Good moves
Inside Inner Pilates with Dawne Berg
For Dawne Berg, movement has always been part of life. From growing up with tap and ballet to ballroom dancing, kickboxing and, eventually, Pilates, her interest in how the body moves has evolved into a career — and a boutique studio in Cabarita Beach.
Today, her boutique Inner Pilates studio in Cabarita Beach offers small group classes and tailored programs for people across the Tweed.
Dawne first discovered Pilates as a client under the guidance of Cynthia Lochard at The Pilates Method Studio in Sydney. She quickly fell in love with the discipline, eventually undertaking teacher training and becoming a Certified Romana’s Pilates Instructor, Level 5, trained in the Authentic Pilates Style.
“I loved the challenge and the results it afforded me,” says Dawne. “I decided to make Pilates my career.”
Today, at Inner Pilates, Dawne teaches the method in its traditional form, with knowledge passed down through Joseph Pilates’ protégé, Romana Kryzanowska. For Dawne, staying true to the original method is an important part of what makes Pilates so effective.
Traditional Pilates for strength, mobility and body awareness
Walk into the boutique Cabarita Beach studio and you’ll find traditional Pilates equipment, including the Reformer, Pilates Tower, Baby Chair, Electric Chair, Wunda Chair, barrels and Pedipole.
While Pilates has evolved into many different styles, Inner Pilates stays close to its roots. The focus is on controlled, precise movement — strengthening and stretching the body while developing balance, flexibility, posture and a stronger connection between mind and body.
And don’t be fooled by the gentle-looking movements. Pilates can be surprisingly demanding. It is low impact and gentle on the joints, but challenges the body through controlled movements that require strength, stability and concentration.
For Dawne, one of the biggest benefits is that Pilates helps people become more aware of how they move.
“Joseph’s philosophy focuses on training the mind and body to work together,” she says.
With regular practice, clients often notice they stand taller, carry less tension through the neck and shoulders and develop better posture. A stronger core can make everyday activities, from carrying children and lifting groceries to sitting at a desk, feel easier.
Improved flexibility and mobility are also common, with many people finding they move more freely and experience less stiffness, particularly through the hips, shoulders and back. The controlled movements can also improve balance and coordination, helping movement feel more fluid.
Over time, Pilates can build lean muscle and create greater definition through the abs, arms, glutes and legs, while the combination of strength and mobility can leave the body feeling strong rather than exhausted.
It’s about how you feel
For Dawne, the most meaningful changes aren’t necessarily the ones you can see in the mirror.
“People often notice improved balance, smoother movement, better posture or less stiffness,” she says.
That is part of what makes Pilates so adaptable. Exercises can be modified for different abilities and fitness levels, making it suitable for people starting out, those returning to exercise, experienced athletes and people undertaking rehabilitation with appropriate guidance.
The emphasis on breathing also adds another dimension. Coordinating breath with movement can help create a focused, calming experience, even when the exercises themselves are physically challenging.
Inner Pilates offers small group classes and tailored programs, with the focus always on the individual — their body, their needs and their goals.
Consistency over intensity
There is a classic Pilates saying: “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.” While it is better viewed as an inspiring philosophy than a scientific rule, Dawne believes the underlying message is important: consistency matters.
Some people may notice changes within a few weeks, particularly in posture, body awareness and strength. With continued practice over six to eight weeks and beyond, improvements in strength, flexibility, endurance and movement can become more noticeable.
But Dawne is quick to point out that you don’t need to be perfect.
“Consistency over time is far more valuable than trying to do too much,” she says.
Keep moving
Creating a sense of wellbeing doesn’t necessarily mean finding an extra hour in the day. Dawne encourages simple ways to incorporate more movement into everyday life: stretch when you wake up, take the stairs where possible, stand up and move every hour if you work at a desk, and take a walk after lunch or dinner.
And choose activities you enjoy. Pilates is wonderful for strength, posture and mobility, while walking, cycling and swimming are all great ways to keep the body active.
For Dawne, the social side matters too. Inner Pilates has developed into a close-knit community, and she loves seeing friendships blossom among clients over the years.
“We are one big family at Inner Pilates and it’s lovely to see friendships blossom over the years,” she says.
Ultimately, Pilates is not about chasing perfection or pushing yourself to exhaustion. It is about learning to move with greater control, building strength from the inside out and feeling more at home in your body.
And perhaps the best measure of a good session is exactly what Dawne loves to see: clients walking out with a smile on their face, a spring in their step and already looking forward to coming back.
