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The Pilates Founder Proving It’s for Everyone
We spoke to Jacqui Kingswell, founder of The Pilates Class, about movement, motherhood and why Pilates is one of the most inclusive forms of exercise.
If you haven’t yet come across Jacqui Kingswell, consider this your introduction. The Byron-based Pilates instructor and founder of The Pilates Class and The Birthing Class has spent the last six years building a digital wellness platform with a community of members now spanning 118 countries. Before that, she spent years touring the world as a professional dancer alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé and Australian icon Kylie Minogue!
Her goal is to reshape how women think and feel about movement, getting away from punishment and pressure and towards something we can actually maintain and feel good about long-term. Her holistic approach to health and wellness is inspiring a wave of women to build a consistent practice, and with a platform offering classes across every level, duration and goal, she’s made that easier than ever to do.
Now, based in Byron Bay with a newborn and an international Pilates tour freshly under her belt, Jacqui sat down with us to talk about what Pilates actually is when it’s done properly, what postpartum recovery really looks like, and where to eat in Byron if you’re lucky enough to be there.
And the good news? To celebrate Sitchu’s 10th birthday, we’ve teamed up with The Pilates Class to give one lucky reader a 12-month membership to the platform, valued at $140 and part of a prize bundle worth over $3,000. Head here to enter before July 10.
You grew up outside Melbourne, trained in Sydney and now you’re based in Byron — where do you actually feel most at home?
I think “home” has shifted for me over time. Growing up, it was the familiarity of where I was raised, then Sydney felt like this exciting chapter of growth and discipline. But Byron is where I’ve really landed into myself. There’s a slower pace here that allows me to be more present with my family, with my body, with my work. It feels aligned with the life I’ve built, not just the career.
You trained as a dancer from the age of three — how did that shape the way you think about movement and your body today?
Dance gave me a deep awareness of my body from a young age, both its capability and its sensitivity. It taught me discipline, but it also introduced me to the idea of movement as expression, not just performance. Over time, especially through Pilates, I’ve softened that relationship. It’s become less about pushing and more about listening, which has been a really important shift.
You’ve been practising Pilates since you were 12 — did you fall in love with it straight away, or has your passion developed and changed over time?
It definitely evolved. When I was younger, Pilates was something I had to do alongside dance training — it was supportive, but I didn’t fully understand its depth. As I got older, especially through injuries and different life stages, I began to really respect it. Now, it’s not just something I practise, it’s something I live and share. The connection I feel to it now is so much deeper than it ever was at the beginning.
What is it about Pilates that makes it so accessible to people of any age or ability?
At its core, Pilates meets you where you are. It’s not about intensity for the sake of it, it’s about connection, control and understanding your body. Everything can be modified or progressed, which makes it incredibly inclusive. Whether someone is recovering, rebuilding or just beginning, there’s always an entry point.
Pilates has had a huge cultural moment and it feels like it’s everywhere right now — is there anything you wish more people understood about the practice?
I think sometimes people see Pilates as either very aesthetic or very easy, and it’s actually neither of those things. When it’s done with intention, it’s incredibly challenging and deeply restorative at the same time. I wish more people understood that it’s not about how it looks, it’s about how it feels and what it’s doing for your body long-term, and everybody can practise and benefit from it.
You’ve just taken TPC Live to Sydney, LA and London — what does it feel like to bring something you built online into a room full of people?
It’s honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Online, you’re trusting that connection is happening, but when you’re in a room together, you can feel it. There’s an energy that’s really hard to describe. Seeing people move together, support each other and connect beyond the screen has been incredibly special. Seeing that what I teach online resonates through the screen is the biggest compliment as a Pilates instructor. I’m very proud of our members’ dedication and commitment to their practice.
You’ve built something really special with The Birthing Class — what do you hope women take away from it during what can be such a transformative time?
More than anything, I want women to feel informed and supported. Pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and there’s so much noise. The Birthing Class is about helping women come back to their bodies, understand what’s happening and feel empowered in their choices. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about feeling confident, informed and connected going into that experience.
The conversation around postnatal recovery feels like it’s genuinely shifting — what do you think has driven that change?
I think more women are speaking openly about their experiences, which is so important. There’s a growing awareness that recovery isn’t linear and that support shouldn’t just stop after birth. What still needs to improve is accessibility — every woman should have access to education and care during that period.
Now that you’ve been through postpartum a second time, has the experience deepened your understanding of what that period can look like for women?
Completely. Every postpartum experience is so different, even for the same person. The second time around, I had more awareness, but that doesn’t mean it was easier, it was just different. It’s deepened my empathy and reinforced how important it is to approach that time with patience and flexibility.
Where are your favourite places to eat, play and stay in Byron?
Byron region has so many beautiful spots — it’s a hub for creatives that’s really thriving right now. My go-to places to eat are:
And for exploring, I love the hinterlands and beaches — you really can’t go wrong with whichever spot you choose.
Want a year of Jacqui’s Pilates in your life? Enter Sitchu’s 10th birthday giveaway here for your chance to win a 12-month TPC membership plus a prize bundle worth over $3,000. Entries close July 10.
