Sponsored Content

A Pahoia couple have created the first dedicated Reformer Pilates studio in Katikati to help residents nourish their health, body and wellbeing.

Align Pilates NZ is locally owned by Graham and Claudia Goodwin.

They opened the Katikati studio, at 13 Talisman Drive above the cafe, on May 13.

“We wanted to offer the community a place where they can come to focus on improving their health and wellbeing in a supportive environment,” Claudia said.

“We want to help make people feel healthier and more youthful, or feel supported in strengthening their bodies as they get older.”

Pilates was developed by the late Joseph H. Pilates, based on principles of controlled movement, strength and body awareness.

Reformer Pilates is a low-impact exercise method performed on a specialised sliding bed machine called a Reformer. It uses a moving carriage and adjustable springs to create smooth, controlled resistance.

“This enables muscles to lengthen and strengthen together, improving joint stability, coordination and body awareness.”

Target areas

Claudia said the benefits of the Reformer machine is people can isolate and target areas of their body with total control.

“Whether you want a high resistance workout for muscle tone, or you need to strengthen or support your body, or work on rehabilitating problem areas, we can set the machines to customise your workout.”

Claudia and three fellow instructors run classes between 8.30am and 6.30pm weekdays and 7.15am on Saturdays, catering to people of all ages and abilities.

“Beginners, intermediate and advanced classes are available, and we offer one-on-one 50-minute sessions for all levels.

“We also offer a mums and bubs class suitable for mothers from six weeks post-birth. This is gentle, supportive and designed to help rebuild core strength, improve posture, and support recovery after birth.”

Each class is highly personalised with a maximum of 7 people, allowing for precise guidance and tuition.

Claudia, who instructs many classes herself, has practised Pilates for nearly 30 years and began teaching in 2012.

“It has remained my constant, guiding me toward mindful movement and a deeper connection to the body and inner self.

“Many clients come to me with muscle pain, imbalances, or postural challenges, or simply because they’ve heard Pilates is good for them.

“I’ve rehabilitated so many people over the years, giving them back a functional pain-free life, and this is my satisfaction.”

Personalised approach

She said she offered a deep, personalised approach. “I’m passionate about helping you reconnect with your body, understanding how it moves, where it compensates, and how to restore balance.”

Claudia said the body is designed to work in harmony, yet over time certain areas take on more load, creating tension and discomfort.

“I pay close attention to each client, offering continuous guidance and corrections so you can move safely, correctly, and with confidence.

“As the body finds better alignment, we feel stronger, more supported, and move more easily. This is why I love what I do, guiding people back to strength, balance, and overall wellbeing.”

Claudia has run classes at her Home Reformer Studio for five years and mat classes at Ōmokoroa for more than 10 years – but opened the Katikati studio after her clients kept asking for it.

“I’ve had doctors, midwives and osteopaths as clients – these people work in the health industry and they told me that Katikati needed a Pilates studio. Nothing like this was here.”

Locals supporting locals

Graham, who helps run the company behind the scenes, said they invested in setting up Align Pilates NZ in Katikati because they wanted to help boost the community.

“We’re locals and are raising a family here and we wanted to support our own community by offering a local studio,” he said.

The studio has new, modern equipment, with a clean and calm feel so people could focus.

“Reformer Pilates encourages people to stop, take notice and listen to their bodies. It makes you think about, what is your strength? What is your weakness? Why are you weak in that body part? Why do you have pain in your hips, for example, when you wake?

“It creates awareness of the connection between mind, body and wellbeing,” Claudia said.

“It always makes you feel young, refreshed and strong. It’s also addictive. Once you start feeling the benefits, you need it.”

The couple thanked their loyal clients, and new clients for their smiles and support. “It’s why we do it!”