What is Pilates?
Pilates is a movement method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Research consistently shows it improves core strength, flexibility, posture and reduces chronic pain, particularly in the lower back. It’s low impact, which means it’s kind to your joints too.
Do I need experience to join a class at STRONGROOM?
Nope, we love beginners! Everyone starts somewhere and we’ll meet you exactly where you’re at. Just mention it when you arrive at the studio and we’ll make sure your first class feels comfortable and fun, not overwhelming.
I’ve never done reformer Pilates before, where do I start?
We’ve got you! We run a Basics class specifically designed for people who have never been on a reformer before. It’s intentionally small, capped at just 6 people, so you get plenty of attention, time to ask questions and a chance to get comfortable with the equipment before you join a group class. No one gets thrown in the deep end at STRONGROOM. We want you to walk into your first group class feeling confident, not anxious
Am I too old for Pilates?
Not even close. We have clients in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s all training together in the same class, and honestly, it’s one of our favourite things about STRONGROOM. Research shows that Pilates and strength training are beneficial at every age, and the benefits actually become more important as we get older, not less. Don’t let fear or age be the thing that holds you back from starting. It’s never too late and you are never too old. We’d love to prove that to you.
Will I be the only unfit person there?
Not a chance. We have people at every single fitness level walking through our door every day, complete beginners, people returning after years off, women recovering from injury, women who’ve never exercised in their lives. STRONGROOM is not a place where anyone comes to perform or impress. It’s a place where people come to feel better. You will fit right in, we promise.
What if I can’t keep up or need to stop mid-class?
Then you stop. Seriously, rest is part of the work. Every single person in that room has modified something, taken a breather or needed a moment. Our instructors will never make you feel awkward for listening to your body. That’s not what we’re about. You go at your pace, always.
How big are the classes?
Small, intentionally. We keep our classes small so your instructor can actually see you, correct you and support you properly. You’re not a number here. You get real attention every single class, and that makes a genuine difference to your results and your confidence.
How is STRONGROOM different from other Pilates studios near Reservoir?
We’ve built STRONGROOM specifically around what women over 35 actually need. That means we combine Pilates with real strength training, (no 1kg dumbbells here!) and genuine progressive loading that builds muscle and bone density. The science on this is clear: strength training is one of the most powerful things women can do for their long-term health, and we take that seriously.
Why is strength training so important for women over 35?
From around 35, women naturally begin losing muscle mass, a process called sarcopenia, and bone density starts to decline too, accelerating significantly around perimenopause and menopause. Research is unambiguous: resistance training slows both processes, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, supports healthy hormones and improves quality of life long term. It’s not optional, it’s essential. And it’s exactly why we built our studio the way we did.
What is your Strong Reformer class?
It’s our most popular class, and honestly one of the things we’re most proud of. It’s half strength training, half reformer Pilates, designed to build real, functional strength alongside the flexibility and body awareness Pilates is known for. We’ve seen the results with our clients over time and the combination is genuinely powerful. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, this class was made for you.
Will this help with perimenopause and menopause symptoms?
Yes, and the research backs this up. Regular resistance training and Pilates have both been shown to reduce common symptoms including fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, joint pain and weight gain around the midsection. Building muscle also supports metabolic health, which is particularly important during hormonal changes. You’re not imagining those changes in your body, and movement is one of the best tools you have.
What about my menopause belly? Do I need to do lots of crunches and planks?
We hear this one a lot, and the honest answer might surprise you. The research is actually very clear that you cannot spot-reduce fat from any specific area of your body, including your belly. Crunches and ab-focused exercises strengthen the muscles underneath, but they don’t burn the fat on top.
Belly fat during perimenopause and menopause is largely driven by hormonal changes, specifically declining oestrogen, which shifts where your body stores fat. The most effective evidence-based approach is the one we’re built around: progressive strength training to build muscle mass, which increases your metabolism and improves how your body manages fat storage over time. Combine that with good sleep, stress management and nutrition and you’re working with your body, not against it.
We don’t have an ab-focused class, and that’s intentional. Every class at STRONGROOM works your core as part of whole-body functional movement, which is exactly how the research says it should be trained. Your core isn’t just your abs, it’s your entire trunk, and we train it that way.
The belly changes are real, they’re hormonal and they’re frustrating. But the solution isn’t more crunches. It’s building a stronger body overall, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Will Pilates help me lose weight?
Honestly? No single class or studio is a magic weight loss solution, and we’d rather be straight with you than overpromise. What the research does show is that building lean muscle increases your resting metabolism, meaning your body burns more energy even at rest. That’s true whether you’re 20 or 80.
At STRONGROOM we focus on building real, functional strength, and over time that changes your body composition in ways that cardio and dieting alone simply don’t. Less fat, more muscle, better energy, stronger bones. The results look different at every age and that’s completely normal, but they’re real at every age too.
Pair consistent training with good nutrition and decent sleep and you’re giving your body everything it needs. We’re not here to sell you a quick fix. We’re here to help you build something that lasts.
Can I do Pilates if I have an injury, osteoporosis or pain?
Yes! please come. Pilates is one of the most well-researched movement therapies for rehabilitation, and strength training done correctly is actually recommended for women with low bone density. Just let us know what’s going on when you book and we’ll make sure everything is tailored safely for you. You don’t need to be fit to start , that’s what we’re here for.
I injured myself doing Pilates before and I’m nervous about coming back. What should I know?
We completely understand why it feels scary. But here’s something worth knowing: Pilates is one of the lowest impact, lowest load forms of exercise there is. The research tells us it simply isn’t high impact enough to be the sole cause of most injuries.
What the evidence does show is that injury is almost always multi-factorial. Poor sleep, high stress, inadequate nutrition, dehydration, what you did the day before, all of these things affect how your body holds up on any given day. Sometimes our bodies just give way, and that’s not the fault of the movement.
We like to put it this way: if you hurt your shoulder reaching for something on a high shelf at the supermarket, you wouldn’t stop going to the supermarket. If you tweaked your back getting out of bed, you wouldn’t stop going to bed. Life involves movement, and occasionally movement involves niggles. That’s just being human.
What we will do is make sure you feel completely supported when you come back. Tell us what happened, tell us what you’re nervous about, and we’ll work with you, not around you. Come back. We’ve got you.
Can I do Pilates if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely, and we love having mums-to-be in the studio. Research consistently supports Pilates as one of the safest and most beneficial forms of exercise during pregnancy, and our clients continue coming to classes right up until they’re ready to stop. We’ve had women in class just days before giving birth! Your body, your baby, your call, we trust you to know what feels right.
I’m pregnant and new to STRONGROOM, where do I start?
Welcome! We just ask that new-to-us pregnant clients start with a couple of one-on-one sessions before joining group classes. It’s nothing scary, it’s actually just a really lovely chance for us to get to know you, walk you through the pregnancy guidelines together, and make sure everyone feels clear, confident and comfortable before you jump into a group. Once we’ve done that together, you’re good to go. We want you to feel safe and supported every step of the way, literally!
How often should I do Pilates?
Studies show that 2–3 sessions per week produce the best results for strength and flexibility. That said, even once a week is genuinely beneficial. Start where you can and build from there, we’re not here to pressure you.
What does it cost to keep coming?
We’ve tried to make it as flexible and affordable as possible. See our pricing page here
No lock-in contracts, pause or cancel memberships anytime with 7 days notice.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, just reach out. We’re happy to help you figure it out.
Am I locked into a contract?
Nope, never. All memberships at STRONGROOM are no lock-in. You can pause or cancel anytime with just 7 days written notice. No drama, no fees, no guilt trips. We want you here because you love it, not because you’re trapped.
What is the 6 Classes for $60 offer?
This is our no-fuss intro pack, 6 classes for $60, valid for 21 days from your first booking. It’s a great way to try different classes, find your favourites and get a feel for the studio before committing to anything. No pressure, no lock-in.
*strictly no extensions*
What is the 28 Day Glow Up?
This is for you if you’re ready and serious about building a habit and feeling a real difference. For just $180 (that’s just $45 a week) you get unlimited classes for 28 days, plus:
It’s not just a class pass. It’s a proper fresh start.
At the end of your 28 days you’ll automatically roll into a 2 class per week membership, because we want to keep that momentum going for you and take the decision-making out of it.
Not feeling it, or want to switch to a different membership? No problem at all. Just email us at least 7 days before your 28 days are up and we’ll sort it. No stress, no fuss, no lock-in.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable, fitted activewear works best so your instructor can see your alignment. Grip socks are required on the reformer, grab a pair from us if you need them. Bring water and yourself. We’ve got the rest!
How do I get started?
Download the STRONGROOM Studio app from the App Store or Google Play, that’s where you’ll find everything. Once you’re in, choose the intro offer that fits best into your life:
Where are you located?
We’re upstairs at 736 Plenty Road, Reservoir, and we’re super easy to get to. The 86 tram stops right out front, making us a breeze from Preston and Thornbury. If you’re driving in from Bundoora, Coburg or Heidelberg, there’s plenty of parking in the surrounding streets. We’d love to see you. Come up and say hi!