All About mg Pilates

Pilates is a low impact exercise regime which makes it suitable for all levels of fitness. It can tone the body and improve your mobility.

The focus is on strengthening the core postural muscles which relieves general aches and pains impacted by incorrect posture and strain patterns.

Once you begin your journey your body awareness will expand. Your posture will improve which will leave you feeling lighter, more confident, and stronger. Most people enjoy Pilates as it's dynamic and keeps you thinking as you move.

AT MG Pilates our philosophy is to teach the client safely and effectively in small groups where you are under constant supervision. We aim to educate and help people achieve their goals regardelss of their level. MG Pilates teaches you how to strengthen and stabilise the spine with optimum use of the core postural muscles (abdominals) whilst in movement

Meet our instructors

Melissa Patterson: Director // Instructor
Melissa Patterson is the founder and creator of MG Pilates. Melissa discovered Pilates whilst living and dancing in London. It sharpened her tecnique and strengthened her body in a way that no other excerise had done before. On her return to Australia she embarked on a new journey to become a Pilates instructor. She became fully qualified in 2000 after completing an appenticeship whilst studying Anatomy and Physiology.

Whilst working in numerous Pilates studios she has gained much experience teaching mat classes, swiss ball, working with traditional equipment and small apparatus. In addition, Melissa has been invited to work with Physiotherapists which has expanded her knowledge in injury management.

Melissa's expertise extends to writing for Dance Train magazine, creating awareness of the benefits of Pilates for young dancers and professionals. After successfully establishing a solid clientele at Platinum Fitness First - Bondi Junction, she then went on to open a small studio in Erskineville, working with a wide range of people encompassing general body conditioning, rehabilitation, pre and postnatal support and movement analysis for dancers (performers) and athletes, providing them with more awareness of their body.

The studio grew to be very popular and three years down the track she expanded MG Pilates and moved to Henderson Rd, Alexandria. Now offering mat classes from beginner to advanced, mums and bubs and Pilates for dancers.

Melissa loves that Pilates can be adapted to suit the needs of anyone at any level. It brings her great satisfaction to watch people change and let go of old movement patterns gaining mobility, strength, agility and length.

Joanne Bezzina: Instructor
Jo discovered Pilates eight years ago through her love of dance. However, it wasn't long before Pilates soon took over as her passion! Since completing her instructorship course she has immersed herself in continuing education courses and in 2007 visited New York City (the home of Pilates) to discover more about the method. Over her years of teaching Jo has witnessed many of her clients transform mentally and physically as they finally feel in control of their bodies. She has taught AFL junior talent, ballet dancers and cyclists as well as pre & post natal clients and those with cerebral palsy.

In the future, Jo looks forward to continuing her study in Pilates and embarking on further study in exercise physiology as well as different aspects of natural therapies of which she is also a great believer. She is passionate about helping her clients and regards Pilates as an ongoing part of life. A great way to help create balance and wellbeing. Jo loves the way that Pilates can be applied to everyday living especially improving posture and freedom in movement. Jo believes in a strong connection between mind and body and enjoys using imagery to help teach Pilates. She brings a positive outlook to every session and strives to have every client leave happier, more relaxed and feeling stronger than when they arrived.

Roula Kantarzoglou: Instructor
Roula first became interested in Pilates as a dancer in 1986 and started to incorporate it into her dance training. Dance credits include; televsion, "Cats" theatre musical, training and working with choreographers Ronne Arnold, Jane Beckett, Sue-Ellen Chester and many more. In 1992 she was asked by Stephen Page to join Bangarra as Assistant Director for "Praying Mantis Dreaming", toured Australia and performed in 1994 production of "Ninnis". During 1993 she travelled with Bangarra to New York/LA and remained in NY as she was accepted to attend a 3 month workshop at Alvin Ailey, also taking the opportunity to frequent freelance classes of many styles at various studios. Returning to Sydney she co-founded and became Producer and Director of "Kila Produktionz" and in 1996 staged a Hip Hop/Cultural style musical "Characterz" at Enmore Theatre. Roula has taught Pilates, Dance and choreographed for many schools throughout Sydney including NAISDA Dance College.

In 1999 she became certified in the New York Pilates Method and has been fortunate to experience the many styles of Pilates and rehabilitation techniques working in different studios. Roula has completed a course in Kinesiology, Eft and "The Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga" with Simon -Oliver Borg a prominent Physiotherapist and Biologist. Currently she is running mat classes at Bondi Pavillion, working at MG Pilates and Waverly Seniors Centre where her clients are aged 50-94. Roula continues to train in Yoga and Pilates, and is currently training in Gyrotonics/Gyrokenises.

The beauty of Pilates for Roula is its accessability for all ages, body conditions and goals, with a strong focus on core muscles and a healthy spine. She loves seeing people finish the session transformed in mind, body and energy. Her experience and friendly disposition make it fun and an enjoyable workout to suit the needs of every - body.