One Playground's Fresh Approach to Pilates and Fitness
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Newtown in Sydney, Australia, One Playground’s latest studio reflects how they have been redefining the traditional concept of fitness since 2014. This is their third reformer studio, boasting an impressive 20 beds, and follows the success of studios in Marrickville and Surry Hills in inner Sydney. This growth is not just counted in their three studios but is also conceptual, as One Playground introduces clients to a fitness experience that is as diverse as it is immersive.
At One Playground, the philosophy goes beyond mere exercise; it's about creating an environment where fitness becomes an avenue for freedom, creativity, and self-expression. Their approach to fitness is holistic, encompassing a multitude of experiences that cater to all walks of life. With a diverse range of classes, from traditional reformer sessions like 'Foundations' and 'Signature' to specialised offerings like 'Reformer HIIT,' 'Reformer Strong,' 'Reformer Jumpboard,' and 'Reformer Flex,' clients are experiencing things a little differently.
Reformer Flex as one example focuses more on upper body work. Focused more on rotational movements and weighted flows. The theraband becomes the prop of choice in this class and allows One Playground members to mix up their Reformer classes so they can choose to focus on legs one day and upper body the other.
In addition to their reformer and Mat Pilates classes, One Playground offers three hybrid classes – 'BodyBurn' (Pilates and cardio), 'BodyFlow' (Pilates and yoga), and 'BodySculpt' (Pilates and strength) – further enhancing their offerings and ensuring there is something for everyone. These classes are more dynamic than traditional Pilates classes. They focus on flow and an energetic feel.
What sets One Playground apart is their Superboutique mentality offering a range of fitness and wellness experiences under one roof. Unlike traditional gyms or studios, One Playground focuses on personalised experiences, innovative classes, and client-centric services. This mentality allows them to stay agile, adapt quickly to industry trends, and provide clients with a unique and tailored fitness experience.
One Playground's commitment to innovation is also evident in their approach to studio design and construction. “We are heavily involved in the design and construction of our studios,” says Claudia, Head of Wellness at One Playground. “We think holistically about how spaces are utilised, how we want bodies to move in these spaces, and how we can transform them into immersive environments as needed, akin to movie sets or catwalks.”
Music plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall experience at One Playground. Carefully curated to complement each session, the music adds a soulful dimension to the workouts. Whether it's the faster BPMs in their HIIT classes or the energising tempo in their Mat Pilates sessions, music creates a dynamic and energetic atmosphere, making each class a unique and engaging experience.
But innovation at One Playground goes beyond just music and class design. They incorporate unique equipment like therabands in their 'Reformer Flex' class and ankle weights in other sessions, adding new dimensions to traditional Pilates workouts and keeping clients engaged and excited.
Claudia’s journey to the world of Pilates and fitness is as creative as the approach One Playground takes to their classes. With a background in the arts, Claudia’s lens offers an out-of-the-box perspective, blending her teaching in barre and Pilates with her passion for design. This artistic vision is evident in One Playground's commitment to not just following trends but setting them. "We give our trainers a framework and let them be creative,” Claudia states. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, One Playground ensures that each class is unique, engaging, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of their clients. “We’re always looking at designing new class programs too. We’re staying ahead of the curve not just on trend,” said Claudia.
It’s evident that One Playground's innovative approach to Pilates and fitness and wellness is setting new standards in the industry. With their creative blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, immersive environments, and commitment to excellence, they are not just a fitness studio; they are a playground for the body, mind, and soul. As they continue to expand and grow, one thing is certain – One Playground is leading the way in redefining what a fitness studio could be, offering "Endless Experiences" to all who walk through their doors.
Claudia Howard is the Head of Wellness at One Playground.