Building a Community of Strength and Authenticity

Have you heard of HUSTL?

HUSTL. began as an in-person studio in the serene Northern NSW coastal town of Byron Bay. Alexz Parvi, driven by her love for fitness and a deep desire to build a supportive community, saw a gap in the market for a fitness studio that offered more than just physical workouts. She wanted a place that also fostered genuine connections among its members. The transition to an online platform was a serendipitous result of the pandemic, which Alexz now sees as a blessing. The virtual HUSTL. platform has allowed her to extend the reach of her unique fitness approach, bringing a sense of community and the studio's high-energy vibe to people across the globe.

A Unique Approach to Pilates

Alexz’s approach to Pilates is what truly sets HUSTL. apart. She describes it as "80% connection and 20% fitness," emphasising that the physical results come naturally when the experience is enjoyable. The raw and authentic workout experience at HUSTL. is designed to be more than just a fitness routine. “Both myself and our Master Trainers participate fully in each session, so that we share the journey with our clients. This creates a strong bond and a supportive environment where participants feel genuinely connected and motivated,” she explained.

Incorporating HIIT elements into Pilates workouts is one of HUSTL.'s distinctive features. “This fusion enhances the workout experience by adding quick bursts of cardio, long static holds, and dynamic yet low-impact exercises. These elements not only boost the effectiveness of the workouts but also keep them fun and engaging. When I first opened HUSTL. the creative approach I took to modifying Pilates moves was incredibly controversial but I am excited to see that over the years combining different modalities with Pilates is becoming the new normal,” she said.

HUSTL.'s primary audience consists of women aged 20 to 40, but the platform's diverse range of classes attracts a wider demographic. “We often see expecting and new mothers, yoga enthusiasts, and individuals all at various fitness levels. The physical studio, located at Nobby’s Beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast, offers in-person classes with breathtaking ocean views, loud music, and an intense "booty burn." These in-person sessions complement the online offerings by allowing instructors to provide hands-on guidance and ensure participants get the most out of their workouts,” said Alexz.

Maintaining a sense of community online can be challenging, but Alexz has successfully cultivated a loyal following through consistency, authenticity, and vulnerability. Her followers and clients know they can expect genuine engagement, motivating classes, and a supportive environment. The sense of familiarity and comfort that Alexz has built is evident in the feedback she receives. Her community loves the relatable Master Trainers, the variety and challenge of the workouts, and the flexibility to train anytime, anywhere.

“In my opinion, HUSTL. offers a raw and authentic workout experience; we are on the mat to make you stronger, to shape your muscles, to increase fat loss, to improve cardio endurance but we are also on the mat to connect with you, to be vulnerable with you and to authentically motivate you throughout every session. This is what makes us stand apart from our competitors.”

Personal Journey and Mental Health Advocacy

Alexz’s personal background in fitness and her struggle with mental health also significantly shaped her journey to founding HUSTL. From a young age, she found solace in exercise as a way to manage her mental clarity. Discovering Pilates was a turning point for Alexz; the controlled movements and breathwork provided both physical results and mental peace.

“I began mixing Pilates into all my other training modalities and the results I was seeing, alongside the improvement of my mental health, was absolutely life-changing and from there the idea and journey of HUSTL. slowly began to grow,” she explained.

In her classes, Alexz brings her true, authentic self, sharing her vulnerabilities and connecting deeply with her clients. This authenticity not only enhances the workout experience but also creates a safe space for participants to work on their mental and physical health. Through HUSTL., Alexz continues to advocate for mental health, using fitness as a powerful tool for holistic well-being. “Ours is a community that values connection and personal growth,” said Alexz. But it’s the innovative and inclusive approach that’s bringing people into her orbit – empowering her clients one at a time.

Alexz Parvi, co-founder of HUSTL., has not only created a thriving fitness platform but also fostered a vibrant community dedicated to both physical and mental well-being. At the heart of HUSTL. is Alexz’s commitment to authenticity, mental health, and innovative fitness approaches that blend Pilates with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Her journey from establishing an in-person studio to launching a successful online fitness app is a testament to her passion and vision.