Pilates classes in Hawthorn
Be Well Hawthorn is a health and longevity studio in Hawthorn offering three types of Pilates: Mat, Reformer, and Clinical Exercise Pilates, each designed for different goals, fitness levels, and clinical needs.
Three distinct forms of Pilates under one roof, each with a different format and purpose. Mat Pilates is a full-body bodyweight practice capped at 12 people per class. Reformer Pilates uses a spring-resistance machine in groups of up to 7, with selected classes led by our physiotherapists. For those with injury, rehabilitation, or specific clinical needs, Clinical Exercise Pilates is available in groups of just 3 people under direct physiotherapy supervision.
3
types of Pilates all under one roof
What types of Pilates does Be Well Hawthorn offer?
| Feature | Mat Pilates | Reformer Pilates |
|---|---|---|
|
Equipment |
Floor mat, sometimes small props like rings or balls |
A sliding carriage with springs, straps, and pulleys |
|
Resistance |
Primarily your own bodyweight and gravity |
Spring-loaded resistance that can be adjusted |
|
Focus |
Core stability and mastering foundational movements |
Full-body strength, alignment, and targeted muscle work |
|
Accessibility |
Highly accessible; can be done anywhere with a mat |
Requires a studio or a large, expensive machine |
|
Support |
You must support your own bodyweight entirely |
The machine can provide support or add challenge |
What is Mat Pilates?
A full-body workout built on the connection between body and mind.
Mat Pilates is often considered the purest form of the practice. Using only your bodyweight against gravity, it demands a high level of internal control and is excellent for building the foundational movement patterns that carry into every other form of exercise. Because there is no machine to assist you, your core must work harder to stabilise your body throughout every movement.
Regular Mat Pilates supports core and pelvic floor activation, improved posture, flexibility, and muscle tone, and is widely recognised for its benefits in reducing stress and anxiety. It is also the most portable and cost-effective option, making it a natural complement to other training you might do through the week.
Every Mat Pilates class at Be Well Hawthorn is capped at 12 people, so your instructor can give you genuine personal attention throughout every session.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Spring-loaded resistance that opens up a far wider range of movement than the mat alone.
Reformer Pilates uses a system of springs and pulleys to create resistance and support simultaneously. This means exercises can be made easier by providing assistance, or harder by adding load, making it highly customisable for different fitness levels and stages of training.
The frame of the Reformer also helps keep your body in proper alignment throughout each movement, which is particularly valuable for beginners learning correct form, or for those working through an injury. The straps and sliding carriage allow you to move through larger ranges of motion than bodyweight work alone, which can lead to meaningful improvements in both flexibility and eccentric strength.
At Be Well Hawthorn, Reformer classes are capped at 7 people, ensuring your instructor can give you genuine attention throughout every session. Select classes are also led by our physiotherapists, making it a strong option for those wanting a more clinically guided experience.
State-of-the-art Reformer machines. Small classes. Expert eyes on every movement.
What is Clinical Exercise Pilates?
Physiotherapist-led and designed entirely around your individual clinical needs.
Clinical Exercise Pilates is a physiotherapist-led class capped at just 3 people, designed for those with specific injury, rehabilitation, or clinical needs. Unlike Mat or Reformer classes, every Clinical session is tailored to each individual and delivered under close physiotherapy supervision throughout.
Clinical Exercise Pilates is part of our broader physiotherapy and allied health offering at Be Well Hawthorn, and is available as an add-on to any membership tier.
How does Be Well Pilates differ from other studios?
We do not do fitness-style Pilates designed to work you to exhaustion. We focus on what Pilates is really about: control, alignment, and developing core bodily strength, exactly as the method’s founder Joseph Pilates intended.
| Be Well Hawthorn | Typical Pilates studio | |
|---|---|---|
|
Approach |
Control, alignment and core strength as the method was intended |
Fitness-style, often high intensity |
|
Class sizes
|
Mat Pilates — Max 12 Reformer Pilates — Max 7 Clinical Exercise Pilates — Max 3 |
Often 15 or more per class
|
|
Clinical oversight
|
Select Reformer classes led by physiotherapists
|
Rarely available
|
|
Options under one roof
|
Mat, Reformer, and Clinical Exercise Pilates |
Usually one or two types
|
|
Injury and rehabilitation
|
Dedicated Clinical Exercise Pilates, physio-supervised, max 3 people
|
Limited or no clinical support
|
|
Membership access
|
Mat and Reformer classes included within one membership. Clinical Exercise Pilates available as an add-on.
|
Separate bookings or studios required |
Members access mat and reformer Pilates with their membership. View the full class timetable to find sessions that suit your schedule.
Meet the Team
Patrick
Senior Physiotherapist
M. Physio, B.ExSc
Sabine
Physiotherapist
B.Sc. Physio, PNF Certified, M. Musculoskeletal and Sports Physio
Amanda
Therapeutic Massage
Megan
Remedial Massage
BNurs, DipRemMass
Divyani
Yoga Teacher
Geraldine
Yoga Teacher
Maddison
Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor
Ming
Pilates Instructor
Shubhra
Pilates and Yoga
Eavie
Gina
Be Well Keeper
Kahlil
Be Well Keeper and IT Manager
Stephanie
Be Well Keeper
Book a Tour: See the space. Feel the difference.
Be Well is built around the same principles found in the world’s Blue Zones: movement, community, purpose, and access to support. Come and see what that looks like in practice. Book a tour so we can show you around.Â
Frequently asked questions
Your first Pilates class at Be Well Hawthorn is designed to be welcoming and accessible regardless of your starting point. You will be introduced to the core principles of movement: breath, alignment, and core activation. Your instructor will guide you through movements designed to strengthen, stretch, and balance your body, meeting you where you are and helping you progress at your own pace. Small class sizes mean you will not be lost in the room.
Yes. Both Mat and Reformer Pilates classes at Be Well Hawthorn are designed to cater to all fitness levels, from complete beginners to more experienced movers. Our small class sizes, 12 for Mat and 7 for Reformer, ensure you receive individual attention from the very first session.
Reformer Pilates is often recommended for beginners because the machine provides support and resistance that helps you find correct alignment and control more easily than bodyweight work alone. That said, both styles are beginner-friendly and our instructors will help guide you to the right starting point for your body and goals.
Choose Mat Pilates if:Â you want to build a rock-solid core foundation, prefer working out at home, or want to master the bodyweight basics of the Pilates method.
Choose Reformer Pilates if:Â you want a more strength-training feel, need extra support for joint issues, or want to challenge your muscles with varied resistance and a larger range of motion.
Most people notice real improvements attending two to three classes per week. Our instructors can help you build a schedule that works for your goals and lifestyle.
For most people coming in with an injury, Clinical Exercise Pilates is the right place to start. Capped at just 3 people and supervised by a physiotherapist throughout, it is designed precisely for that situation. If your injury is minor and does not require a lot of support, our small Reformer classes of 7 people, with selected sessions led by physiotherapists, could also be a good fit. Either way, we would recommend checking in with the team before your first class so we can point you in the right direction.
Yes. Pilates is widely used in rehabilitation and injury prevention. Several of our Reformer classes are led by physiotherapists, and our Clinical Exercise Pilates classes, capped at just 3 people, are specifically designed for those recovering from injury or managing a specific condition. Speak with our team before your first class so we can point you in the right direction.
Comfortable, form-fitting activewear works best for all classes. Grip socks are recommended for Reformer Pilates.
Easy. Be Well Hawthorn is a health and longevity studio offering Mat, Reformer, and Clinical Exercise Pilates under one roof, with small group caps of 12, 7, and 3 people respectively, and selected classes led by physiotherapists. It is the only place in Hawthorn where you can access all three types of Pilates alongside allied health services in a single facility. Come in for a private tour and see for yourself. Book a tour here.