About Us
Established in 2021, SISU is a Reformer Pilates Studio in the heart of Pukekohe, Auckland.
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SISU was born out of a passion for delivering dynamic movement classes using the Reformer Pilates machine. Our classes are designed to challenge your body and your mind, along with improving strength, fitness and your ability to push past your limits.
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We are passionate about making Reformer Pilates as accessible as possible and we are New Zealand's first dual studio, offering live, instructor-led classes for up to 10 people in our group studio and a separate, self-access studio for virtual, on demand Reformer Pilates.
We are an inclusive community that values everyone that steps through our doors. Our classes are kept small so we can get to know you and how you move so we can connect and empower you to explore movement in a way that feels good for your body. We notice when you don't come to class and we pay attention to what's going on in your life because we genuinely care about our members. We celebrate every body at every ability, because we want you to know that you are so much more than what you look like.
We are committed to supporting our local Franklin community and love seeing our neighbours in small business succeed, so we support local where we can. We also feel strongly about protecting our environment, aiming to eliminate waste and use natural products wherever possible.
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The core mission of our business has always been about how we can help more people live a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life to ultimately contribute more positively to our community. But not everyone can (or wants to) do Pilates. That got us thinking about how we can give back to our community in other ways, so we have decided to donate a small portion of every paid class attendance to charity each month. That means every time you pay come to a class, you are not only doing great things for yourself, you are giving back to others - win win!
Meet Our Incredible Team
We are a little biased, but we have the BEST team! All of our clients started as clients in our group studio, and turned their love for Pilates into becoming instructors. Our talented teachers have all completed their Matwork & Reformer Certification through world-renowned Breathe Education, as well as undergoing rigorous mentorship with our senior teaching team. As an evidence-based studio, we are passionate about staying up to date with the latest research in exercise science so we can help our clients achieve optimal results, therefore we invest heavily in ongoing education and upskilling for our team so YOU can get the best experience.
Abby Fitzgerald
What can we expect from your classes?
Plenty of spice, bad jokes and lots of laughs. I encourage my clients to connect with their bodies, explore their capabilities and challenge their limits.
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Where can we find you outside the studio?
Spending time with my family - hubby Scott and daughter Quinn. I love staying active, cooking and
upskilling in all things exercise science, business and personal development.
Tyla Hudson
What is your favourite thing about teaching Reformer Pilates?
Watching my clients become stronger and more confident, and achieving things they never thought they could really excites me!
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Where can we find you outside the studio?
You'll find me up the road hiding behind a coffee machine! When I'm not there, I'm out walking
my wee sausage dog Bea.
Sam Kimber
How did you get into Reformer Pilates?
I have always been an active person, however an ongoing battle with back pain made me turn to reformer Pilates. It has been the best thing for my body, especially after having kids. Low impact yet leaving me sweaty and sore in all the right places.
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Where can we find you outside the studio?
Either at the hospital working as a Radiation Therapist, or running around after my two gorgeous kids.
Kelly Van Niekerk
How did you get into Reformer Pilates?
As part of my recovery from Bariatric surgery I thought iI would give it a try, never knowing just how appealing the movement would be for a body undergoing huge change.
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Where can we find you outside the studio?
At the hospital as an Anaesthetic Technician or home with my husband, 4 kids and 2 dogs.
Fin Lambermon
How did you get into Reformer Pilates?
I did high intensity workouts for years and as much as I loved them, my body didn't! After years figuring out how to listen to my body and what it needed, I found Reformer gave me the challenge and strength I needed whilst supporting me and keeping me out of the fight or flight mode I'd been experiencing with HIIT.
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Where can we find you outside the studio?
I work protecting our beautiful motu from exotic pests/diseases for my 9-5. In my spare time you'll find me in, on or around the ocean - surfing, scuba diving or boating. When that's not possible it's spending time with my partner and dog, and enjoying time with our loved ones.
Byron Van Niekerk
What can we expect from your classes?
A welcoming and friendly personality, playful but ensuring you have a good workout during your time with me.
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Where can we find you outside the studio?
Family life in our busy household of 4 kids and 2 dogs. My other career is an Anaesthetic Technician at Middlemore Hospital and some cycling sprinkled on the side when Auckland weather allows for it