Hey there, I’m Nicole, founder of NJOY Pilates and lover of moving my body for the sheer joy of it. I want YOU to feel empowered, confident and connected as part of our NJOY community. I completed my instructor training with Barre Body, who opened the first Barre studio in Australia and have the most comprehensive Barre training program worldwide. Read on to find out a little more about my story and what inspired me to open my own studio…

I had a unique upbringing - my Dad was in a wheelchair when I was growing up. He was paralysed when someone spear tackled him playing rugby and left him a Quadriplegic (he never walked again). Yet he was never bitter about the accident, never complained and never bad-mouthed the man who injured him. He still loved the game, and always said he’d go back to playing again tomorrow if he could.

My Dad lived the rest of his life unable to run, jump and hug – all seemingly small things we so often take for granted. His attitude taught me to be forever grateful that I can move my body and helps me remember what a privilege that is.

My relationship with my body and exercise hasn’t always been healthy, however. In my early twenties I became obsessed with exercising to the point of extreme, spending hours at the gym lifting weights and running 10km daily. From overly restrictive dietary habits, I developed an eating disorder. This was not honouring my body, or the values imparted to me by my Father.

I knew I had to change and for me that was discovering Barre and Pilates. This style of movement was low impact and focused on mindful movement (and loads of fun!) It offered me a different challenge from what I was used to, was enjoyable and brought balance to my life.