Two Years of On Form

Yesterday marked two years since Matt and I purchased On Form. At the time, Ollie was just six months old, and looking back, it probably wasn’t the most thought-through decision — but it was a leap we felt called to take. What followed has been a wild, messy, exhausting, beautiful journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

That first year was pure survival. Teaching classes on less than three hours of sleep became normal. Ollie came along in a washing basket with toys while I cleaned the studio and planned classes. One day, after a planning session, I came back to find he’d bitten holes in the Pilates balls. Our first anniversary slipped by unnoticed because we were still so deep in survival mode.

To be honest, I hardly remember much of that first year — it’s a blur. And it wasn’t just the studio that was chaotic. It was my first year of being a mum, my first year of being a business owner, and my first year of being a Pilates instructor. Looking back now, it was kind of insane to take it all on at once. But in many ways, the studio has grown alongside me. As I’ve found my feet as a mother, as an instructor, and as a business owner, On Form has been part of that journey. These past two years have pushed me to grow into myself — to find confidence and clarity in who I am. I’ve learned so much, and I’m so grateful for it.

Year two felt like a turning point. It wasn’t just about keeping things afloat anymore — it was about shaping On Form into something that truly reflected who we are. There wasn’t one big “this is mine now” moment, but a gradual claiming of the space. Small timetable tweaks, gently reshaping the studio, bringing on new instructors, and slowly finding my own voice. Somewhere along the way, teaching became less about pressure and more about creativity. I stopped second-guessing myself, started backing myself, and began to really enjoy the freedom that confidence brings.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Instructor changes meant I carried the full teaching load for weeks at a time. I made some decisions I later had to undo. And like any small business, there’s always the constant hum of financial pressure in the background — the reality of keeping a studio open, even when money isn’t the main motivator. But alongside those challenges, there was so much growth. The studio grew into itself. I grew into myself. And somehow, those ups and downs stitched together into something I’m deeply proud of.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a number or a business milestone — it’s the feel of On Form. So often, new clients comment on how warm, welcoming, and friendly the studio is. And that feeling? That’s you. It’s the chats before class, the banter after a spicy session, the cheeky complaints that make me laugh. It’s people who may never have crossed paths outside the studio finding common ground here. You’ve built this community. You’ve made On Form what it is.

One moment that really stood out for me this past year was when one of our long-term instructors moved on. She had been part of On Form long before I took over, and as she was leaving, she told me how epic the community felt, how much the space had grown, and how special our clients were. Coming from someone I admired and respected — someone who had seen the studio through so many seasons — that meant the world. It reminded me that the heart of this place is real, and that together, we’ve created something truly unique.

As I look ahead to year three, my focus is simple: keep honing who we are. We’ve got new instructors coming through, and I’m excited to support them on their journeys. I’d love to create more chances for us to connect outside the reformers — maybe workshops, maybe community events. Mums & Bubs classes are still on my dream list, but with Ollie at home and Matt’s travel schedule, I need to be realistic. Personally, I’d love to carve out more space for my own learning and practice too. I really believe we never stop growing, and I want to keep bringing that energy back into the studio.

If I’m honest, sitting here today and reflecting on two years of owning this space feels surreal. I was never the straight-A student. School was something I stumbled through, and I often doubted myself. To now be leading a studio, with a community like this, and a team of instructors who trust me — it feels huge. I’ve grown into a role I never thought I could own: a leader. And that’s only possible because of all of you who walk through the doors each week.

So thank you. Thank you for trusting me, for showing up, for bringing your kindness, humour, and energy into the room. This isn’t just my dream — it’s something we’ve built together. My dream has always been to share Reformer Pilates and create a space that feels safe, fun, and welcoming. You make that dream possible every single day.

Here’s to year three: more movement, more laughs, more community.

With love and gratitude,

Sam

PS: On Form isn’t something I do alone. I’m so grateful to our instructors for sharing their energy, knowledge, and passion. To my friends who quietly lend a hand behind the scenes. To Matt’s parents, who backed us from the very beginning. To my own parents, who step in with Ollie whenever Matt is away. And to Matt — who may not be in the studio teaching, but who has been beside me since the moment we took this leap, and is always my biggest supporter. On Form is truly a team effort, and I couldn’t do it without all of you.