Your journey into Pilates and fitness has been remarkable. What first drew you to this world?
Pilates has been a defining force in my life for many years. My journey began not just as a fitness professional, but as someone deeply passionate about movement, strength, and longevity.
From my early years in the fitness industry (yes, including the 80s aerobics era!), I was always drawn to methods that combined strength, flexibility, and functional movement.
When I discovered Pilates, I was captivated by how it builds deep core strength and graceful control—but I also saw an opportunity to push it further.
That’s how Paola’s Body Barre (PBB) was born—a unique fusion of Pilates, barre, yoga, and functional training that delivers a low-impact yet high-intensity burn.
Since launching in 2008, PBB has built a dedicated community that thrives on its results-driven, empowering workouts.
How has Pilates evolved since you first started, and what changes have you witnessed in the industry?
Over the years, I’ve watched the fitness industry evolve, and with it, Pilates has transformed. Some purists see its widespread popularity as dilution, but I see it as a natural progression.
Joseph Pilates developed his method in the 1920s, and like all great innovations, it was bound to grow and adapt. At PBB, we were ahead of this shift—blending Pilates with complementary disciplines to create a method that is effective, sustainable, and tailored to modern bodies and lifestyles.
Rather than staying rigidly tied to tradition, we took the best elements of Pilates and enhanced them, ensuring our workouts remain dynamic, challenging, and deeply beneficial. This evolution has redefined how people move, ensuring they build strength, mobility, and endurance in a way that supports long-term well-being.
What sets Paola’s Body Barre apart from other fitness methods?
PBB is entirely unique. We remain the only studio offering a fusion of Pilates, barre, yoga, and functional training that sculpts and strengthens while being gentle on the joints.
We are pioneers in what I call the “soft strength revolution”—balancing dynamic muscle engagement with mindful movement. Our approach empowers clients to build long-lasting strength and confidence, rather than chasing quick fixes.
PBB is especially designed for women over 40, postnatal clients, and those seeking low-impact yet highly effective workouts. But it’s more than just exercise—it’s about fostering a holistic lifestyle that prioritises movement, recovery, and longevity.
Where do you see Paola’s Body Barre heading in the future?
My vision for PBB is clear: to continue redefining how people approach movement and ageing.
Expansion, innovation, and transformation are key. We’re evolving our method, reaching more people, and challenging outdated fitness norms.
There are some exciting developments ahead, including new offerings and expansions that will take the PBB experience to the next level—so stay tuned!
The Meta-Age philosophy states, “We don’t have an age defined by a number—we define it by how we live.” Why does this resonate with you?
This statement perfectly aligns with my approach to fitness and life. At PBB, we train for longevity, strength, and vitality—not just aesthetics. Age is NOT a limitation; movement is the key to youthfulness, resilience, and confidence.
So many people ask how I stay looking and feeling younger than my age, and my answer is always the same: it’s the PBB Method! Movement is the ultimate anti-ageing tool, and it’s why I am so passionate about sharing it with others.
Final thoughts—what do you want people to take away from this interview?
That fitness is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling strong, capable, and empowered at every stage of life. The Meta-Age philosophy is the future—we define our vitality by how we move, think, and live, not by the number on our birth certificate.
At PBB, we believe in training smarter, not harder, embracing strength with softness, and moving with purpose. The future of fitness is about sustainability, longevity, and confidence in motion.
Wayne Lèal