crew are more than happy to chat you through the best option for you.
You can visit Studio Pilates 4/44-48 Bowral Street in Bowral, give them a buzz on 0490 426 730 or book a class on the Studio Pilates website.
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