Contrology Gymnasium

Contrology Gymnasium is officially 10 years old. And what a decade it has been.

Over the last 10 years, there have only ever been two fully qualified Pilates Method teachers in the entire Queenstown District, and that is still the case today.

Thank you to every past and present client who has trusted me with their body. I have always felt that you were as much my teachers as I was yours, and I am deeply grateful for every story, injury, condition and challenge you brought into the studio. From every corner of the district, from every background, you have shaped the way I teach and the way Contrology Gymnasium serves this community.

I am especially proud that my studio sees as many men as women, and clients age ranging from late 30s to mid 80s. Proof that proper Pilates is for real bodies, not just a stereotype. From back pain and weak cores to stiffness and postural issues, the goal has always been to help people build stronger, better functioning bodies using the full Classical system and ALL the apparatus, not just one piece.

Since 2016, this journey has taken me from a bedroom studio, to a converted garage, to a big commercial space, and back to my fully equipped home studio in Arrowtown. Along the way I have attended international conferences, taken countless lessons and workshops, helped found Pilates Aotearoa’s council, been nominated as one of New Zealand’s best Pilates Method teachers, and co-founded Teach Pilates – now NZ’s fastest-growing and only Classical Pilates Method accredited teacher training programs.

There is so much to celebrate, and so much still to grow. Here’s to the next 10 years of true Pilates in the Queenstown Lakes District.

With love, Marco

I know there is a slight obsession in the Pilates world with getting as many client reviews as possible, because Google etc.

In an overcrowded Reformer Pilates market that may be the case but my clients can and do always find me, wading through all the noise and silliness of unqualified instructors.

You get the clients that you deserve. I am very fortunate to be able to work with amazing people who really want to get to know the Pilates system, and look further than made-up exercises and slatted studio walls.

The real Pilates market in NZ is small so it’s fairly easy to recommend clients to good and well trained other classically trained teachers. And so wherever these clients go, they will get a great experience.

Have a great weekend!

I am thrilled to announce New Zealand’s first Classical Pilates Conference, taking place this September 2026 in Nelson. This landmark event, organised by Teach Pilates, is made possible through the partnership of Connect Centre and my studio Contrology Gymnasium.

Join me and Lisa for a weekend dedicated to the Pilates Method, rich with workshops, shared learning, and connection within our growing classical community.
Pre-register now at www.teachpilates.co.nz/conference2026.

Full details will be announced in March.

Teach Pilates – Classical Training was established not only to deliver world-class teacher training in the Pilates Method but also to create continuous professional development opportunities through workshops and a Classical Pilates conference.

With love, Marco and Lisa

I have experienced that standing out in a crowded market isn’t about racing to the bottom on price or trying to be everything to everyone. It’s about knowing my strengths, owning my expertise, and confidently positioning myself as a premium provider.

Focussing on what makes my business unique - like offering authentic Classical Pilates taught by fully qualified teachers - I naturally attract clients who value quality and professionalism.

Transparency about credentials and active involvement in the Pilates industry not only builds trust but also sets a standard for excellence. A brand is stronger when I am clear about who I serve and what I offer, as well as who and what I don’t.

This clarity helps to attract an ideal client and ensures energy is spent delivering the best possible experience to those who appreciate my approach.

Define a niche, uphold standards, and letting my expertise shine. That’s how I win iin a crowded market.

Well, Chat GPT almost got it right. I kept on prompting and ended up with two water bottles and an interesting new piece of apparatus.. a pull ring (next to phone)? Plus a tired magic circle lol

😂

ANNOUNCEMENT

We are pleased to announce that we are now an approved CPD Provider by .

We are thrilled to be offering two of the training program modules as continuous education for Pilates professionals in Aotearoa.

↗️ Mat 1
↗️ Reformer 1

When you complete our Modules Mat 1 and Reformer 1 you can be guaranteed they not only train you to become a confident and knowledgeable teacher but they are verified CPD.

Please note our modules are only offered by:
- Arrowtown
centre.pilates - Nelson

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