Alicia Pilates

Arrives in Freshwater

WITH A BRAND NEW BOUTIQUE STUDIO IN THE HEART OF FRESHWATER, ALICIA GRABOWSKI IS ON A MISSION - HELPING PEOPLE STRENGTHEN THEIR MUSCLES AND THEIR MINDS, WRITES DONNA ARMSTRONG.

Avalon local, Alicia Grabowski, is a go getter at heart. A dedicated dancer from the age of four and now approaching 21 years practising Pilates, she understands the alchemy that comes from moving your body daily.

“I started tap, ballet and jazz at four and it was my life. I didn’t discover Pilates until I was 24 and I’ve never looked back,” grins the energetic, mother of two. “I’m 47 years old now and I feel 27.”

Alicia Pilates honors the traditional Joseph Pilates method and promotes the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit.

“It’s body mechanics and stretch and strength work,” says Alicia.

“There are 25-36 exercises in a one-hour class and it’s low impact so it doesn’t hurt your joints. Pilates is all about the core - the core is your power house.”

WORDS: DONNA ARMSTRONG PHOTOS: ALICIA PILATES PILATES FOR EVERYONE

Alicia opened her fi rst home studio in Newport six years ago and credits a loyal network of locals with her early success. “It wasn’t about Facebook or websites when I started my business, it was about my networks - Kindergarten, Newport Primary School, Bilgola Nippers, Newport Rugby. They were the best,” she recalls.

And while many small businesses suffered in 2020, Covid proved the opposite for Alicia who has taken her fi tness brand from a one-man band to 15 staff, three boutique studios, and growing.

“When the pandemic hit, a lot of people were thinking, ‘I can’t go to a big gym’. At Alicia Pilates, we offer an intimate and personalised service and that really worked for us.”

Amidst a pandemic, the brand forged ahead and the latest studio in Freshwater booked 20 clients in its fi rst month.

“I’ve got a great team,” beams Alicia. “Our instructors will challenge you, grow your confi dence and give you support, all while you have fun and hit your goals. I tell people, in 10 sessions, you’ll feel the difference. In 20, you’ll see the difference. In 30, you’ll have a new body.”

And after a chance conversation with a doctor in Townsville, Alicia is convinced Pilates is the key to a long and healthy life.

“I was talking to a bone surgeon in Townsville and I asked him, ‘How do you live a long life?” He said, “The key with a body that ages is to move. Move your body and your bones every day. The more you move, the longer the life you will live.

“At that moment I thought, ‘Pilates represents that. You’re moving, stretching, and strengthening your body and moving your bones.”

CHASE THE DAY

With the health and wellness industry topping $4.5 trillion globally, it’s no surprise business is booming and Alicia trains customers from all walks of life.

“We help people of all ages and fi tness abilities. We see the surfer, the labourer, the middle aged man, the couple, the mum and bub, and the career woman. One of our regular clients is in her 80s.

“We go into diet, mindset and your whole regime. I also affi liate myself with others who are helping the community and we work together as a united front.”

An avid surfer, Alicia is full of health tips and encourages all her clients to design their day for physical and mental success.

“Chase the day, don’t let the day chase you - that’s the mantra I live by,” she smiles. “I love a sunrise, coffee and surf every morning. It sets me up for the day.

“A lot of people think they don’t have time for exercise, but they have time to line up for coffee and scroll social media. My tip? Make exercise a priority, then fi t your coffee and Instagram in around that.” •

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

BOOK A $179 CONSULTATION (INCLUDES 1.5 HOUR BODY ASSESSMENT WORKOUT) AND GET 2 FREE 1-HOUR SEMI-PRIVATE PILATES SESSIONS (NORMALLY $110).