Creating healthier, more connected communities

BEST friends, mums and Torquay locals Emma Sharp and Niki Leana are creating a community and building a movement like no other in Geelong and the Surf Coast through their reformer Pilates, mat Pilates and yoga studios CorePlus.

And with a third studio recently opened in Ocean Grove, they’re passionate about their purpose to create healthier, more connected communities.

“Our studios are truly a place to belong. We believe in connection and community, because we know we’re better together,” Emma said.

Having met over five years ago through their boys’ kindergarten, Emma and Niki quickly became close friends and realised the potential of working together.

Emma, a personal trainer and instructor, has been with CorePlus since the beginning, working in the head office team to develop and facilitate the reformer offering. Emma and her husband Cameron opened CorePlus Geelong in 2020 where Cam, a carpenter turned studio maintenance manager, led the striking build.

“We always knew we wanted to expand CorePlus into Torquay, but after the effects of COVID hit, it took a bit of a back seat,” Emma said.

That is until Niki came along.

“I was on a break from my career in PR and communications and was looking for something more fulfilling, that could make a real difference in peoples’ lives. When I met Emma and Cam and discovered CorePlus, I knew they’d created something special and I had to be part of it,” Niki said.

Emma and Niki quickly realised what a force they would be working together.

Two years later, the doors to the expansive Torquay studio opened, and by late 2024 it was Ocean Grove’s turn.

“We’re so excited to have recently opened our newest CorePlus studio, completing the trio of CorePlus on the Surf Coast. Ocean Grove is the little sister to the Geelong and Torquay spaces, and she’s a real beauty,” Niki said.

The CorePlus Surf Coast studios have everything you need under one roof. Within the three disciplines of reformer Pilates, mat Pilates and yoga, you’ll find 10 unique class types across two movement spaces. Architecturally designed, the studios contain state-of-the-art equipment and premium amenities.

“We’re so proud of the spaces we’ve created; they’re modern yet welcoming, uplifting yet calming. The perfect setting for our community to move and connect,” Emma said.

While each studio differs slightly in layout and size, one thing remains the same – the welcoming feeling you get when you walk through the doors and the people within the spaces that truly bring them to life.

“We have the most incredible team of passionate, experienced, knowledgeable instructors. Our team are an extension of our families and we’re so proud to have them at the heart of our studios and communities,” Niki said.

Emma and Niki are now looking ahead to some exciting things in 2025, and connecting and collaborating with their communities is at the forefront.

“Geelong and the Surf Coast is home to the most inspiring women in business. We’re passionate about connecting with local, like-minded businesses – we can all learn so much from each other and lift each other up,” Emma said.

Visit Emma and Niki in one of their CorePlus Studios at 401 Moorabool Street, Geelong; 27 Baines Crescent, Torquay; and Kingston Village Plaza off Grubb Road in Ocean Grove.

Use the code COREPLUSONUS for your first free class.

Head to core-plus.com/au/studios/geelong, core-plus.com/au/studios/torquay and oceangrove core-plus.com/au/studios/oceangrove