Authentic Pilates is a specialised Pilates studio located on Bright Street in Whataupoko, Gisborne, offering private one-on-one sessions and small group classes using the original method developed by Joseph Pilates. Since moving to its current premises in 2017, the studio has built up the latest Pilates equipment imported from Brazil, and is one of only two studios in New Zealand — alongside the Training Centre in Auckland — with the complete set of Pilates equipment.
The studio is owned and run by Fabio Geronazzo, a Certified Authentic Pilates Instructor with a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, who trained directly under Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter Sari Mejia before earning his Authentic Pilates certification in 2001. Fabio and his wife Maria previously ran a Pilates and Yoga studio in São Paulo, Brazil, before relocating to Gisborne in 2015. He is joined by instructor Gustavo Galati, also a Certified Authentic Pilates Instructor with a Bachelor of Physical Education from Brazil, who joined the team in May 2023. The studio also brings in guest teachers to broaden its range of specialties.
On Bright Street in Whataupoko, Gisborne, Authentic Pilates has built a reputation as a highly specialised Pilates studio grounded in the original method developed by Joseph Pilates: "Enhancing the quality of life through exercise."
Since moving to its current premises in 2017, Authentic Pilates has continued to evolve, investing in the latest Pilates equipment imported from Brazil. The studio is one of only two in New Zealand — alongside the Training Centre in Auckland — to hold the complete set of Pilates equipment, a point of real pride for the team and a genuine point of difference for clients seeking the full range of what Pilates equipment can offer.
The studio is owned and run by Fabio Geronazzo, who holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Brazil, along with a postgraduate qualification in Sports Training. Fabio trained directly under Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter Sari Mejia, earning his Authentic Pilates certification in 2001. He and his wife Maria ran a successful Pilates and Yoga studio in São Paulo before relocating to Gisborne in 2015 in search of a lifestyle that combined his work with a love of outdoor living, including surfing. Instructor Gustavo Galati, also a Bachelor of Physical Education graduate and Authentic Pilates-certified since 2007, joined the team in May 2023, adding further depth of experience.
For new clients, Authentic Pilates recommends starting with a private one-on-one session, available in 30, 45 or 60 minute appointments. This allows instructors to properly assess each client's body and needs, and to recommend the right path forward based on individual time and budget.
Beyond private sessions, the studio runs a range of small group classes. Mat Wall classes, capped at 3-4 people, combine standard mat Pilates with the added resistance of springs and bars, best suited to those with an intermediate level of practice. Mat Classes, for up to 10 people, are designed for all levels and focus on developing strength, posture and a longer, leaner body. For those 60 and over, Pilates Gold offers a safe, low-impact class that strengthens the body while protecting the joints, with every exercise able to be modified to suit how a client is feeling on any given day.
Client Ypkje Brown, who first came to Pilates around 20 years ago after a serious back injury, credits the Authentic Pilates team with helping her retain her strength and natural flexibility well enough to keep enjoying activities like canoeing and tramping. She has specifically praised the respect, courtesy and expertise shown by instructors Fabio and Thomaz throughout her time at the studio.
Authentic Pilates caters to a wide range of goals, from chronic pain relief, injury prevention and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, through to improving general fitness, flexibility, posture and core strength. The studio's approach draws on the full depth of the Authentic Pilates method to help each client find their own balance of strength, flexibility and mobility.
Authentic Pilates is located at 114 Bright Street, Gisborne, and is open Monday to Friday, with studio hours varying by day. Bookings for both private sessions and group classes can be made directly through the studio, with new clients encouraged to start with a private one-on-one assessment.