Game-changing equipment that increases your studio capacity
After working for some of the biggest fitness brands across the globe, Roz and Dave Norman needed something more, something for them. Roz explained, “my husband Dave and I had worked for multiple fitness brands and I finally decided I was ready to live my passion project…for me that was opening my own Pilates studio in Miami in South East Queensland back in 2015.
“I had three kids under four and I needed something to light my fire again. It was a small studio, two tiny rooms but we made it work.
“Then in 2017, Dave had an epiphany whilst on a surf trip in Indonesia that we needed to try something new after watching the direction of where the boutique space would head. We had sold out of his equipment business and moved to Singapore to work for Virgin Active. Dave was heading up the Fitness business while I headed up Pilates for Virgin in the Singapore and Bangkok markets (who also used Merrithew reformers). So we left our little studio with our manager and I made frequent trips back to check in.
“We were able to head home at the start of 2020 and expand and concentrate on our own brand but then Covid hit and that changed everything for us, the focus was on managing the lockdown and we started to film content for our clients to use online. We continued to build and support our community. When we were finally allowed to reopen we discovered that so many people needed to move again and Pilates was a perfect exercise modality as each participant had their own reformer per class and these were well spaced etc plus there was this influx of people from Sydney and Melbourne.
“The majority of our classes cater for beginners and intermediate clients so it’s important that our equipment can support up to 45-50 classes per week.
“We have 43 Reformers, all SPX Max, four Cadillacs, three V2 reformers, six (Stability) Wunda Chairs, two Ladder Barrels plus other accessories to look after and I’m a clean freak so it matters to me that we maintain these machines well.
“We also run a lot of workshops and film content once a month, so it’s important that these machines are stackable. Sure it takes two people to stack it but they are also easy to roll out.
“I must admit along the way I did try and get a couple of pieces from another equipment provider and quickly regretted my choice. I got rid of it and started to ask myself why I doubted my choice in the first place.
“Not long after re-starting our business in real life, we had to move out of our existing premises. This saw us find a new space in Burleigh for a flagship studio. Increasing from 90 to 220 square metres was a game changer for us. With a bigger premises we needed more reformer equipment and I knew that I’d be purchasing Merrithew products from the Leisure Concepts team. Not long after opening Burleigh we opened Bundall - it was all within a couple of months but we made it happen. The Leisure Concepts team assisted us greatly during this time.
“For us it had to be Merrithew equipment because it just does the job well. It does what it says it does and it’s one of the best. The equipment is really sturdy.
“I’ve been in studios where I hear another reformer creak and it makes me feel uncomfortable. Whereas with the Merrithew equipment from Leisure Concepts, the rollers and the ride are always smooth. Some equipment can feel quite clunky, like when you need to hook on the springs and you feel like you could get yourself hooked. I like that the ball that fits on the gear bar fits well.
“I need to have confidence in my equipment and with Mike and the team at Leisure Concepts I know I can be safely assured. I have several reformers from them that are now nine years old and still going. I have so much confidence in this product. Sure it’s an investment but it’s completely worth it.
“In May 2023 we opened our third studio Robina which meant we needed the help of the Leisure Concepts team again to get enough equipment promptly for our third studio. We operate the Robina studio the same as our proven model of group reformer classes (14pax) and a small group area for 1:3 and private appointments using the apparatus equipment. Robina does offer a slightly different experience for our clients with an upstairs mezzanine for our privates and we have group reformer classes downstairs. At Pilates&Co our group formats can be beginner, all levels, intermediate then we have Reformer HIIT, Reformer Strength and Reformer Fit (jumpboards) as well as stretch and relax and bring your bubs. It’s been nearly a year now and this business keeps growing from strength to strength.
“At the end of the day, we didn’t want to be just another Pilates studio. We wanted to give our clients a broader offering that included some HIIT training, strength training and other elements to create a well-rounded workout and I’m proud to say that’s what we do so well. Offering private and tailored small group sessions also means clients can experience a full repertoire of equipment Pilates movements whatever their level. The Merrithew equipment from Leisure Concepts just makes it all the more possible. I wouldn’t use anything else,” said Roz.
Speak to Mike from Leisure Concepts Australia to find out which equipment is best for you and your studio. 1300 911 441.
Leisure Concepts supplies premium fitness equipment to industry professionals, focusing on complete service from the initial design concept to ongoing professional service and maintenance. They believe in strategy before price and suggest products that result in clients coming back time and time again. View their products here.
