WHEN identical twins Aishling and Sinead Barrett discuss their business Wickham St Studios, the phrase "keeping things real" dominates.
The Adamstown-raised siblings believe that in fitness speak there's often too much emphasis on ideals and perfection. At their studio, it's simply about having a go.
"Sometimes you might nail it or have a bad day, but if you challenge yourself and give it a shot, you leave feeling real, whether or not you reach a goal, at the end of the day we are all real and just giving it a shot," says Sinead.
Adds Aishling. "It's moving to feel good and being strong rather than something that's aesthetic-based."
The 31-year-old siblings opened their light-filled warehouse space in mid-March, offering reformer (machine-based pilates), mat pilates, barre and yoga classes "with a difference".
"Our point of difference is that community underpins everything we do. We have been really intentional with everything from the layout of the physical space to the language we use in class to create a fun and inclusive experience," Sinead says.
"We believe that all movement is good movement which is why we offer a range of different styles and include both reformer and mat classes.
"You don't have to be a gym junk or pilates pro, anyone is welcome, any age, any level, everyone can come in and they will feel challenged and welcomed in our space."
The sisters' sporty childhood (from netball and dance to gymnastics and nippers) tapered when they went to university (Aishling studied nuclear medicine degree in Melbourne; Sinead did a media and communications degree in Sydney).
When Aishling began yoga, she loved it so much she gained qualifications to teach it, alongside pilates. She encouraged Sinead to follow suit.
"Once we started teaching, we knew we wanted to start our own studio but it took a long time to be fully ready," says Sinead.
The pandemic wasn't the only factor in motivating the sisters to return to Newcastle and fulfil their dream, but it certainly helped.
"I had wanted to move back for a quite a while and a year in lockdown [in Melbourne] didn't help ... once we found the building it was kind of like,'this is perfect spot'," says Aishling.
"During the lockdowns we couldn't teach or go to our studios and it's influenced the way we do things here. We want people who come here to feel a connection."
The siblings have strived to create a space for community - from simply being able to have a cuppa and a chat on the lounge after class to attending one of the regular workshops or events they run, from pottery classes to pizza and pilates nights.
"We want to bring people together, rather than just pop in for a class and that be it," says Sinead, adding that their clients' ages and backgrounds are incredibly diverse.
The twins say their different work backgrounds enable them to work to their natural strengths in the business.
"I think we work well together - we don't have any trouble telling the other if something is a bad idea or don't like something, and that's a good thing," laughs Sinead.
The Barretts are focusing on building their clientele and like every other small business, watching the pandemic setting to be ready to adjust.
"It'san interesting time to be in business but it could lead to to other opportunities with digital offerings - we are thinking of expanding our online presence," says Sinead.
The pair say their motivation comes from simply energising their clientele and encouraging them to lead healthier lives.
"It is actually really quite energising to teach a group of people and lead them through something they enjoy and you enjoy, to see people learn and develop their skills and keep coming back and see how it impacts their lives," says Aishling.
"It's an energy exchange, it's not just a class, I get something from it, too."
The studio is open everyday of the week and bookings can be made via the website or the Mindbody app.
