Love Athletica | Hawthorn

The Verdict

So you want the LA look? That toned and tanned greyhound bod that looks like a fusion between Elle MacPherson and Olivia Newton John circa Let’s Get Physical? We know a good place...

It’s called Love Athletica, and it’s a new Reformer Pilates studio that’s popped up on Camberwell Rd.

Athletica is run by owners Mat & Caroline, who wanted to bring the LA Reformer concept to Melbourne. If you’ve done a Pilates class before, think of this as classic Reformer...with a little bit extra. It’s low impact and dynamic, blending a mix of cardio, strength building and yoga-based flow.

In terms of classes there are three speeds: LA Lite (a gentle intro class that runs for 50-minutes), LA (the classic model—expect the heart rate to spike), and LA Plus (a hardcore one-hour sweat blaster, followed by 15 minutes of yoga flow).

Of course, everyone knows it’s no fun doing Reformer in a smelly warehouse under buzzing florescent lights to the distant sound of gunshots and police sirens. Which is why Mat & Caroline have put a lot of thought (and money) into the Love Athletica space. It’s light and airy, with high ceilings, and it comes equipped with state-of-the-art Allegro 2 Reformer beds. The waiting room is like something out of a Pinterest board: think pastel swing chairs, garden walls and terrazzo floors.

The classes are fun too, which is important. There’s too much Kool-Aid and earnestness in Melbourne’s fitness scene right now. It’s good to see well-qualified instructors who aren’t afraid to get a little playful. No-one wants to get up at the crack of dawn for Boot Camp Pilates...

Oh, here's a parking tip: you can get 2-hours free on Rose St between 8am and 6pm (just head down Redfern St, off Camberwell Rd). 

Image credit: Love Athletica