Locals Loving Lavender: Finding Balance with Elizabeth, Hunter Valley Pilates Instructor
- Karen
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Blog Post One | 11/03/2025
At Wine Country Lavender, we love connecting with fellow creatives, wellness enthusiasts, and makers in the Hunter Valley who share our passion for nature, balance, and all things calming. In our blog series, Locals Loving Lavender, we’re 'stretching' into stories with community members and visitors to the area who have a unique connection to lavender. From artists and artisans to chefs and wellbeing pros, we’ll explore how lavender blends into their lives, work, and daily practices. Stay tuned for inspiring tales, local talent, and a whole lot of lavender love and fun!
This week, we’re chatting with Elizabeth, from Pilates with Elizabeth (PWE), a Hunter Valley Pilates instructor whose approach to movement and mindfulness is as refreshing as our lavender-rich spray! While on a recent visit to Wine Country Lavender, Elizabeth enjoyed a tour of the farm and was fascinated by the different types of lavender grown, particularly its traditional medicinal characteristics and benefits. Elizabeth shares how lavender enhances her practice, describes her favourite Wine Country Lavender products, and why this aromatic herb is the perfect partner for wellness.
Meet Elizabeth, Pilates Instructor Extraordinaire
Elizabeth, founder of Pilates with Elizabeth, is an APPI certified Pilates Instructor, specialising in Matwork and Reformer at the Hunter Valley NSW. Qualified with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, her interest in health and the human body led her to Pilates.
Quickly falling in love with the practice for how it made her feel both physically and mentally through mindfulness and stress relief, Elizabeth subsequently undertook Pilates certification training to further her knowledge and be able to share her passion with others.
"Pilates is a beautiful way to connect the mind and body. It is amazing for strength, mobility, flexibility, but the mental benefits are incredible,” Elizabeth shares. “I love focusing on my breath, my body, and how I feel - without distraction.”
Mindful Movement, Crafted with Care
Elizabeth's Pilates sessions focus on balanced wellness, with focus on gentle movement, breathwork, mindfulness, for all levels of ability and stages of individuals’ wellness journey. She believes in the benefits of resources nature provides, inclusive of lavender, to improve health both physically and mentally.
“I feel so much better health wise mentally/physically...” – Laura L. (click here for more PWE testimonials).
For Elizabeth, it is a priority to understand the individual’s goals and where their current journey is at, to see whether they have done any Pilates (or any form of movement) prior to their session. Working with that knowledge to tailor specific exercises to the individual, or layering levels if in a group class from beginner to advanced, makes a big difference to ensure each individual gets the most out of the practice. Elizabeth also emphasises the importance of breath in Pilates, as this aids the mind-body connection, which not only leads to greater awareness, but also deeper relaxation.
What Pilates with Elizabeth Offers
Group Classes: Matwork and Reformer at RunBaby (Branxton) and Huntlee Fitness (Huntlee), mindful Pilates and breathwork at The Yoga Shed (Lower Belford)
Private Sessions: Tailored 1:1 for specific goals
Retreats and Events: Hunter Valley and beyond
On-Demand App: Access an ever-growing library of Pilates classes through the Pilates with Elizabeth app
Contact and Connect: Find her on Instagram @pilateswithelizabeth
Lavender and Pilates: How Elizabeth Brings Calm to the Studio
When asked how lavender fits into her wellness world, Elizabeth shared some of her favourite ways to infuse this floral favourite into her practice:
Lavender-rich mist for mindful movement and calming the mind
During classes I teach, and when I practice myself, I love to add lavender in a variety of formats to add to the calm and soothing ambience. I love spraying some lavender-rich mist (Misty Magic) around the room before most sessions to create a calming, peaceful atmosphere and encourage deep, relaxed breathing during the practice. It’s refreshing and calming to walk into this space. It helps clients leave their stresses at the door!
For me personally, I spray some Misty Magic on my pillowcases before bed! I also love it when practicing meditation and breathwork if I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. It really helps to calm your mind if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. If you have a diffuser, would recommend getting the lavender essential oil (which is coming soon at Wine Country Lavender!).
Natural Décor and Scent with Dried Lavender Bunches
Elizabeth keeps dried lavender bunches in her studio to add a natural touch and gentle fragrance. “It’s amazing how a little touch of nature can transform the space. It also looks absolutely beautiful.” She even includes them in her thoughtful Pilates Starter Sets for clients.
Soothe Yourself Muscle Rub for Post-Session Relief
After deep stretches and challenging sessions, Elizabeth enjoys using Wine Country Lavender's Soothe Yourself muscle rub. “It ties in perfectly at the end of a session, so clients walk away feeling more relaxed. The natural lavender aroma is a wonderful bonus! I also recommend it to clients to take home and use in between sessions to massage into aching knuckles, knees, and back, and they all have enjoyed not just the smell (unlike any other anti-inflammatory rubs out there), but also the natural benefits of the arnica infused oil and St John’s Wort used in this balm."
Fast Five with Elizabeth
Favourite Pilates Move: Leg pull in prone prep level 1 or Scissors - VERY effective at targeting your deep core straight away, is suitable for basically everyone, and you can easily advance this movement. Otherwise a Teaser because they require a lot of control and strength!! So hard to pick! I love them all, let’s be real.
Morning or Evening Sessions: Mornings, especially with a magical sunrise🌞
Top tip for staying balanced: Listen to your body – when you can, rest when you need. Work with your body.
Go-To Self-Care Ritual: A lavender/passionflower tea or cacao drink at the end of the day (watch this space at Wine Country Lavender!).
Lavender in One Word: Relaxation.
Lavender and Wellness: A Perfect Pairing
Just like the slow, intentional movements of Pilates, lavender brings a sense of calm, focus, and peace into any space. Whether you’re on the mat, winding down, or creating a serene home environment, a touch of lavender can work wonders.
Ready to enhance your wellness routine? Explore our farm-grown lavender products, perfect for fitness enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and nature lovers alike!
Want to support local businesses in the Hunter Valley while experiencing the natural benefits of lavender-infused wellness practices? Book a mindful Pilates session with Elizabeth here.
Become our mate via our website, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook, for more inspiring stories from our wonderful community!
How do you use lavender in your wellness routine? Tell us in the comments below!
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