Promoting good health in all its forms

OVERLOOKING Lake Wendouree there’s a new exercise studio helping residents of all ages reach their physical potentials.

Founded by Lisa Dumayne, Upmotion Pilates has a strong focus on ensuring exercise is inclusive and accessible for all, which is something she said should be a given.

“Because of the benefits I’ve received because of it, I’m just so passionate about Pilates and how good it makes me feel that I want to share it with as many people as I can,” she said.

“I hope that people walk out of the classes feeling like they’ve achieved something.

“I’m also studying exercise science and planning to pursue a career in exercise physiology and eventually use Pilates to allow people to become the fittest, strongest and healthiest person they can regardless of injuries, chronic conditions or health problems.”

After previously working in the space, located in the top story of the historic Ballarat City Boat Shed, as part of a physio clinic, she fell in love with the location.

When the spot became available, Ms Dumayne said she jumped at the chance to open her own business and in such a special place.

“It’s got so much spirit and soul, partly because of the fact that it’s 150 years old and been through two world wars, so it has a lot of connection to community and to leave it not in use would be a shame,” she said.

“People have a really strong connection to this space and it’s wonderful to keep that connection going and offer something positive for the community.

“I’m passionate about preserving the history of a place and encouraging people to appreciate it while doing something for their own health and wellbeing such as Pilates, it’s a win, win.”

Having opened just as the pandemic hit earlier this year, Upmotion initially moved its classes and offerings online until it was safe to resume in person.

Although she faced many challenges when first starting out, Ms Dumayne said it was great to finally welcome people back into the studio.

“It was nice to have a full class and as we ease towards life going back to normal, we’ll start to offer some more classes,” she said.

However, with the plethora of offerings at Upmotion already extensive, Ms Dumayne aims to be as inclusive to all skill levels as possible.

“We offer anything from beginner level and the classes are just focused on understanding the principles of Pilates, how to breathe through exercise and movement,” she said.

“We also have a foundations classes, outdoor Pilates by the lake and flow and athletic classes which are both a bit more intermediate and dynamic.

“Yoga is starting soon as well so that will be wonderful and, moving forward, I want to offer men’s classes and classes to really young kids.”

Promoting a positive and uplifting atmosphere, Ms Dumayne said her studio is a place for people to feel their best both mentally and physically.

“It’s important to stop and reconnect with your own body and mind so we feel the best we can possibly feel so we can have a more positive impact in our communities and our lives,” she said.

“We sometimes neglect our own health and put it on last on or list of priorities, but I think it should be first because then it makes all those other things on the list far easier to tackle.”

To book a Upmotion Pilates session or learn more about the classes, visit upmotionpilates.com.