Screen Shot 2023-07-05 at 6.06.54 PM.jpg

Pīwakawaka Pilates

Move with the ease of a Pīwakawaka

At Pīwakawaka Pilates, we specialize in customizing Reformer Pilates for individuals to building a journey to fluidity and fitness, whether you’re suffering from back pain, recovering from injuries, seeking relief from aches and discomfort, or simply wanting to increase your fitness - all with a dash of fun

Get stronger and more flexible

Break through existing challenges

We work within the body’s limits to move, strengthen and train the body how to move without pain or with as minimal pain as possible. (I know, that may seem surreal, but I’ve seen it in myself and many others I’ve worked with), and then get super strong.

Get back to doing the things you love

My Story

For many years I suffered excruciating, debilitating, body-contorting pain. I worked with doctors and medication, physio, massage therapists, osteopaths and yoga. I went to the gym 3 days a week for 18 months. The pain was unrelenting. I learnt a lot about pain. Damn it’s good to be out of pain like that.

Following surgery, I was still painfully contorted. Pilates helped me become strong, mobile and free of pain. This life-changing transformation inspired me to train in STOTT Pilates, which is internationally recognised and science-based.

Pilates gave me my life back

Screen Shot 2023-07-05 at 6.06.54 PM.jpg

Our local, serene, boutique studio

After seeing how much Pilates can help, both in my own practice and through instructing at the Lucy Warren studio, I opened a body-positive boutique reformer studio up the coast from Ōtepoti, Dunedin. With only four reformers, you can rest assured you will be in a safe environment, with sessions tailored to those in the class so you get maximum benefit. Combined with a light sense of humour that shines through, you will usually walk out feeling lighter and freer than when you came in, in both body and mind. Kind of similar to what it feels like when you see a Pīwakawaka.

We’re a local studio, so you also get the benefit of not having to drive far, saving on time and energy costs, great parking, meeting others in your community and all in a beautiful, peaceful, resort-like space. Come check us out. Be warned, it can be addictive.

Why Pīwakawaka?

Pīwakawaka move with the ease, speed, and agility that I dreamt of when I was in pain. They have a friendly, fun and quirky character that sums up how I feel about Pilates and our studio.

Living within our environment and regeneratively is one of our core values. The property is connected to solar, and we use organic practices around the section. Last year, we planted over 550 native trees. What we do matters, esecially for our flora and fauna in this special slice of the world. It’s beautiful seeing the lightness and cheeky character of this lovely bird around the place, especially the local darker coloured ones that you can even sometimes see right outside the studio.

But most of all, Pīwakawaka make me smile.

Testimonials

  • "Dell is an amazing instructor who teaches you confidence in your own body"

    Metiria - July 2023

  • "I just had my first ever pilates session with the amazing Dell McLeod... arrived with back pain, left pain free. Dell is an amazing instructor, calm and clear, able to make even complete beginners feel comfortable. Thanks you."

    Kea Moon - May 2023

  • “I loved the pace of the class and the enthusiasm of Dell. Feeling I'm making good progress - feel less stiff & stronger. My puku is feeling more taut & less flabby.”

    April 2023

  • “I liked the class being local with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. I felt able to ask questions. Felt great afterwards. Gentle on my broken-ass body”

    Claire

  • "Being in a small group, I loved lots of repetition as I forget from week to week. I like your pace Dell and getting us to do things that seemed improbable in the beginning"

    April 2023

  • "I really enjoyed the fun vibe of the class, you have a really fun/beautiful energy that makes coming to the class a joy"

    Community mat course

  • “Building on each week - by week 8 I felt I knew a pathway between exercises. Really relaxed and friendly.”

    Sam - April 2023

  • “I like being given a range of different abilities for each exercise, and the fun and friendliness.”

    April 2023

  • "I enjoy going to the weekly Pilates classes. I find Dell to be a good pilates instructor. It's a relaxed environment but the classes are structured and the teaching is clear. Dell encourages questions if you aren't sure about any of the lesson. Since going to the classes I'm becoming more flexible, better posture and more aware about what my body is doing and can do. It's a great feeling"

    Jackie Howard - February 2023

  • "I just wanted to say how much better I feel after Pilates today. I've been going to bed with pain relief for almost two weeks so that I can get to sleep and tonight it hasn't even crossed my mind. My body feels so much freer and relaxed and it's all because of you and Pilates and for that I'm soooooo grateful. Thank you x"

    August 2023

  • "Love going to Dell's Pilates classes. The classes are run in a way that we are all able to enjoy them. Many a laugh is shared while we are becoming stronger and more flexible. I would definitely recommend to others to give Dell's pilates classes a go :)"

    JH - June 2023

  • "I found the demonstrations and instructions very helpful. Loved the humour too - very relaxed vibe, very comfortable. I enjoy the small class size too.

    April 2023

Book now