About Us
Pilates Next Door is owned and operated by Irina Li.
Irina is a fully qualified Pilates instructor and registered member of PAA (Pilates Alliance Australasia). She holds a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction from the government accredited PilatesITC (International Training Centre) the premier Pilates instructional body in the Australasian region.
Irina has practised many forms of physical training throughout her life, including Pilates, Yoga, dance and gym. Aside from Pilates, her primary loves are meditation, Reiki and Qi Qong, and she has extensive experience in mindfulness and mind/body practice. During the past decade she has spent much of her spare time on retreat in Buddhist monasteries and meditation centres in Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia.
Prior to becoming a Pilates Instructor Irina worked as a Tourism Specialist based in Asia.
“When I worked in tourism, I experienced great happiness introducing people to the beautiful cultures
and sights of Asia. Now I feel that same sense of happiness showing people the joy of mindful body movements, and the many other wonderful benefits that Pilates can offer.”
- Irina
TESTIMONIALS
“ I remember my first lesson very clearly. It was my first time doing Pilates and I didn’t know what to expect. Afterwards, I left with a grin and warm glow, feeling like it had been a great use of an hour. Irina is such a lovely, supportive teacher with a dash of hilarity, making the time pass by much too quickly. She checks up on your condition and is approachable and flexible so that the lessons are tailored and personal. ”
— TRACEY C.
“ I take twice weekly classes with Irina. I can absolutely confirm that Irina is an outstanding Pilates instructor. She is not only extremely knowledgable about Pilates, but she understands the body and its complexities. Prior to starting Pilates I had experienced some back and neck pain which both have miraculously dissipated over the past 6 months. Irina listens with great care and offers meticulous corrections at every training session. At the end of every session I feel stronger, aligned, and rejuvenated. I very much look forward to training with Irina and can not recommend her highly enough. ”
— BRIGITTE GERSTL
“ I had my very first Pilates lesson with Irina. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first but Irina was amazing in guiding me through the class. I really enjoyed the lesson and my body felt relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards. Irina is professional yet still very friendly and approachable, I would definitely recommend Pilates Next Door to anyone! ”
— MICHELLE B.
“ My pilates lessons with Irina always leave me feeling incredibly relaxed and peaceful. Her incredible passion for pilates is so inspirational and she has the most beautiful way of making me feel comfortable to explore my body and learn about the ways that my posture can be corrected to ensure overall wellbeing and a greater state of relaxation. Having had lessons with a number of pilates instructors before,
I can say that Irina is a most caring and skilled teacher who I hope to continue to learn with for many years to come. From my heart, Thank you Irina for sharing your amazing gift. ”
— ALEXANDRA KNIGHT
