WOMEN OF MARLOW | Aimee Liddington - Form Pilates

Welcome to our fifth 'Women Of Marlow' blog - a series where we interview like-minded women in business. This week, we interviewed the incredible Aimee Liddington, founder and director of the gorgeous Form Pilates Studio in Queenstown. A registered physiotherapist and clinical pilates expert, Aimee has forged an institution in women's fitness and wellbeing within the tight knit community of Queenstown. Aimee founded Form Pilates with the goal of delivering personalised consultations, intuitive staff, carefully curated programs and lavish facilities to provide the perfect atmosphere to re-evaluate the client's condition, re-engage with their goals and re-energise their wellbeing. Form delivers a reformer based workout that provides an amalgamation of interval, cardio, strength, stretch training and elements of Pilates to strengthen both mind and body.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR STUDIO, AND WHERE IT ALL BEGAN - HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO TURN YOUR DREAM INTO A REALITY?  

Life is busy and exercise can be hard! Like an antidote, FORM is the embodiment of a dream to see people moving their bodies at their best into holistic wellness, through positive physiotherapist led movement. While this sounds intense it really comes down to this; supporting people positively to move their bodies into wellness in an environment that makes it feel more like self care than work. Working as a physiotherapist I got an inside look into how people exercised and what was and wasn’t working, this created a drive to provide something new. I’d like to say it all was sunshine and roses, but bringing this dream alive took a lot of perseverance, and support from friends, and local businesses. 

At FORM you’ll experience a warm cozy environment with upbeat music, smiles, laughter and encouragement. You’ll learn how to embrace your body as you are led and guided, how to move in a way that supports you best - we don’t endorse competition or chase fads; we make a point of celebrating how far we’ve come from who we were when we started. You’ll get sweaty, stronger, toasty warm and meet some new faces that may become friends for life. A group class flies by and so many clients love that they leave feeling warm and energized, not exhausted or intimidated afterwards. 

I love being able to really get to know and support the members that come through our doors, seeing their progress is really what gets me up in the morning. Everyone’s goals are unique but equally important to me (Mother’s, corporates, boss babes, trades, I love them all!). To support our members, we offer tailored levels of care. One on one sessions are perfect for injury rehabilitation and specialist care, and our well-reviewed small group classes give members all the benefits of a group setting with the safety and guidance of a private session. 
 

 

Pictured: Tempo 2.0 Sports Bra - White, Asana Flare - Navy

THE INTERIOR OF THE STUDIO IS SO BEAUTIFUL! WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE SPACE?

I know how busy individuals in our community are, and after years of working in clinical spaces I wanted to create a warm and vibrant little haven. When clients step into our space they feel stress leave at the door, and the movement becomes more self-care than exercise. I was lucky enough to work with the amazing Jess from Forager Studio (originally Jess Interiors) who helped me bring space to life. The talented duo at Colour Colab created the specialty French Wash walls that really create that luxe coziness everyone loves. 

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS IN YOUR WARDROBE THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT AND WHY?

Snug beanie and scarf in natural marle have been my absolute go to at the moment - Queenstown winters are chilly! I love that you can style the scarf for a casual day with activewear or dress it up at night with a nice coat or use it as a wrap over a dress in the evening. I adore the colour and fabric of this (wool/cashmere mix) as it lends itself to so many pairings.   

The Balance Rib Zip Front Top in Olive. This was my first Marlow purchase! I spotted a client wearing it to the studio and it just looked so gorgeous I couldn’t resist. It's such a beautiful colour and the fabric is so soft yet has a nice amount of support! It’s a beautiful shape and really accentuates a feminine silhouette. I love wearing this over a sports bra or singlet to the gym or Pilates.    

WHAT GOES ON DURING A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE IN QUEENSTOWN?

I generally start teaching classes early from around 6.15am - 1.30pm. Then break for a healthy lunch and office admin. I try to squeeze either a Pilates reformer workout, gym-based strength workout or walk with my brother's gorgeous dog in to break up the day. I find taking an hour for movement is really important for overall productivity and creativity. Private classes for clients are scattered in between group classes and then a day at FORM finishes with the final class for the night at 6.15pm. Often starting early/finishing late I aim to get some form of healthy meals prepped on Sunday so during the week I can just grab from the fridge, heat and eat.  We are so blessed to have some pretty amazing skiing on our doorstep, so on the weekends I try to get out there skiing.  

IF A CLIENT ASKED YOU ABOUT MARLOW, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE BRAND?

Effortless, luxe, chic. Deliciously soft and superbly well engineered fabrics plus perfectly tailored fits. With gorgeously warm natural and earthy tones it’s a beautiful clothing line that really represents and provides for the kiwi lifestyle. I think it’s wonderful to have beautiful gear to workout in - it makes looking after your body even more special.

 

Pictured: Warrior Bra - Textured Print, 7/8 Charge Legging - Textured Print

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP STYLING TIPS?

Living in Queenstown means I’m a huge fan of layering! Especially when attending fitness classes. Sometimes I’ll wear a supportive crop under the Balance rib zip front top with a cozy Marle scarf + coat - which has been my go-to at the moment (activewear life).  I love finding quality pieces with modern silhouettes that are timeless. I believe in spending money on good quality, beautiful fabrics that are well made. These will go the distance in your wardrobe and work in tandem with everyday basics.      
 

Pictured: Courtside Longsleeve Tee - White, Pace Full Legging - Black

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE MINDFULNESS?

Busy lives usually equate to busy minds and finding the time to stop, breathe and find some balance is something we struggle to do. I find there can be a certain amount of guilt that seems to come with the idea of taking a moment to slow down and be still. Mindfulness for me is giving myself permission to take a moment to rest, relax and reset – noting that my periods of most productivity or creative ideas follow this. As a small business owner and A type personality - I have found a definite need to take mindfulness breaks throughout the day to relieve stress. I pop my phone on do not disturb when taking these moments.    

I try to break up the day with a walk by the lake – often pairing this with a podcast. I find this super soothing on a busy mind and a very refreshing break.    

I enjoy reading a book – I find the gentle focus of reading rather than scrolling to be very grounding.    

Always movement – whether it’s a strength workout in the gym, a Pilates session in the studio or a walk outdoors. I try to move my body daily even if for just 20 minutes.    

Brain dumping thoughts into a journal in the evening prior to bed helps me to become aware of different thoughts/feelings + aids a better sleep.    

Follow Form Pilates on Instagram @form_pilates_studio

https://www.formpilates.co.nz