Meet Kelly – Our Inna Spirit Member of the Month for October
This October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are so proud to celebrate Kelly as our Inna Spirit Member of the Month.
Kelly’s story is one of courage, resilience, and rediscovering confidence through movement. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 at just 26 years old, she underwent an incredibly tough journey – 30 rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, two surgeries, and all of this during the isolation of COVID.
“I really lost my confidence; I lost my hair, I was just looking inward, and I became so isolated,” Kelly shares.
After completing her two years of treatment, Kelly knew it was time to prioritise her self-care. Pilates had always been on her mind, and in August 2023 – one year post-treatment – she decided there was no better time to start.
From Our Team
From Anna; “She is always incredibly positive and friendly. I’ve been so impressed by how resilient she is and how she’s built up her strength over the last few years.”
Andrea shares; “It has been such a privilege to look after Kelly privately and support her movement and wellness practice at the studio. I’ve felt such pride watching her confidence improve, and her level of strength and coordination evolve. She moves with such concentration during class, and is beautifully mindful and intuitive of her practice.”
From instructor Claire; “Kelly is delightful. She is always so cheery and ready to engage and improve. She listens to cues, considers what it means for her body and really challenges herself to level up. Kelly is always on time, helpful to other and a genuinely committed client.”
Paula reflects; “She really does deserve this recognition. I love having Kelly in my class; she is always so warm, friendly and caring towards the other members. Kelly is always willing to give every exercise a go. She always listens to the cues to make sure she is doing the exercises correctly and safely, pushing herself to do a little better every time.”
Rebuilding Strength and Confidence
Kelly began with Private Sessions at Inna Essence to safely ease into Pilates.
“I had never done Pilates before, and being post-cancer I was very weak. The Private sessions were so great as I had zero understanding, and I needed careful guidance to rebuild my strength and confidence. Once I felt more comfortable, I was ready to join group classes.”
Now, Kelly attends two to three classes a week. Not only has Pilates improved her confidence and energy, but it has also supported her recovery in powerful ways.
During treatment, her ancillary lymph nodes were removed, reducing the range of motion in her left arm. Since starting Pilates at Inna Essence, Kelly has regained mobility and no longer experiences the same tightness. Long-term hormone therapy had also impacted her bone density – but with consistent Pilates, her scans have shown significant improvement.
“It hasn’t been an overnight change, but the cumulative improvement has been incredible. My last scan showed my hip bone density has gone up into the regular range. I can really see how much more confident I am compared to when I first started.”
What Kelly Loves About Inna Essence
Kelly describes the studio as a warm and welcoming space.
“The atmosphere is amazing – the instructors are so approachable, knowledgeable, and professional. I was worried it might be competitive or intense, but it’s the opposite. Classes feel so cosy and comfortable, and everyone is so kind and inclusive. At other gyms I’ve felt intimidated, but here you’re encouraged to do your best and what feels right. You never feel pressured.”
As a designer who spends her days at a desk, Pilates has also improved Kelly’s posture, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing.
“After sitting all day, I often feel stiff – but after class, I feel like I can fly. My mental health has improved so much. The focus on breathing helps me return to my desk with a clearer mind, and my creativity flows better.”
Favourite Classes
Kelly enjoys every class she attends, but a few stand out.
- Stretch and Flow Reformer on Sundays: “It’s the best way to start my week. The stretches release all the tension from the week, and I never regret coming in – even on days I feel lazy.”
- Afternoon Classes at 5pm: “They reset my body and mind, helping me have a productive evening.”
She also loves the variety in the timetable, with express lunchtime sessions fitting perfectly around her work commitments.
Kelly’s Advice for Anyone Considering Pilates
“If you are looking to start, Inna Essence is the best place to come. I started completely at zero, and joining has eased me into fitness in such a supportive way. No matter where you’re at, you’re encouraged to give everything a go. You never feel intimidated – only motivated and supported.”
Kelly’s journey is a reminder that movement is not only about physical strength, but also about reclaiming confidence, nurturing mental health, and finding joy in community.
“Inna Essence is so amazing – I have so much thanks to give. All the instructors are warm and welcoming, and it’s so hard to find somewhere where you feel so comfortable. I just love coming every day.
