Meet Justin – Our Inna Spirit Member of the Month for November
This November, in recognition of Movember and the importance of men’s health, we’re celebrating one of our incredible male members, Justin.
Justin is a dedicated father, grandfather, and Community Development Worker, helping to improve the lives of children and families in the Logan area. Despite his busy work and family life, Justin makes time each week for Pilates and Yoga at Inna Essence — practices that have transformed his strength, mobility, and overall wellbeing.
A Little About Justin
When Justin first came to Inna Essence, it was on the advice of several health professionals.
“Both my podiatrist and chiropractor told me I needed to improve my flexibility and core strength,” he explains. “I did a lot of research and found that Inna Essence had a timetable that really suited my lifestyle — I can get my class done early in the morning before my day starts.”
With a large family and a career centred around supporting others, time is precious. But what really drew Justin to Inna Essence was the expertise and professionalism of the instructors.
“What attracted me most was the quality of instruction. You get live feedback during every class, which makes such a difference. Even when you’re given stretches or exercises by a physio, you don’t always know if you’re doing them correctly — but at Inna Essence, you have someone guiding you the whole time.”
Before joining, Justin had only tried a few community-centre mat classes years ago while at university. Pilates wasn’t something he’d stuck with — but this time, it felt different.
The Changes He’s Experienced
Since joining Inna Essence, Justin has noticed significant improvements in both flexibility and core strength, and it’s had a ripple effect throughout his life.
“It’s been a great addition to my long-distance hiking. I used to have ankle and mobility issues, but those have improved a lot. I feel stronger and more comfortable tackling longer hikes now.”
Beyond fitness, Justin has discovered benefits in his everyday movements — especially when spending time with his grandchildren.
“It’s the subtle things — being able to get up and down from the ground more easily, feeling more confident in how my body moves. Those everyday improvements mean a lot.”
What Justin Loves About Inna Essence
For Justin, the studio’s atmosphere plays a huge part in why he keeps coming back.
“I really enjoy the professionalism, but also the relaxed nature and calmness of the space. I’ve made mindfulness a big part of my self-care routine, and the studio just has this really chill, grounding feel.”
His Favourite Classes
Justin enjoys both Reformer and Mat Pilates, appreciating how each style challenges his body differently.
“I really like Reformer because it helps me push a little harder — the machine supports my form and gives great resistance. But I also love traditional Mat Pilates because it forces me to focus on control and precision.”
Justin’s Advice for Men Considering Pilates or Yoga
Justin understands that stepping into a Pilates or Yoga studio can feel unfamiliar for some men — but he encourages others to give it a try.
“I work in a female-dominated field, so I’m used to being around women — but even so, walking into a Pilates or Yoga studio can feel different for guys. What I loved about Inna Essence from the start was how welcoming it was.”
He also appreciated that the studio focuses on movement, alignment, and mindfulness, rather than spiritual intensity.
“When I spoke with Anna during my trial, I asked about Yoga and whether it was heavily spiritual — and I loved that it’s really about technique, movement, and the shapes your body makes. That made me feel comfortable right away.”
For Justin, the experience has reshaped how he thinks about power and strength.
“There will always be an attraction to power — but I think we need to model to boys and men that power doesn’t have to mean brute strength. Pilates and Yoga express power in a completely different, more grounded way.”
A Message for Movember
As we mark Movember, Justin wants to remind men that taking care of your health — physical and mental — is vital.
“You’ve just got to give it a go. Once you’ve been a few times and you’re comfortable in the space, it’s really cruisy and friendly. It’s not about competition — it’s about feeling good in your body and mind.”
At Inna Essence, we’re so proud of Justin — not only for his dedication to his health, but also for the meaningful work he does every day in our community. His story is a wonderful reminder that wellbeing is for everyone, and that Pilates and Yoga can support strength, confidence, and longevity for men and women alike.
