Love Athletica City / Braddon

Love Athletica City / Braddon is a Pilates and heated mat studio at 70 Northbourne Avenue, on the edge of Braddon in Canberra’s Civic area. Its two studios sit on either side of the main entrance, with space for 16 Allegro 2 Reformers and 28 mats. The venue offers both Reformer Pilates and heated mat classes, with sessions designed around strength, cardio and yoga-inspired stretching rather than a traditional slow-paced Pilates format.

The signature Athletic classes are 50-minute full-body workouts that combine Pilates with weights, props and short bursts of higher-intensity movement. Reformer options include the all-level Athletic Reformer, the more challenging Athletic Reformer PLUS and a longer version with an additional 15-minute flow. The studio recommends starting with Athletic Reformer, even if you have trained elsewhere, as its dynamic approach works smaller muscle groups and can be demanding while you build familiarity and strength.

The heated mat programme brings a similar emphasis on movement and intensity to the floor. Hot Mat Pilates is an all-level class using props and flowing sequences, while Hot Mat Functional Strength adds heavier weights, longer working periods and supersets. Selected classes finish with a yoga-inspired stretch and flow intended to help settle the mind and stretch the muscles used during the workout. The studio describes its classes as high-energy, with pumping music and instructors leading the session for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the format.

Classes are led by a highly trained team and suit people looking for a structured group workout, whether they are new to Love Athletica or progressing towards more advanced Reformer movements. Hot Mat classes are open to all levels, while Athletic PLUS is intended for people with Reformer experience; the studio recommends completing five Athletic classes first. The venue is set up for solo visits, with lockers, change rooms, toilets and filtered chilled water available. New clients can book a five-class introductory offer covering Reformer and Hot Mat sessions, and students can access a discount on selected full-priced class packs. Bookings are made online through the Love Athletica app or Mindbody account, and first-time visitors are asked to arrive 10 minutes early. Clients must be at least 16, and pregnancy restrictions apply: Reformer classes are available up to the 15th week, while Hot Mat classes are not suitable during pregnancy.