Welcome to Unique Pilates
Unique Pilates ...
Welcome to Unique Pilates! Our aim is to empower you to take control of your body and enhance your well-being. Living without pain is achievable, and through Pilates, you’ll strengthen your body, correct muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and elevate your mental health.
With over 25 years of Clinical Pilates experience, we offer private sessions, and a variety of Mat and Mini Reformer classes each week—there’s something for everyone to get started on their journey to moving and feeling fantastic!
All of our instructors are Polestar Pilates Accredited teachers, providing world class expertise so you can be confident you are safely and correctly moving.
Take a Class
Mat Pilates
What is “Mat” Pilates? When practicing on a mat, we bring Pilates back to its origins with flowing cueing-led exercises and breathwork, utilizing your body weight as resistance. It is an effective way to increase body awareness, tone your body, enhance flexibility, improve posture, and improve overall strength and well-being. Our group classes are 55 minutes and maximum 12 people. Our instructors talk you through the movements and demonstrate when needed, therefore they can correct faulty movements so you can be assured you are performing the exercises correctly and safely.
To book and pay for your Mat classes (you can buy 1, 4 or 8 classes) use the Classfit app or go to www.classfit.com.
Message Mel, 0212380785 for your first class FREE!
We ask all *new* clients to please contact the studio before registering or attending your first class. We would like to discuss your needs and ability to make sure the class is suited to you and to insure there is a space for you!
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Private Sessions
Private sessions are especially great for recovering and re-habilitating an injury. A qualified instructor can assist you with your injury and cater to your specific needs more than a general class would allow. The outcome will improve your mobility, speed up recovery, and improve how you perform activities.
A private session is one hour, and we can also give you a home programme to further your progress. We use a variety of exercises tailored to you using the reformer, small equipment, and mat exercises.
Contact us now to schedule your first session! Call Mel 0212380785
Reformer Mini Classes
Unique Pilates Studio has 3 Reformers and we run mini–Reformer Classes. With a maximum of 3 People in the class this allows us to cater the class for the 3 participants. Therefore, a more individualized program and we can get to know your bodies and can modify easily for all injuries. This creates safe movement and prevents injuries from incorrect form. The Reformer is a fun, challenging, and interesting way to build strength, (muscle and bone), weight bearing and spring resistance training. In our mini classes you will enjoy the individual attention as well as a challenging and enjoyable workout. To book you can use the Classfit app or classfit.com, or message Mel 0212380785.
Class Schedule: (classes can change)
Monday
9.30am - Beginner 2 Mat
10.30am - Reformer
6:00pm - Beginner 2 Mat
7:00pm - Intermediate Mat
Tuesday
9am - Reformer
4.15am - Reformer
5:30pm - Beginner Mat
6.30pm - Beginner Mat
Wednesday
9:30am - Beginner Mat
4.45pm - Reformer
6:00pm - Beginner Mat 2
7:00pm - Beginner Mat
Thursday
4.15pm - Reformer
5:30pm - Beginner Mat
6:30pm - Small equip class (Beg 2/int)
Friday
9:30am - Beginner Mat 2
10.30am - Reformer
Saturday
9:00am - Beginner Mat
10.00am - Reformer
11.00am - Reformer
Our Team
Mel James
Studio Owner/Director
Mel has been teaching Pilates since 1999 once her dance career that took her all over the world came to an end. She gained her first Pilates qualification with Balance' Pilates and Physio in Sydney, this was a yearlong apprenticeship with rehabilitation clients. She then went on to do her Polestar Pilates Mat, Reformer and Comprehensive qualifications in 2001 to 2003 in Sydney, while helping to train and set up the Australian Polestar facility.
Melissa is a Polestar NZ Educator and mentor, educating new Pilates teachers.
She is a Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation specialist and can modify exercises to suit your individual needs and injuries.
In 2021, 2022 and 2024 she was a finalist in the NZ Fitness Awards and 2025 she won the Pilates Method Teacher of the year!
Tamara Richardson
Instructor
Tamara first started her Pilates journey in 2006 when she was searching for something to improve her overall health and fitness. She was impressed by the authenticity and integrity of Pilates. The idea of helping people become stronger and in control of their bodies is what inspired Tamara to train as a teacher.
She completed The Pilates Standard training in Germany in 2016 and she completed her Polestar Pilates Mat certification in 2024 and her Comprehensive studio certification in 2026. If not doing Pilates, you may also find Tamara running though Bottle Lake Forest or on a Yoga mat.
Kirsten Vaughn
Instructor
Kirsten became a national level athlete and through this, she developed a passion for more knowledge in health & wellness. This led to a life changing decision—to leave behind a successful professional career in another field and retrain as a strength based personal trainer & coach.
In 2021 the next phase commenced when Kirsten stepped into Pilates. It was love at first move and led to the decision to train as an instructor. Kirsten completed the Polestar Mat certification in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have done Pilates before?
No! Not at all. Unique Pilates is for everyone at every level and ability, from beginners to athletes and from age 15 to 100!
We also pride ourselves on welcoming all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. Pilates is for every body!
Do I need to bring a mat?
No. All mats, props and other exercise materials are provided in the fully equipped studio. Simply bring yourself and a smile!
How long is a class or session?
How large are the group classes?
What is the cost of a class?
Is Pilates only for women?
What should I wear to Pilates?
Whatever feels most comfortable for you! But we recommend tops and bottoms that are breathable, stretchy and comfortable. Some movements require bending, so keep that in mind when it comes to tops, shorts or see-through materials. Bare feet or socks can be worn, but we recommend grip socks. You can purchase these at the studio.
If I am injured, can I still do Pilates?
Yes! Absolutely. Our instructors are very experienced and able to modify the exercises to meet your needs if they have been fully informed of your injury in advance. Pilates is great to rehabilitate all types of injuries! If you are unsure about a class being appropriate, please talk to an instructor who may suggest a private session prior. If your injury requires you
55 mins for all Classes, Mat and Reformer.
55 mins also for all Private sessions.
Anywhere from 5 - 12 people max per class for a mat class.
3 people max for the Mini Reformer classes.
Mat classes are $18 for a casual class, or you can purchase a package with a discount. 4 classes for $70 or 8 classes for $130.
Mini Reformer classes are $30 each or a package of 4 classes for
$115.
Private sessions are $70 per session.
No! Definitely not. Pilates is for men and women. We have quite a few men who attend regularly.
Can I do Pilates while pregnant?
Yes, but recommended to take private sessions only. Group Pilates classes are not recommended unless you have spoken with the instructor in advance.
How often should I do Pilates each week?
Once a week is good, twice a week is great, and three times a week is amazing! Of course the more often the quicker the results, but once or twice a week is the norm. We suggest doing small pieces of Pilates at home daily to build the muscle memory and body awareness.
Contact Unique Pilates
Got questions or feedback? Contact Mel directly!
Call or Text: 0212380785
Email: mjamespilates@xtra.co.nz
Level 1, 18 Bower Ave. North New Brighton, CHCH 8083*
*Please park on the street when visiting so as to not occupy parking space of the businesses near us. Thank you!