If there are two words to describe KIC Studio’s foray into its first physical location, it’s ‘community’ and ‘intent’.
Having launched to much fanfare on Saturday, KIC Studios’ home in Cremorne, Melbourne has hit the ground running, with many of the first day’s run of classes booked out well in advance.
Early signers-on were treated to goodie bags, and vibes were high in the week leading up to its opening.
Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw have launched KIC Studios in Cremorne, Melbourne. Picture: Supplied, Marten Ascenzo
KIC Studios began life as an app-only wellness hub – standing for Keep It Clean – the brainchild of fitness entrepreneurs Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith. There, those seeking a slice of wellness – particularly through the pandemic – could access Pilates workouts, a virtual run club, healthy recipes, and much more.
As the two women evolved through motherhood – not to mention home sales and renovations – the app did too, but it was always the dream to launch a real-life studio.
“People walking past on their lunch break or walking their dog… were really excited to know that there was a new and different studio popping up in the area,” Ms Claire Smith told realcommercial.com.au.
“I’m just really excited to see what people think and to open up those doors.”
Claire Smith and Henshaw with head trainer Imogen. Picture: Supplied, Marten Ascenzo
Connecting with community
Members aren’t referred to as members, rather ‘community’.
“Connecting with the community through events, whether that’s our run clubs or our KIC tours, they’ve always been really important to us,” Ms Claire Smith said.
“I even think back to the Bali retreats that we’ve done – they’ve been lasting. And a lot of those community members have come to events like that alone and then met other people.
“Selfishly, where I am at in my own personal life with how much is going on and juggling life with two kids, this is the kind of experience and movement that I am so excited to have in my own routine as well.”
Go left, or go right – the choice is yours. Picture: Supplied, Marten Ascenzo
Henshaw and Claire Smith wanted to create something that wasn’t just an extension of the app – though members also get included app access – but the fostering of a whole new movement in the area and beyond.
“Everything we do at KIC is really accessible… hopefully Cremorne isn’t the only physical space – this is just the beginning,” Ms Claire Smith said.
Inside the studio
Upon entry into the studio – situated in a multi-use area of Melbourne where residents can live, work and play – community members are treated to calming, warm hues of blush, mauve and gold accents.
The workout space itself is moody, with warm, soft lighting and a skylight designed to beam down on the instructor to ensure members are never left behind.
Inside the studio itself. PIcture: Supplied
There are heating panels on the ceiling to dial up the temperature for those sweat sessions.
And – there are no mirrors.
“We’ve had so many community members who have avoided things like gyms or public classes because they know that they are in a space where they might compare themselves to others,” Ms Claire Smith said.
“Please feel safe and welcome to come as you are. Don’t feel like you need to know exactly what you’re doing.”
Everything has been thought of – down to the Spotify playlist that guides you through the workout.
Lighting changes to suit the pulse of the workout.
Breathe in, breathe out. Picture: Supplied, Marten Ascenzo
After a session, class-goers can unwind in the communal couch space with a herbal tea.
And yes, even the tea has been matched to the workout just completed; think ‘Energise’ for higher-intensity workouts, with a dash of caffeine, for example.
The post-class chillout space is designed to be phone-free to encourage members to be in the moment.
“There is so much beautiful connection that you have with yourself, but also different people that you meet in that room, that it’s really nice to have a touch point afterwards,” Ms Claire Smith said.
Bathrooms are lush, stocked with soaps, haircare and Mecca beauty products to get you ready for your day.
Unwind after a workout with a cup of tea. Picture: Supplied, Marten Ascenzo
Let’s get to the workouts
If you’re already familiar with the app, then some of the workouts might not come as a total surprise.
The general focus is on somatic movements – work designed to tickle and reward the central nervous system – and breath work.
“If you want to slow it down, or you feel like your movement wants to go left instead of right, it’s all really encouraged,” Ms Claire Smith said.
“There’s no wrong or right, and because there’s no mirror reminding you that you’re going in a different direction to others, you really lean into that.”
KIC’s Pilates focus is on somatic movements. Picture: Supplied, Marten Ascenzo
In a five-minute sample of the workouts with head trainer Imogen, a 2kg dumbbell suddenly feels quite heavy, yet tension leaves your body. This guy soon felt himself morph into quite the aficionado.
Trainers are personable and studious professionals – enthusiastic and inspiring.
“You don’t have to be some Pilates expert to rock up to this class. The teachers are there to really guide you,” Ms Claire Smith said.
Membership currently starts at $65 per week, which includes access to the app as well. For the uninitiated this might sound like a lot, but run-of-the-mill fitness and Pilates studios cost about the same, without the extra touches KIC has to offer.
If you’re a fan of the app, looking to change up your routine, or looking for a new space to connect in the inner-eastern Melbourne suburbs – and you’re willing to buy into the mission – then the studio might provide the extra classy touch you crave.