Upgrade Pilates Studio

Upgrade Pilates Studio Train in Classical Pilates for a centred, whole-body upgrade that keeps you limber, strong and calm.

If there's a time that's not available, contact me and we can sort out something.

18/06/2026

The Ped-o-Pul Standing Spine Twist uses the breath as a driver for movement - always exhaling into the rotation. The exhale supports a deeper, more controlled twist through the ribs and spine while keeping the pelvis stable.

That full exhale helps create space for more rotation and reduces tension.

Let the inhale lengthen, and the exhale initiate the twist; so the breath leads and the body follows.

13/06/2026

Long Back Stretch on the Reformer.

In Contrology, the apparatus supports the body, helping us find lift, length and continuous movement while working with and against gravity.

As the carriage moves forward and back, seek the two-way stretch. Especially on the return, use your centre. Reach through the lower body to pull the upper body back through the arms, maintaining lift and support without collapsing into the shoulders.

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09/06/2026

Afternoon mat in the sunshine, finding my two way stretch and lift in the upper back in Leg Pull Front.

05/06/2026

The Backstroke works the whole body and demands coordination through a strong two-way stretch, synchronising arms and legs with control - much like a swimmer pushing through water.
In Contrology, it becomes a whole-body exercise integrating both mind and body.

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REPOST: Date correctionCLASSICAL REFORMER WORKSHOPSDo you come from a contemporary Pilates or fitness background and wan...
04/06/2026

REPOST: Date correction
CLASSICAL REFORMER WORKSHOPS
Do you come from a contemporary Pilates or fitness background and want to better understand the Classical Reformer?

Join Elaine Kwok for this two-part workshop:
• Discover the Classical Reformer structure, logic, and progressions
• Learn how to integrate classical principles into modern teaching
• Gain practical tools to teach with clarity and confidence

📍 Join us in-studio or via live stream
🎓 Earn 7.5 CPDs with Pilates Aotearoa
📅 Sunday 26 July & Sunday 2 August
⏰ 1:00pm–4:00pm (NZ time)

Limited numbers.
www.upgradepilates.co/events or contact [email protected]

Taking expressions of interest for future dates.

01/06/2026

Stillness in the Teaser isn't passive. It comes from the whole body working together from a strong centre, not from muscling through it.
In Contrology, we're constantly refining the connection between mind and body.
It takes practice.
It is a practice.
Give it a go.

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27/05/2026

Breaststroke on the Reformer is a challenging exercise that asks for strength, organisation, and connection through the whole body. I’m currently exploring how to find more upper back lift and connection without losing the support and control of the lower body, and without relying on a spotter.

I’m working with two versions:
• Hands at the front of the box for more immediate upper back connection and feedback
• Arms long beside the box, where you have further to pull and organise into the lift. I’ve added the reverse variation, where you reach, circle, and reconnect the arc to return home. It demands more range, control and timing in the upper body. Which version works best for you?

PilatesPractice

So great for you .forbes and Nigel to swing by. We really enjoyed the conversations and seeing you again after so many y...
23/05/2026

So great for you .forbes and Nigel to swing by. We really enjoyed the conversations and seeing you again after so many years since Proper Pilates days in Kyneton.
See you another time. 💜

20/05/2026

Can you live in a state of “permanent beta” in your practice?

In Contrology, there’s no final version of what you do. No polished endpoint. Just continual refinement, awareness, strength, control, and deeper understanding through practice.

I'm applying this idea to my practice on the Reformer with the Tendon Stretch.

We’re constantly learning, adjusting, and evolving how we move in our bodies. That’s the work.

PS: I borrowed the phrase “permanent beta” from Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn cofounder), who describes something in beta as continually being tested and refined, never truly finished.

PPS: A great phrase to apply in everyday life too!

14/05/2026

Like Joe Pilates taught, use the foot strap to support and connect the lower body while pressing into the footbar, helping you lift the upper back into your arch spine shape. Keep lengthening and stretching from a strong centre to discover your two-way stretch.

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Redvale Road, Redwood Valley
Nelson
7081

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
Tuesday 9am - 10am
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 10am
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

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