The global market for Pilates and yoga studios was valued at USD 158.43 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% from 2024-2032. But this isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reflection of a growing movement that I’ve recently found myself a part of, much to my surprise.

For years, I was a self-confessed HIIT junkie, spending countless hours at F45 studios in Redfern, Coogee, and Port Macquarie. The high intensity of these workouts gave me a thrill, but as I hit my early forties, my body, especially my back, started to protest. I needed a change, something that would be kind to my ageing body while still providing that rush of endorphins I craved.

Enter Vaura Pilates.

Not too long ago, F45 announced the rebranding of its Vive Active subsidiary. Their three Sydney studios and two outlets in Singapore now trade under the sleek new Vaura brand. Seeking to breathe new life into their class offerings, F45 acquired Vive Active in 2021 and launched the first Vaura Pilates studio in New York this past January. This new brand is described as a “dynamic fusion of art and science to energise every cell of your body.”

“Vaura brings an electrifying energy to athletic reformer Pilates,” F45 Training Chief Executive Tom Dowd declared. The enthusiasm was echoed by Vaura’s Director of Operations, Lilly Mills, who noted, “The acquisition by F45 has provided us with additional resources and strategic support, enabling us to accelerate our rebranding efforts and expansion plans. It has also brought valuable industry insights and expertise, helping us refine our growth strategy and enhance our offerings.”

When Vaura opened its doors in Double Bay, I was one of the lucky few to experience it firsthand, alongside brand ambassador Phoebe Burgess and other media and influencers. Stepping into the studio was like entering another world—a vibrant, high-energy space filled with neon lights, mirrored ceilings, upbeat music, and instructors who radiate positivity and motivation – thanks Molly Kathryn Gay. The classes are designed to fuse the precision of reformer Pilates with the dynamic power of athletic training.

I swear I did take off my coat and take part in the class.

Did it hurt? Absolutely. It awakened muscles in my body I didn’t even know existed. But it was a good hurt—the kind that tells you you’re pushing your limits and getting stronger. Reformer Pilates offers numerous benefits, including improved core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Vaura’s classes are crafted to optimise your health, enhancing strength and muscle tone, core stability, balance, posture, flexibility, stress management, cardiovascular fitness, and for many, pain relief.

Group photo courtesy of Esteban La Tessa.

This could certainly become my new lunchtime hobby. There’s something incredibly invigorating about a workout that not only challenges your body but also nourishes your spirit. So here’s to new beginnings, to embracing change, and to finding balance—one Pilates class at a time.

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