RESORT 25
Premium Pilates Studio Spotlight
With studio co-founder, Emily Berkelmans
Premium Pilates & Fitness has become a go-to destination for expert, inclusive movement. We spoke with co-founder Emily to explore the studio’s beginnings, the passionate team behind it, and what makes Premium Pilates & Fitness a standout in Brisbane’s wellness scene.
Can you tell us how the studio got started and what inspired its creation?
Myself and Chris, my husband, founded Premium Pilates and Fitness (PPF) in August 2012 after noticing a gap in the fitness industry for community-focused Pilates. We began with small Reformer classes in a shared space with a gym and physiotherapist. For years, it was just the two of us, but over time we expanded our team and class offerings to include Matwork, Stretch, Barre, Mums n Bubs, Strength X Cardio, PIT (Pilates Interval Training), and Yoga.
In late 2018, we identified another gap in the fitness industry: the high cost of Pilates classes. To make it more accessible, we introduced an unlimited weekly class membership, allowing clients to afford regular Pilates and fitness sessions at a price comparable to a single casual class.
How would you describe the atmosphere in the studio in just a few words?
Welcoming, approachable and fun!
Which class or style of session tends to be a team favorite—and why?
Our Strength x Cardio classes are loved by so many staff members: I think because the class includes an equal amount of weight bearing exercises and cardiovascular exercises, so the workout is unparalleled and the energy is high!
For someone attending their very first Pilates session, what advice would you give?
Don’t be scared! We know the reformer and / or the mat can appear terrifying, but it will change your life for the better! All we hear is clients say that they wish they had tried Pilates earlier in their life!
How do you foster a sense of community among clients and instructors?
By providing affordable, accessible, high-quality Pilates and group fitness in positive studio environments, led by passionate, knowledgeable, and approachable instructors. We pride ourselves on our company culture that champions inclusivity, non-judgment, ongoing communication, teamwork, equality, kindness, compassion and respect.
Do you offer any workshops or special programs outside of regular classes?
We do! I created PPF’s Pilates Instructor Training Program in 2017, in which we offer accessible, comprehensive and accredited Pilates teacher training! https://www.premiumpilates.com.au/pilates-instructor-training
We also have PPF’s Online Studio, which features 100’s of Reformer, Mat, Barre, HIIT, Stretch and Yoga workouts, so you can work out with us anytime, anywhere!
https://www.premiumpilates.com.au/online-content
What’s something new or exciting coming up at the studio this year?
We are opening a fourth studio, at Wynnum in Brisbane! Hopefully it will open its doors in August-September 2025: watch this space!
If the studio had a mission statement or mantra, what would it be?
Every class should offer a great experience!
Premium Pilates & Fitness has become a go-to destination for expert, inclusive movement. We spoke with co-founder Emily to explore the studio’s beginnings, the passionate team behind it, and what makes Premium Pilates & Fitness a standout in Brisbane’s wellness scene.
Can you tell us how the studio got started and what inspired its creation?
Myself and Chris, my husband, founded Premium Pilates and Fitness (PPF) in August 2012 after noticing a gap in the fitness industry for community-focused Pilates. We began with small Reformer classes in a shared space with a gym and physiotherapist. For years, it was just the two of us, but over time we expanded our team and class offerings to include Matwork, Stretch, Barre, Mums n Bubs, Strength X Cardio, PIT (Pilates Interval Training), and Yoga.
In late 2018, we identified another gap in the fitness industry: the high cost of Pilates classes. To make it more accessible, we introduced an unlimited weekly class membership, allowing clients to afford regular Pilates and fitness sessions at a price comparable to a single casual class.
How would you describe the atmosphere in the studio in just a few words?
Welcoming, approachable and fun!
Which class or style of session tends to be a team favorite—and why?
Our Strength x Cardio classes are loved by so many staff members: I think because the class includes an equal amount of weight bearing exercises and cardiovascular exercises, so the workout is unparalleled and the energy is high!
For someone attending their very first Pilates session, what advice would you give?
Don’t be scared! We know the reformer and / or the mat can appear terrifying, but it will change your life for the better! All we hear is clients say that they wish they had tried Pilates earlier in their life!
How do you foster a sense of community among clients and instructors?
By providing affordable, accessible, high-quality Pilates and group fitness in positive studio environments, led by passionate, knowledgeable, and approachable instructors. We pride ourselves on our company culture that champions inclusivity, non-judgment, ongoing communication, teamwork, equality, kindness, compassion and respect.
Do you offer any workshops or special programs outside of regular classes?
We do! I created PPF’s Pilates Instructor Training Program in 2017, in which we offer accessible, comprehensive and accredited Pilates teacher training! https://www.premiumpilates.com.au/pilates-instructor-training
We also have PPF’s Online Studio, which features 100’s of Reformer, Mat, Barre, HIIT, Stretch and Yoga workouts, so you can work out with us anytime, anywhere!
https://www.premiumpilates.com.au/online-content
What’s something new or exciting coming up at the studio this year?
We are opening a fourth studio, at Wynnum in Brisbane! Hopefully it will open its doors in August-September 2025: watch this space!
If the studio had a mission statement or mantra, what would it be?
Every class should offer a great experience!