From Hollywood to Sydney: Maria Leone Brings Her Bold Pilates to Australia
When Maria Leone steps onto the stage at the Pilates Journal Expo in Sydney this February, it will mark her very first visit to Australia—and an exciting new chapter in a storied Pilates career that spans decades, industries, and iconic moments.
The founder and director of Bodyline Pilates in Los Angeles, Leone is widely known for her sharp eye, fierce passion, and no-nonsense dedication to the integrity of the Pilates method. For 30 years, her studio has remained a haven for high-performance athletes, professional dancers, and clients seeking intelligent, rehabilitative movement. Now, in 2026, she’s ready to connect with the Australian Pilates community and experience the country’s vibrant wellness culture firsthand.
Leone’s path into Pilates wasn’t exactly traditional. “At 28 I was running Bodyline while dancing professionally,” she shares. “On my last gig, which was the Academy Awards, I was the assistant choreographer and seated next to Jennifer Lopez at the Governor’s Ball. It was her first time presenting, and I knew her from the dance world—we’d sometimes be auditioning for the same job. She became a ‘Fly Girl.’ I did not.”
That same mix of drive, artistry, and humility would go on to shape the ethos of Bodyline Pilates. While many studios have shifted with the tides of fitness fads, Leone has held fast to the essence of the work. “In the ever-changing world of fitness, Bodyline has stood the test of time,” she says. “We’ve stayed true to the integrity of Pilates while evolving to meet the needs of every body—from professional athletes to clients in their 90s.”
Her studio specializes in both high-level conditioning and deeply restorative work, and she’s especially proud of the long-term client relationships that have formed over the years. “While other studios may chase trends, we remain grounded in Pilates principles and in providing what our clients need—whether it’s strength, recovery, or athletic conditioning.”
Part of Bodyline’s staying power comes from Leone’s relentless curiosity and refusal to rest on her laurels. “I’ve kept my business relevant by constantly evolving and never settling for ‘good enough,’” she explains. “I regularly assess and refine our services to meet the needs of our community. I’m always thinking about how to make our space more welcoming, functional, and inspiring. My competitive edge fuels a desire to lead, not follow.”
One of her newest passions? Strength training for women over 50. “I’m excited about adding more weight and strength to our industry,” she says. “It’s so important to accommodate the changing needs of this demographic—and Pilates is uniquely positioned to support them.”
Still, she admits that the industry has some growing pains to work through. “The biggest misconception right now is that any exercise done on equipment that looks like a reformer is Pilates,” she says. “There are too many lanes these days. I’m trying to promote the idea of ‘Reformer Fitness,’ but it’s not taking off fast enough!”
Even with a full career behind her, there are moments that still stand out. Leone lights up when she recalls working with pro big wave surfer Maya Gabeira. “I prepped her for a photo shoot after a bad injury to her lower back,” she says. “We had to have her out of pain enough to ride a wave.” Then there was the circus—literally. “I trained the performing artists of Cirque du Soleil. Incredible to work with them and make a difference in their performance.”
As she prepares for her first time presenting in Australia and sharing her insights and knowledge with trainers at the Pilates Journal Expo, Leone is just as passionate about mentoring the next generation. Her advice to new teachers is clear and grounded. “Do your research. Where you get your education matters—choose an internationally recognised program with a strong lineage and experienced mentors. And start creating a social media presence early on—not for vanity, but to share your ‘why’ and begin connecting with the wider community.”
She also urges new instructors not to chase the highest paycheck out of the gate. “Instead, seek out opportunities that offer mentorship, a variety of teaching experiences, and a team of seasoned instructors who are generous with their knowledge.”
Leone’s vision for the future is equally rooted in purpose. “I would love the word Pilates to be synonymous with studios that apply Joe’s principles of breath, balance, control, concentration, centering, precision, rhythm and flow, whole-body movement, and relaxation,” she says. “It’s too late for us to go back to calling it ‘Contrology,’ even though that’s a better description of what we teach.”
And as for the trip to Australia? “I have no idea what to expect,” she smiles. “I know that Pilates is booming and that there are a lot of great teachers coming out of Australia. I want to explore the natural beauty of your country and understand how your culture values fitness and wellness—and of course I must see a kangaroo and swim in your oceans, unless there are poisonous jellyfish!”
Maria Leone, owner of Bodyline, the longest standing Pilates studio in Los Angeles, has been teaching Pilates for over 30 years. Her career includes certifying teachers with Balanced Body and her own continuing education program, The Bodyline Method. Maria is an internationally lauded teacher and has clients of all ages and backgrounds including pro surfer Maya Gabeira, and A-list actor Jennifer Aniston. Maria danced professionally, holds a black belt in tae kwon do, and has been a long-time devotee of yoga. She brings all these disciplines into the work she teaches along with her 30 years of passion for Pilates.
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