Rebecca Leppinus - Pilates Teacher

Growing up with a love for cross country and athletics, Bec was very active and enjoyed moving my body and trying new sports. My introduction into Pilates started like many others, an old shoulder injury in need of suitable rehabilitation. The unique equipment and exercises sparked my interest. I found it an exciting, new approach to explore movement, unlike any experience I’d had to date.

The benefits of Pilates quickly presented in different ways. The support from the springs, and the feedback you receive from the equipment allows you to mobilise, strengthen and create space in the body as well as providing greater mind body awareness. The precision and control that it is required with Pilates, soon became my passion knowing it was time to take the next step.

My transition from Pilates client to teacher started in 2016. During this time my experience has included teaching Mat, Reformer and Barre in both Sydney and Melbourne. Since I began teaching, I have really enjoyed working with people from all walks of life and seeing them really grasp what Pilates is all about. Being part of those light bulb moments for clients is when you know you’ve made a difference. Now having recently completed the Integrated Diploma of Contemporary Pilates, I am thrilled to be the newest member at Evolved Pilates and look forward to working with the team and the amazing clients.

When not in the studio, I’m a busy mum to Winifred (5) and Phoebe (3), We love to get away as a family and explore new places and spent time together at the beach.

Julia Frankish - Founder of Evolved Pilates and Pilates Teacher

Julia Frankish is the owner and Director of Evolved Pilates. She opened the studio in 2014 after having taught for a decade in other studios around Melbourne and working closely with physiotherapists and other health practitioners to achieve the health and wellbeing goals of her clients.

Through her experiences with dance training, Julia was introduced to Pilates as a way to strengthen her body, and help hold it together. This ignited a lifelong love of the method and its intelligent movement principles. She attained her Pilates certification in 2005 and now holds a Level 4 Professional Practitioner qualification with the Australian Pilates Method Association (APMA) and also runs the APMA Teacher Training Course.

Julia particularly enjoys educating people that are looking to become Pilates teachers, and providing further education for existing teachers. Examples of recent lectures she has presented include Tendinopathy Management within a Pilates Studio and Dynamic Hip Stability for the APMA and National Pilates Training, Spring Board repertoire for the APMA and Posture Alignment and Safe Stretching for Dance for Southern Federation of Dance.

Julia enjoys working with a diverse range of clients. Her philosophy is that Pilates is for everybody – for all ages and body types, and an excellent tool in both acute injury repair and for increasing strength and injury prevention.  She is particularly interested in hip and pelvis mechanics, low back pain and dance conditioning. Her approach is personable and educational and her sessions are designed to rid you of aches and pains, improve your strength and give you an opportunity to better understand your movement habits and mechanics. Pilates teaches the integration of body and mind, and this, combined with precision and control are consistent themes throughout her classes.

When she is not at the studio either teaching classes or running the business, Julia loves to spend time with her partner Louis and their two children Camille and Emmanuel riding bikes and exploring the Merri Creek. She is also a keen baker and loves cooking and decorating cakes and desserts.

Jeanette Learmont - Pilates Teacher

Jeanette discovered Pilates well over a decade ago when looking for a solution to a niggly musculoskeletal issue. Initially quite sceptical, it took no time at all for her to become absolutely ‘hooked’ and for Pilates to become an integral role in her daily life, providing a framework to improve and maintain functional movement and strength.

Keen to study Pilates in more depth, she completed the APMA Instructors course in 2008 and has continued to enjoy the never-ending Pilates story since.

Jeanette really enjoys working with a diverse range of clients aiming to provide an insightful, practical and fun experience for all – young-old- and in between. She finds that it’s particularly satisfying helping clients reach their physical goals whilst providing them with an understanding of maximising the health benefits of Pilates.

As well as running her own business, Jeanette has a specific interest in walking, the Kokoda Track being a highlight of many years of meandering through weird and wonderful landscapes.

Melanie Smith - Pilates Teacher and Course Facilitator

Coming soon

Jane Pausewang - Pilates Teacher

My love of Pilates began after the birth of my first child in 2011.  After suffering a lot of pain with pelvic instability, with poor core and pelvic floor strength during and following my pregnancy, a friend suggested I try Pilates.  Soon after I went for my first class with Julia, and have never looked back. Pilates has helped me become not only pain free following my first child, but physically stronger and pain free through my second and third pregnancies and after.

With my love of Pilates continuing to grow, finding particular interest in the complexities of the body and its functional movement, I knew I had to learn more!

Since completing the APMA Level 2 instructor course, I feel fortunate and very proud to have found a career I am completely passionate about. I am surrounded by top instructors and physiotherapists, both at Evolved and other studios, where I can further enhance my knowledge. I feel very blessed to be learning from and be working with the best in the business.

I have found an increasing interest in posture and overall functional strength in movement. It is so rewarding to help clients not only feel stronger and move better, but also develop a better understanding of what their body is actually capable of.  Teaching pilates has become so much more than a job for me, my favourite part is establishing connections with my wonderful clients and witnessing their growth and confidence in the movement is such a pleasure.

When I’m not teaching Pilates, I am busy with my 3 children (10, 6 & 2 yrs old), socialising (I love a good chat!).

I absolutely love what I do here at Evolved and I look forward to teaching you one day soon!

Jo Jackson - Pilates Teacher and Personal Trainer

Jo manages the studio operations at Evolved Pilates, having been part of the team since 2015.  Jo is an APMA Level 2 certified instructor and has been teaching since 2011.

Jo has a Commerce degree and worked in sports event management in both Melbourne and overseas for over seven years.  During this time, she also competed in swimming, half marathons, triathlon, road cycling and mountain biking.

Jo was introduced to Pilates in 2009 to assist with cycling training and racing. Having always loved any type of movement she began her study with the APMA soon after and decided to embark on a career change.  She loves the precision and challenge of Pilates and how it can bring balance and mobility to the body.  Jo is an adaptable instructor, ensuring the best outcome for each client in every session according to their mental and physical needs on that day.

Over the years, for personal interest, Jo has completed courses in strength training, functional fitness, swim instruction and massage.  Together with her personal experience in a variety of sports, this knowledge of different movement patterns assists her exercise prescription for clients, particularly athletes both young and old.

Jo enjoys introducing Pilates to new clients, assisting them to understand and build their knowledge of their own movement capabilities and then integrating this into their life or sport. Jo enjoys working with a variety of clients whether it is for rehab, pre/post natal care or general conditioning.  She enjoys helping older clients with their strength, mobility, balance and posture. Jo likes to work clients hard at whatever level they may be at, to maximise their strength and progress.

Away from Pilates, Jo likes to escape to Bright or Mount Beauty with her family and their bikes.