You've got to have soul

We were meant to move

2012-02-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

The Teaser

2012-02-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

The other week we posted some stunning photos of our friend Verity doing pilates in the desert
and it got us thinking...
Where's the most interesting place you've done Pilates?
Help us put together an Album on facebook by sending in a photo of you doing Teaser in an interesting place!

Here are some examples including the lovely Verity
Get creative!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2012-02-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

How important is exercise?

2012-02-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

BodyFlying

2012-02-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Pilates on the go

2012-01-29T16:03:00.000-08:00

Our lovely friend Verity recently travelled to Jordan where she took these wonderful photos!
She was so determined to continue practicing her Pilates that she cut her matt in half so she could fit it in her backpack.

So this got us thinking
where's the most interesting place you've done your Pilates?
Let us know!
The Soul Team

And that's how it's done

2012-01-28T17:22:00.000-08:00

Pilates at school

2012-01-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

As you all know the last day of official classes were on the 23rd of Jan, resuming back on the 9th.
However there will be selected sessions available until then with Celeste, so feel free to contact the studio to find out what times are still available if you feel like squeezing in a class.

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a great New Years.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the new year!

The soul Team

In loving memory

2011-12-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

On Dec 6th the Pilates world lost one of its great visionaries with the passing of
Ron Fletcher.
Ron was one of 5 to study Pilates under Joseph and continued to study with Clara after Joseph's passing.
He was a dancer in the Martha Graham dance company and it was a nagging knee injury that led him to Joseph and the Pilates world.

Ron Fletcher was a generous and spirited teacher, a hands-on mentor, a gifted soul.
A memorial service is planned for May 5, 2012 in Tucson, Arizona. Per Ron's request, donations can be made, in his memory, to your favourite animal charity or cause.

Happiness

2011-12-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Heavenly Sounds

2011-12-04T20:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we featured about a band called "Seeker Lover Keeper" for Music Monday and their beautiful song "Even though I’m a woman".
On the 28th Nov we were lucky enough to see them perform live at St Michael's church for their heavenly sounds tour and we were absolutely blown away!
Each of them brought a unique quality and beauty to the songs and displayed just how talented they really were by rotating and swapping instruments for every song.
They were just so lovely it was hard not to rush out onto the stage and hug them.

Their supporting act "Henry Wagons" held his own too with his country style music that was clearly modelled by his love of the greats Cash and Presley.

We hope some of you made it to the show too
Have a great week!
The Soul Team

Spin!

2011-12-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Meet Lenny

2011-12-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

A little nervous to try Pilates?
Dont' be....Anyone can do it!

Thinking positive for the new year

2011-12-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

A new year means new beginnings.
So whether you got all you wanted out of this year or not, next year is a fresh start.
Start thinking about all the wonderful things you will manifest for your life in 2012 and make it happen!

Art By Night

2011-11-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

We all know Melbourne has endless alleyways splashed with art and quirky graffiti but now here's an opportunity to actually go and see it all...and at twilight!

Take a tour around the streets of Melbourne with host Bernie Alibrando and experience for yourself all the underappreciated art that hides within them.
This local's tour will allow you to visit street ‘galleries,’ old and new, famous and never heard of as well as pop into an opening or two.

The tours run from 6-8pm and groups are no more than 8 people.
Plus your host will insist on starting and finishing with a few wines and gourmet treats.

Dates: Friday 25th November | Friday 2nd December | Friday 9th December | Friday 16th December | Friday 23rd December
Bookings: Call 8415 0449
Or email info@walktoart.com.au
More details: walktoart.com.au

There's nothing better than art under the stars
Enjoy!
The Soul Team

So Frenchy So Chic

2011-11-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

So Frenchy So Chic in the Park is a one day celebration of the new French music performed against the magical backdrop of Werribee Park Mansion.

There will be artists such as Moriarty, ASA, Fefe and Nouvelle Vague performing as well as everything Parisian from crepes and macaroons to wine and cheese.

The event will be on Sunday the 15th January.
Doors open at 11:30am and tickets are $74.
To purchase tickets online click....Here

It's the perfect day to round up a bunch of friends and dust off the old picnic blanket.
This is truly what the French call "joie de vivre"...the joy of living!

And for a sneak peak at one of the songs on the So Frenchy So Chic album for 2012, watch the video above of the song "Et Ta Mère" by Zoufris Maracas.

Happy Music Monday!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-11-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

Now here's someone with a lot of Soul!
Lisa Hannigan, from Ireland, has just released her second album and this song along with the video clip is definitely brightening up our week.

Have a colourful day!
The Soul Team

Soul Pilates Profiles

2011-11-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

This week to co-inside with Rebecca’s 2nd annual concert of her own dance studio we are proud to share with you Rebecca Magazzu.
Having worked at various Pilates studios and physiotherapy clinics Rebecca brings her enthusiasm for working with different abilities and strengths to the Soul Pilates team.

Bec has a background in performing, teaching and choreographing dance. She graduated from the VCA in 2004 with a Bachelor of Dance, before training with the PhysicalMind Institute and qualifying as an APMA Pilates instructor in 2006. As well as conducting regular Pilates sessions, she teaches classical ballet, contemporary dance and jazz to various ages at her dance school “Constellation Dance Academy”

So, if you would like to come and see the Constellation Dance Academy's history themed concert or would like more information on Bec's school please check out the Facebook page by clicking...Here.

We are so proud to have her as part of the Soul Team!

The Reformer

2011-11-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

The most widely used piece of apparatus, and probably the most important, is the Reformer.
It consists of a platform that moves back and forth along a carriage. Resistance is provided by the exerciser's body weight and by springs attached to the carriage and platform.

By lying supine on the reformer you can support the spine while concentrating on engaging the correct core muscles and retrain neuro-muscular patterning.

Hands in straps series:
Curl up with single leg stretch is a fundamental exercise working on both upper and lower torso and limbs.
It focuses on working lats, triceps, deeper abdominals and legs.
Co-ordinated with breathing this exercise allows full body integration.

The Footage below is of Joesph Pilates at age 64, introducing the Universal Reformer to the son of Dr. Hillel.

Enjoy!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-10-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

Recorded live at Air studios

An amazing cover of "new slang" by the shins mixed with coldplay's "don't panic"
These kids are amazing!

Have a great cup day!
The Soul Team

Magnetic Island retreat

2011-10-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Soul team is introducing some fun, active and soulful retreats that will leave you feeling re-energised, re-invigorated and relaxed.
The first destination of its kind will be Magnetic Island.
To have a look at just how beautiful this island is, check out the video above.
Please feel free to contact Celeste on 96999405 for more details and dates.

Hope to see you there!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-10-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a big year for the folk inspired band Husky.
Having played around Melbourne for years to their dedicated fans, they have finally broken through to new heights.

After winning Triple J Unearthed, the band continues to win hearts with every sold-out show around the country. Recent performance highlights include supporting Devandra Banhart, Noah and the Whale, Kimbra, Jinja Safari and Gotye.

On 21 October, the band’s anticipated second album Forever So will be released
and we can't wait to hear it

The video above is for their single "Dark Sea".
Keep your eyes peeled for a certain Soul Pilates instructor featured in the video! :)

Happy Monday everyone!
The Soul Team

Flashback

2011-10-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Here is some original footage of Joseph Pilates working with one of his students, Romana, in the 40's.
Such beautiful quality of movement!
He really was the genius of the body.

Enjoy
The Soul Team

The Wunda Chair

2011-10-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

Invented by J.H. Pilates, originally its purpose was to be a multi functional piece for home use. It doubles as a chair for your living room and can be turned around to use for hundreds of exercises.

It is a strength based apparatus which focuses more so on the core muscles for functional strength and movement.

It helps to strengthen the postural muscles in the upright position and with over 200 exercises can work on full body integration.

The pike:

An advanced exercise that demonstrates global and core strength. To achieve this movement, shoulder girdle stability and the use of the Pilates breath is imperative in order to achieve the perfect spinal articulation.

Music Monday

2011-10-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Bon Iver is a folk band, created by American indie singer/songwriter Justin Vernon.
His debut album, "For Emma, Forever ago", was released in 2007 and was welcomed with open arms by music lovers everywhere.
His second, self titled, album was released in June this year and fans couldn't be happier!
It's just as whimsical and powerful as the first album; perfect to listen to whilst sitting by the fireplace on a winter’s night with a glass of wine.

The name Bon Iver is derived from the French phrase bon hiver...Meaning good winter.
This just makes us love the name even more.

As well as headlining at Golden plans next year, he will be playing side shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide - you can see the dates and venues over here.

The footage above is from a small intimate show, in someone’s apartment, in the heart of Paris.
It's beautiful to see how music brings people together.
Happy Monday
The Soul Team

Lululemon

2011-10-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

Founded in 1998 in Vancouver the active wear brand Lululemon quickly took over the world and was embraced by active bodies everywhere.
We know how much everyone at Soul loves the brand as there is at least one Lulu outfit in every class.
The fabrics used pull moisture away from your skin, spreading it evenly throughout the fabric so it evaporates faster, helping the fabric to dry quickly. This means you stay cooler during your run or pilates class, and warmer afterwards as your clothing starts to dry.
The quality is so strong that the clothing lasts for years.

The brand also has a very positive vibe, with emphasis on goal setting and living a happy, healthy life.
This shows strongly in their manifesto which you can read below.

To have a look at the current range click...here.
And well done to everyone who was involved in the Melbourne marathon yesterday!
The Soul Team

Happy Birthday!

2011-10-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

The Australian ballet is celebrating their 50th anniversary season!
With a year promising to delve both into the future and past it sounds like a good year to buy a 2012 package.
The company will be performing classics such as Onegin and Swan Lake
as well as Let's Dance, Infinity and Icons.
It's going to be a good year for dance!

For a link to their website click...here.

Bring on another 50 years!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-10-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Morning Benders are an indie rock band from Berkeley, California, now based in Brooklyn, New York.
Here is some footage from a live recording of the song 'excuses', from their album BIG ECHO.
Incredibly beautiful and uplifting

Happy Monday everyone
The Soul Team

We Don't Care Inc.

2011-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's true that Gen Y has a little bit of a reputation for being self absorbed and uninterested in the social issues around them, so it's great to see that We Don't Care Inc, is taking a stand and doing exactly the opposite of not caring.
Set up by three Gen Ys, Samuel Koh, David Goode and Matthew Sim, all under the age of 24, it is a volunteer-run not-for-profit, started in 2011 whose aim is to lead by example and create a path for others young and old to get involved
The trio thought that despite what the older generations think, Gen Y actually do care, the problem is that they don’t fully understand the issues and how they can make a difference and get involved.

We don't Care aim to empower young people and educate them that they can make a change, by raising the awareness of social justice.
so far they are focusing on the issues including poverty, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, and violence.

They recently held a fashion fund at federation square which we posted about on the blog.
Funds collected from this event went to three specific charities:
Kids Under Cover- A not-for-profit organisation responding to the need of young people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Credo Cafe- A venue offering an open lunch to people who are facing substance abuse problems, mental health issues, homeless and unemployed.
SWAGS - Swags for the Homeless provides dignified emergency relief bedding to the homeless who have been turned away.

If you want get involved or make a donation yourself, click on any of the charities above.
Or follow WDC on twitter to keep updated on coming events.

The Soul Team

MART

2011-10-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to be spoilt for choice with so many wonderful cafes close to the studio.
However, we keep finding our way back to MART, which has quickly become one of our favourites.
Located in an old station master's building at tram stop number 130, overlooking Albert Park, this charming little cafe boasts incredible food and friendly, welcoming staff.
Their menu has a wide range of choice with something for everyone,
however it's MARTS breakfast which seems to draw the crowds in.

And notice the name is TRAM spelt backwards....cute huh?

MART is open daily from 7:30am-5pm
and is situated at 107A Canterbury Road, Middle Park
Tram 96 from the CBD to St Kilda, The Middle Park Stop number 103.
Phone 9690 8831

It's the perfect place to relax after a pilates session
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-09-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

Combine together the angelic voice of Sarah Blasko, the hushed melodies from Holly Throsby and the musical stylings of Sally Seltmann and what do you end up with?
A magnificent trio called Seeker Lover Keeper.
Equally talented and successful in their own right, these three ladies have combined together their unique gifts and the result is pretty wonderful.

To have a listen to their single "even though i'm a woman" click...here.

You'll be playing it on repeat in no time.

They have also just anounced dates for their last tour in Australia for a while.
Each show will be held in a church or catherdal to make it a little extra special.

Happy listening
The Soul Team

Matt Irwin

2011-09-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

The Matt Irwin gallery and studio is situated in Scott Alley, just off Flinders Lane.
Over the last 21 years Matt's photography has become quite well known, particularly his photos of Melbourne which are now considered iconic.
As soon as you walk into the gallery you are bombarded with colourful prints covering the walls as well as beautifully nostalgic black and white images, all displaying adventures from Moscow, St Petersburg, Vancouver, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Mongolia, Beijing, London, New Zealand and Japan.

Matt Certainly has a way of capturing the hidden gems of a city
so click on the link above to see the world through Matt's eyes

Happy browsing
The Soul Team

Albert Park

Fitflops

2011-09-23T04:23:00.000-07:00

What if we told you it was possible to tone your legs and keep in shape just by walking in a pair of special sneakers or sandals? Well, that’s exactly what Fitflop footwear was designed for!
Just by wearing the shoes you can increase leg and bottom muscle activity, resulting in better body alignment which will mean less aches and pains in hips, lower back and knees.
Fitflops provide better shock absorption than normal footwear and reduces foot pressure
which, in turn, decreases stress on the body.

So next time you're in the studio, have a look at the range we have on display or check out the new stock on the website...here.
If you find something you can't wait to get your hands on, let us know and we will order it in for you.
At Soul, we've been wearing Fitflops in and out of the studio and can definitely feel the results!

Take care of those bodies!
The Soul Team

Little Cupcakes

2011-09-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

For the best cupcakes in Melbourne (and the cutest) look no further than
Little Cupcakes.
They have an incredible range of flavours baked fresh everyday with no added preservatives and they come in mini sizes too!
Not only do they provide the perfect afternoon snack for your cup of tea, they are also now specialising in occasion cupcakes for weddings, birthdays and baby showers.

To see all the yummy flavours click on the words Little Cupcakes above or just head down to one of their three stores in Melbourne for an afternoon tea party.

We highly recommend the Red Velvet cupcake
Enjoy!
The Soul Team

Fashion with a cause

2011-09-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

This Saturday at federation square the social justice campaigners of "We Don't Care Inc" are holding a Fashion Fund. Their will be a market full of second hand desginer clothing that were donated in order to raise money to help the homeless. Now there's some shopping you don't have to feel guilty about!
The event will run from 10:30am until 7:30pm on Sat 24th and there will also be live music, short films, food and drinks throughout the day.

To read more click...here.
If you're around the city this weekend stop by to check it out and buy something fancy for a great cause!

See you there!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-09-19T06:18:00.000-07:00

Beirut is an American band with a very distinct and original sound that combines elements of eastern european folk and western pop music.
They recently released their new album "The Rip Tide" earlier this year but nothing beats sitting back and listening to their song "a Sunday smile."

Happy Monday
The Soul Team

Abi and Joseph

2011-09-16T01:20:00.000-07:00

Abi and Joseph is an online shop that sells Australian made active wear for Pilates, yoga and general exercise. The quality of the materials used are fantastic as they feel super comfortable and stretchy but really strong at the same time.
At Soul, we are wearing some of their pieces as part of our new uniform and we still can't get over how incredibly soft the fabrics feel.
As for the name of the brand, Abi stands for Abi White who is the designer and Joseph stands for non other than Joseph Pilates himself, as the intention was to create a clothing line specifically for Pilates.

We suggest you have a look for yourself by clicking on the link...here.
Or flip through a brouchure next time you're in the studio.

Enjoy your weekend!
The Soul Team

Vienna

2011-09-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

The national Gallery of Victoria's Vienna: Art & Design exhibition is closing soon. We know...we are very sad about it too. On Wednesday nights the NGV stays open till 9pm for 'Art After Dark'. So if you haven't had a visit yet, get together a group of friends and head on down there for a Wednesday night of art and maybe even a glass of wine or two.

Enjoy the pretty pictures
The Soul Team

KORA

2011-09-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

We all know how important it is to take care of our skin and to use the right skincare for our bodies but never before has there been such an emphasis on using organic products.
Simply put, what you put on your skin seeps in and you wouldn't want alot of those ingredients in most products going into your body.
Our skin is the first thing people see when they look at us and knowing that, sometimes makes us a little self concious. The trick is, to use a product that will nourish and nurture your skin, not just use something to get the job done.
So if you're wanting to try something new, we highly recommend KORA organic skincare by Miranda Kerr.
After three years in the making she finally released her much loved skincare range full of ingrediants rich in Noni, Essential Fatty Acids, Herbal Extracts, Essential Oils and vitamin A,C and E.
Appropriate for both men and women, we can't stop raving about it!

Check it out for yourself by clicking on the word KORA above.

Remember to look after your skin :)
The Soul Team

BODY

2011-09-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been in the Soul Studio lately you may have noticed your instructor sporting a beautiful new uniform. BODY by Dainy Sawatzky provides stunningly chic dance and lounge wear that can be worn effortlessly both in and out of the studio. All pieces are incredibly comfortable and are 100% designed and made in Australia using sustainable producation techniques.

We love our new uniforms so much we seem to be wearing them long after pilates is done for the day.

To have a look at the new collection, or to order something special for yourself, click on the the word BODY in the above text.

Happy shopping!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-09-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Meet Tunng,
An Experimental Folk band from the UK, often seen performing with instruments such as sea shells!
Their lovely song "hustle" is the perfect 'pick me up' for a miserable Melbourne weather day like today.

Keep Warm
The Soul Team

Pina

2011-09-11T22:02:00.000-07:00

Pina is a full length dance film by Wim Wenders, made for the inspiring Pina Bausch who passed away in 2009.
It features her unique and emotional work danced by the legendary Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch ensemble.
This 3D film takes you on an intense, dark journey through each human emotion, celebrating all that we are as people.

"Dance, dance, otherwise we are lost"
-Pina Bausch

Enjoy!
The Soul Team

La Belle Miette

2011-09-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

La Belle Miette, meaning “beautiful small thing”, is a French patisserie that specialize in the wonderful, complicated and very yummy art of macaroons.
Both owners, Maylynn and Hugh, studied under master patissiers in Paris and after trying one of their delicious treats you’ll never again want one from anywhere else.
They also offer the most beautiful gift boxes in a range of colours but their complimentary soft boxes are pretty great too.
To have a taste of their incredibly unique flavours, (cherry Blossom and sake is a must try!), head down to one of their two stores either on Hardware lane in the CBD or Church street Richmond.
For more information click...here.

bonne appétit!
The Soul Team

Papillionaire

2011-09-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally arrived!
Which means it’s time to dust off the bike you’ve stored away in your garage and throw away all excuses about bad weather.
We all know bikes are a great way to get around town and keep us fit.
They are a great mode of transport that’s good for our planet.
At Soul we are super excited about Papillionaire, a Melbourne based Bicycle company making customised bikes to order. You can choose the colour, style and detailing and even add a wicker basket on the front, perfect for holding baguettes, flowers and little puppies....sigh.
To check out their website click right....Here

Happy riding
The Soul Team

Beginners

2011-09-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

If you didn't get a chance to see this wonderful film at MIFF, then you are in luck!
Beginners is back.
This delicate and charming comedy/drama shines the light on the hilarity in even the most serious and complex life issues.
A movie that captures how real people behave, often completely contradictory to the ones they love, in difficult situations.
Beginners is all at once endearing, hopeful and very real.
Oh, and did we mention it stars the most adorable little jack Russell!

Hope everyone had a great weekend
The Soul Team

Look right through me

2011-09-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

This month from September 7-18, Malthouse theatre And KAGE present the world premiere of

"look right through me".
This unique and whimsical new dance piece was inspired by the wonderful Michael Leunig, one of Australia's national living treasures.
We, at Soul Pilates, cannot wait to get our hands on some tickets
to see this truely beautiful new work.

To get a sneak peak, watch the rehearsal trailer above
or to buy tickets click on the link...."here"

See you at the show!
The Soul Team

Music Monday

2011-09-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

Born in New Zealand, singer/songwriter Kimbra is now based in Melbourne and has recently released her debut album 'Vows'.
In 2010, Kimbra collaberated with Miami Horror on their song "i look to you" and is currently climbing the charts with the song "somebody that i used to know", sung with artist Gotye.
This song "cameo lover" is putting us in a great mood, ready to take on the week.

Enjoy!
The Soul Team

Berlin Bar

2011-09-01T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well hidden above the laneways of Melbourne’s CBD, the Berlin bar is a wonderful step back in time to divided Berlin and its culture.
With a cocktail menu that shows off drinks such as a beetroot and white chocolate scotch
or a vanilla vodka with fruit served with a heart shaped lollypop a Jar, you know there will be something for absolutely everyone.
The West Berlin area is classic and elegant complete with private areas for bookings.
While East Berlin is grungy and darkly lit with single globes hanging from the ceiling.
People are scattered about sitting on bunk beds and using boxes or a glass covered bath as a table.
A painted Berlin wall covered in graffiti with barbed wire on top stands between the two sections.

16 Corrs Lane, CBD.
Or clock on the words 'Berlin bar' at the top to the visit the website.
This place is definitely a soul favourite

Enjoy!
The Soul Team

The Uncle of Soul

2011-08-31T23:48:00.000-07:00

Situated in France, Ben l’oncle soul (translating to the uncle of soul), released his first full length album in the summer of 2010.
His version of “seven nation army” is bound to put a skip in your step.

Have a great day!
The Soul Team

Welcome

2011-08-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Soul Pilates blog!
Soon this space will be full of all things that we love at soul that will brighten up your day.
Here you will find things that relate to the body, Mind and SOUL.
The blog will help keep you updated on pilates and what's happening in the studio and beyond.
We will introduce you to music, food, drink and fashion as well as keep you informed on gallery exhibitions, movies, dance, and theatre.

For our first piece of news the Soul team is introducing some fun, active and soulful retreats that will leave you feeling re-energised, re-invigorated and relaxed. Destinations will include Magnetic Island, The Kimberleys, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Flinders. Details will be released and updated on the blog closer to the dates.

Enjoy our new space,
Cheers! from the Soul Team