22-year-old Ipswich local aims to transform pilates with flexible, self-serve studios
A 22-year-old Ipswich entrepreneur is setting out to change the way Australians experience pilates, launching a new model designed to make reformer pilates more accessible, flexible and cost-effective.
Georgie Thomas, founder of Pilates Depot, has just opened her first studio at Yamanto Central Shopping Centre in Ipswich, introducing a hybrid pilates concept that combines traditional instructor-led classes with self-serve kiosk-guided reformer sessions.
“Pilates is incredible for strength and wellbeing, but the traditional studio model doesn’t suit everyone,” Thomas said.
“Like 24 hour gyms, I wanted to create something that fits around real life, shift work, parenting, early starts and unpredictable schedules.”
Self-serve kiosks redefine how pilates is done
The studio’s self-serve kiosk system allows members to complete guided reformer workouts independently, choosing from more than 800 on-demand classes at any time of day.
“Not everyone wants to train at set class times or pay premium prices,” Thomas said.
“Our kiosks give people freedom and control while still delivering high-quality programming.”
Open from 4am to 10pm, seven days a week, Pilates Depot has already attracted strong demand from nurses, shift workers, early risers, pilates lovers and those keen to add the new hybrid offering to their exercise and lifestyle regime, with the centre operating near capacity just weeks after launch.
Pilates machines are positioned in studio along a wall with their own space, mirror and screen based kiosk so that users can simply select the pilates class they would like to undertake and then press go.
The class is then delivered on the large kiosk screen so that the user can follow the class on their own machine. Each kiosk includes headphones so that the user can wear the headphones during the class or they can bring their own and connect wirelessly.
Pilates without the barriers
Thomas said accessibility and affordability were central to the business model.
“Pilates shouldn’t feel exclusive,” she said.
“By blending instructor-led sessions with kiosk-guided workouts, we’ve been able to reduce costs and pass those savings on to members.”
The studio offers a range of classes, from foundational and strength-focused reformer sessions to high-energy cardio workouts, catering to all fitness levels.
From Ipswich to national rollout
Born and bred in Ipswich and launching her first business at just 22, Thomas already has her sights set beyond Queensland.
“This is a scalable model,” she said.
“Our goal is to roll Pilates Depot out nationally and change expectations around how pilates studios operate.”
A new standard for modern fitness
With its near-capacity launch and strong early uptake, Pilates Depot is positioning itself as a new kind of pilates destination, one built around flexibility, choice and modern lifestyles.
“This is just the beginning,” Thomas said.
“We’re creating a smarter, more inclusive way to do pilates and Ipswich is where it starts.”
JMK Retail centres
JMK Retail is one of Australia’s oldest and most successful shopping centre developers, owners and managers with sites located across Queensland. JMK Retail own and manage a variety of retail properties ranging from food orientated precincts, retail strip, neighbourhood and sub-regional centres. Their centres are in key locations, anchored by long-term tenancies with nationally identifiable retailers that incorporate a wide and varied range of retailers who are primarily focused on traditional retailing, day to day household needs, dining, finance and services, medical, health, fitness and beauty.
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