Spotlight On….Paradise Pilates

Tell us about yourself and how Paradise Pilates came to be?
In my youth I was a competitive dancer and always very fit. I spent 15 years working in hospitality where I was on my feet all day, every day. After that I moved into administration work where I would be sitting at my desk all day, every day, with not a lot of opportunity for movement. That’s when I decided to make a change and become a Pilates instructor.

What exactly is pilates?
Pilates was created by a man named Joseph Pilates. During World War II, he was a German immigrant in England and was put into a detention camp. He came up with pilates as a way to keep the prisoners fit while in detention where they had minimal space to move. After the war, he moved to America and opened the first pilates studio.

What’s a common misconception about pilates?
I often hear the phrase ‘I’m not flexible enough for pilates’.
Pilates is actually used to increase strength and flexibility.
It’s not a prerequisite.

Who is pilates for?
Pilates is useful for everyone! It helps in so many different areas: improving strength, flexibility, balance and posture. There are also many athletes who use pilates to help improve their game, such as LeBron James, David Beckham, Andy Murray and Tiger Woods.

What do you enjoy most about teaching pilates?
I love seeing the improvement that comes with regular pilates sessions. Seeing the pain reduce and the fitness increase, and the happiness that comes with it.

What training did you have to go through to become a pilates instructor?
My training started with completing an online anatomy course. From there, I completed a mat work instruction course which was 40 hours of online training and five days of practical training in Brisbane. After that I went on to complete a Reformer Pilates instruction course, which was another 40 hours of online training and five days of practical training which I completed in Melbourne.

What classes do you offer?
At the moment I am doing mat work pilates. I am however working on getting some reformers so I can offer reformer and circuit classes.

Take us through a typical class…
I don’t think there is anything typical about pilates! The exercises change from day to day, as does the equipment. Classes can be a full body workout or focus on particular areas. But best of all, it is always fun!

What plans do you have for Paradise Pilates in 2025?
I would love to get qualified in pre- and post-natal pilates instruction and also start taking some men’s only classes.

What do you hope Paradise Pilates will bring to Tieri?
I really hope that Paradise Pilates can be a fun place for people in Tieri to workout, but to also use in a social aspect, whether it’s taking a class with friends or meeting new people in town.

In addition to Paradise Pilates, you also work at Oaky Creek Coal – how do you maintain the balance?
I’ve always been a juggler. I have always worked and studied at the same time, as well as raising my beautiful son on my own for 10 years. I just like to be busy.

What do you love about living and working in Tieri?
I love the atmosphere of Tieri and the small-town vibes. I’m originally from the Gold Coast and there are way too many people living on top of each other there.

Where and when are the Paradise Pilates classes held?
Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Community Space in Tieri town centre, next to the Post Office.

How can people book into a class or find out more information?
Either message me on Facebook, or send an email to jessieesterhuizen@outlook.com