Cat Cow Pilates is Invercargill's boutique Reformer Pilates studio, founded by Loren and Rob. Born from their background in sport and exercise alongside life on a Southland dairy farm, the studio was created around the idea that movement should feel natural, enjoyable, and effortless—much like their tuxedo cat, Cleo.
The studio focuses on small-group, instructor-led reformer sessions capped at 10 participants. Classes blend traditional Pilates principles with modern strength, mobility, and stability training, creating an inviting space where Southlanders can build confidence in their movement without intimidation.
Whether you are a newcomer starting with the Open Level foundation, building cardio on the jumpboards in Bouncy Cats Club, or focusing on mobility in Stretchy Cats Club, sessions are designed to be accessible, supportive, and progressive.
When founders Loren and Rob were living on a dairy farm just outside Invercargill, the concept for a fresh kind of fitness space began taking shape. Both having studied sport and exercise at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) back in 2012, movement had always been central to their lives. Yet when Loren encountered reformer Pilates, it was the first practice varied and engaging enough to truly stick. Noticing that Invercargill lacked a dedicated boutique reformer space, they decided to build the exact studio they wished existed. The name came naturally—a nod to dairy farm roots, an iconic yoga-movement pose, and an enduring love for cats, particularly their tuxedo cat Cleo.
Today, Cat Cow Pilates provides a welcoming environment at 2 Ruru Street where locals can stop second-guessing their bodies and reconnect with movement. The philosophy is simple: movement should feel natural and sustainable, meeting each person exactly where they are without unnecessary intimidation.
At the core of the studio's offering is a deliberate commitment to small-group coaching. Every class is capped at just 10 participants, ensuring instructors can offer personalized attention, clear alignment cues, and tailored options. Sessions run for 45 minutes and utilize studio reformers featuring adjustable spring resistance, straps, and sliding carriages.
The class schedule is designed around distinct styles that complement one another. The Open Level Reformer serves as the flagship session, thoughtfully integrating traditional Pilates methods with functional strength and balance drills. For those looking for an upbeat tempo and an elevated heart rate, the Bouncy Cats Club incorporates the jumpboard attachment to deliver low-impact cardio alongside resistance work. Meanwhile, the Stretchy Cats Club provides a dedicated reset, slowing the tempo down to focus entirely on mobility, joint flexibility, and tension release. The studio also features Bring Your Own Baby classes to support parents getting back into regular exercise.
Stepping into the Waikiwi studio, visitors will find a setup focused entirely on ease and comfort. Facilities include a dedicated changing room, an upstairs toilet, a water cooler, and cubbies with coat hooks to keep personal belongings organized. Classes maintain a phone-free studio policy during workouts so participants can focus entirely on their time on the carriage, though post-class photos are always welcomed.
Newcomers begin by booking through the website or dedicated app. Because reformers are limited to ten per session, reservations are required in advance. First-time visitors are encouraged to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before their scheduled time to meet their instructor, get oriented to the reformer apparatus, and discuss any personal modifications.