The first and only reformer pilates studio opens on this coming Tuesday, October 1, in Rarotonga, with multi-talented fitness enthusiast and teacher Brynn Acheson at the helm, writes Serena Hunter.

“I’m super excited about the opening of the studio, I fully believe in the healing and health benefits of pilates and want to expose as many people to it as possible,” says Acheson.

The studio has been some two years in the planning, with Acheson transitioning from full-time work at KitesSUP, the watersport business she owns with her husband Ina Nooroa, to full-time work from her home pilates studio.   

Fitness and teaching have been a cornerstone for Acheson, a native of Montana who moved to the Cook Islands in 2010. She has taught pilates for nearly 20 years, 14 of those here in Rarotonga, and has a strong passion for teaching and helping people connect with their bodies through this mind-body exercise.

The air-conditioned studio located in Nikao is equipped with 10 reformer machines. The reformer is a “bed” that moves with spring loaded resistance, allowing a full range of movement and exercises to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve overall health. 

“The exercises are safe, low impact and appropriate for anyone age 10 to 100,” says Acheson.

Pilates has been around since WW1 when German physical trainer Joseph Pilates developed workout routines to help patients at a war hospital rehabilitate their injuries, and attached springs to hospital beds to enable patients to exercise against resistance. After moving to New York, Pilates continued refining his unique exercise system where the reformer machine evolved into the form used today.

One of the great things about reformer pilates is that it benefits people of all ages and fitness levels from couch potatoes to professional athletes. 

Acheson has seen a range of people through her home studio in Avana which she started post Covid with an old reformer she purchased from Topshape gym. 

She saved to purchase a new reformer, and continued training clients from home, with clients finding her through word of mouth.

“I was getting tired of turning people away because I was fully booked, hence the idea of opening my own studio,” she explains.

The perfect space at Nikao became available earlier this year and she jumped on it. “A new build, I could create the studio of my dreams – Pilates Cook Islands was born,” smiles Acheson.

Acheson has her loyal crew of followers, who have been with her since she started teaching pilates at Trader Jacks 11 years ago, then moved to Topshape gym, and has also taught yoga all over the island at hotels, beaches, on paddleboards, and at Te Ara Museum. 

One of the loyal devoted clients is former Pacific Resort CEO, Greg Stanaway, who thrives on his twice weekly personal reformer classes with Acheson. He has been doing this for the last two and a half years. 

“Brynn is a great communicator, and has an in-depth understanding of all the exercises available on the reformer,” says Stanaway. “She has great instinct for my capabilities and has steadily guided me to have greater strength and become more flexible, essential for those of us in our 60s”.

Another is Jo Tesoriero, who says exercise classes were never her thing until she met Acheson and tried pilates.

“Now I attend twice a week and have really noticed the improvement in my balance, flexibility and strength,” Tesoriero says.

Acheson has gained another pilates reformer convert in myself.

After experiencing some one on one classes with Acheson, she has me hooked, and will definitely be adding it to my arsenal in keeping fit, active, and flexible for paddling and kiting, and especially as a mature age athlete.  

I felt compelled to write an article on Acheson and her studio opening, as she’s a very low key, understated member of the community, who has an amazing background, and a knack for being an amazing teacher. As an athlete, you feel her guide you effortlessly through the movements, with perfect cues, and an eye for picking up on what you are or are not doing.

Aside from pilates/yoga, Acheson is also a Level 3 IKO certified kite instructor, and has set many people up including myself on their kite surfing journey. She has a reputation as a patient knowledgeable instructor in whatever she puts her hand to. 

With a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Acheson is always seeking to self-improve, and the ‘forever learning’ aspect to her personality led her to joining New Zealand stunt school earlier this year, where she undertook a two-week horse stunt camp in January.

“The best decision I’ve made, you are never too young to do something you truly want to do, and who doesn’t secretly want to be a super hero,” laughs Acheson.

Her adventurous spirit has since led her to joining a team of 10 people who will cross 1200 kilometre of the Mongolian steppes on horseback, yak, camel and reindeer in 2025, watch this space!

Meanwhile, the doors to the pilates studio open this Tuesday, with a full schedule of classes offered from 6am to 6.30pm, with class options including reformer, mat and barre, with beginning friendly classes through to more athletic classes.

“It really is for everyone, and I’m excited about what this brings to the community,” says Acheson.

• Serena Hunter has held many national titles and represented the Cook Islands for several different sports. Some of her achievements include: former national triathlon representative, first ranked female outrigger canoe paddler and two times Cook Islands sportswoman of the year. She also manages Koka Lagoon Cruises, the popular lagoon tour at Muri Beach.