"Whatever you fight, you strengthen, and what you resist, persists".
- Eckart Tolle
At the heart of Intune Mind + Body lies a profound commitment to authentic transformation. My journey has just begun as a passionate Counsellor in addition to my Pilates Instruction of over twenty years, driven by a desire to help people reconnect with their bodies, find relief from pain, and unlock their true potential. Over time, I came to the realisation that what I was formerly doing was more than just a hobby or a side gig—it was my purpose, and I needed to fully step into this role. While my passion for teaching has always been strong, it was time to embrace the full potential of my vision and commit to building Intune Mind + Body as a professional, holistic practice, integrating both Pilates and Counselling to provide a comprehensive transformation for my clients.
However, not all of my clients come to me in pain or with injuries. Many are focused on exploring their movement potential, preventing future injuries, and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle as they grow older. My approach is rooted in a deep understanding of movement principles and the foundational techniques that help my clients move with confidence and strength. Whether someone is working toward pain relief or enhancing their overall physical and mental wellness, my goal is to empower them to achieve their personal best.
When Geoff first walked into my Community Pilates class, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A man who had lived all over the world due to his work with an international company, Geoff had spent years leading a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. His body reflected this- back pain, knee issues, and a general stiffness that made even the simplest movements feel daunting. I wasn’t even sure if Geoff knew what Pilates was when he first arrived, but he accompanied his wife to the classes, perhaps somewhat skeptical about what it could do for him.
Geoff’s back and knee pain had been a constant burden for years, and everyday tasks like getting down to the floor seemed like monumental challenges. As he approached retirement, I wondered how his body would hold up in this new chapter of life—one that should be about freedom, exploration, and enjoying all the things he had been too busy for during his working years. Would these physical limitations rob him of fully enjoying this time?
Despite the skepticism and the physical hurdles, Geoff showed up, and that’s where his transformation began. I tailored each movement to meet him where he was—focusing on simple, foundational exercises that supported his back and knees, without overwhelming his body. Geoff learned to build awareness around his posture, how to engage his core properly, and how to move mindfully without adding strain to his joints.
Then the pandemic hit, and in-person classes were no longer an option. I wasn’t sure if Geoff and his wife would continue, but to my surprise, they remained as committed as ever, attending twice-weekly Pilates sessions with me via Zoom, even while they lived abroad for a year. Geoff’s dedication to showing up, even in the face of challenges, paid off immensely.
Now, three years later, Geoff is pain-free. His abdominal strength has vastly improved, allowing him to return to the activities he once loved. He’s back to riding his bike, something that once seemed unimaginable. Geoff also spends time in the garden, travels comfortably, builds things, and even makes his own beer. He and his wife have even joined in and explored new activities like dragon boat racing, and this renewed zest for life is truly a joy to witness.
Reflecting on his journey, Geoff often marvels at the simplicity yet the profound impact of Pilates. What once seemed like a curious, unfamiliar form of exercise has transformed his entire approach to movement and life. He now understands the magic of Pilates—that it’s not about flashy exercises, but about developing a deeper connection with one’s body, moving mindfully, and building a foundation for long-term health and vitality.
Geoff’s story is a shining example of what’s possible when consistency, mindset, and personalised care come together. Had he continued his previous path of limited movement and physical discomfort, it’s hard to imagine him taking full advantage of his retirement. Now, thanks to Pilates, Geoff is embracing this new chapter of his life with strength, flexibility, and a renewed sense of freedom.
From Pain to Possibility
Reclaiming Strength and Freedom
After a Life-Altering Injury
One of my most rewarding experiences has been working with a client who had broken her back years ago and had accumulated multiple injuries over time. When she first came to me, she was at a crossroads. Her body felt sore, tight, and stiff, and she knew her everyday lifestyle was beginning to suffer because of it. She’d always been active—an avid sports enthusiast in her younger days—but now, the lingering back pain and the toll it was taking on her body made her feel stuck. It was crunch time. She had to make a change, or she risked losing the active, social life she loved.
Her main goal was to alleviate her back pain and prevent it from worsening in the future. Together, we didn’t focus on complex or revolutionary exercises, but rather simple, heart-centred guidance that addressed both her physical and emotional well-being. The approach was gradual but effective. We focused on strengthening her core, improving her flexibility, and teaching her mindful movement patterns that would help her navigate her day-to-day life more comfortably.
After one of our sessions, she called me with excitement, sharing that her physiotherapist had praised the work we were doing together. Hearing that validation from a medical professional meant so much to both of us. It wasn’t just about my knowledge of movement; it was a reflection of the care, empathy, and personalised attention I bring to each session. I wasn’t just offering her exercises—I was offering her a chance to reclaim her body, her confidence, and her lifestyle.
What’s more, Pilates has become something she can’t live without. It has completely shifted her perception of movement and given her the tools to make responsible choices for her body. She now feels empowered to manage her back pain, stay active, and enjoy the lifestyle she’s always wanted. Her journey is a reminder that, with consistency, mindfulness, and the right support, it’s possible to transform not just how we move, but how we live.
I have worked with Jen since day dot when I took up full time work after my Pilates certification. Jen and I had formed a lovely connection over that time and when I ceased working at that studio after 8 years, Jen kindly approached me and wanted to continue her Pilates sessions. Jen has experienced years of physical pain and discomfort battling primarily with fibromyalgia amongst other health issues and injuries sustained after a long career as a Nurse. She has been on medication for as long as I have known her and aside from her physical ailments, she has had to battle ongoing emotional pain and complex grief since the passing of her father.
Her world was torn upside down. Jen has showed such strength throughout her life span – growing up in a culture where family is everything, she felt it was her duty to be there for all her family members especially her mother, sister and nephews whom also lost their husband and father, not long after. She has been a pillar of strength for her loved ones but would come at a price where she sacrificed her own needs over theirs at times.
I always held space for Jen – not just physically through the guidance of Pilates but emotionally navigating and assisting her current path to align with a path that could give her some respite and maintenance in the way she was feeling. We always addressed the specific and more pressing issues she had at the time and she would always thank me after every session or text with kindness that she ALWAYS felt better after Pilates. Jen had multiple months off due to surgeries or what have you but would always return not just for Pilates but for the solace she found in the connect and rapport we had built with one another. A safe haven that gave her permission to connect and voice her true feelings of how she felt rather than a mask she would wear around friends or family to be the “strong” one in the family.
After recently seeing her again after some time, she had a renewed bounce in her step – she had lost significant weight, she was actively exercising and eating better, she was putting herself FIRST. The most amazing thing to hear was that she was almost off all her pain medication. Her new lease on life and change with the support of her partner, has helped her mindset and everything she has endured emotionally to date, and taking part in a Pilates class where she was clear and bright and happy, brought back the Jen I once met many years ago.
I haven’t seen Jen in a while but know when she is ready, she will reach out when the time is right to connect again; not only through the love of Pilates but more so for the support and connection she feels amongst being heard and valued.
Rediscovering Strength and Healing Through Pilates
Disclaimer: To protect client privacy, certain identifying details have been changed or omitted. These stories reflect real client experiences and outcomes and the progress achieved through our sessions.
Oriana Binetti, Dip Couns. | Pilates Practitioner * Shared with Permission