Coming Soon: South Brisbane Gets an Upstate Studio

The third Queensland outpost for mood-boosting fitness brand Upstate will also be its biggest, with a three-room studio set to open this summer in South Brisbane.

The Geelong-born Pilates, yoga and boxing collective currently spans 18 east-coast locations, including Palm Beach and a freshly launched spot in West End. But you can think of this next opening as its northern flagship, says co-founder and co-CEO Gail Asbell. And there’s a bit of a twist.

“We have crossed the border with a one-room studio in the Gold Coast, and then our two-room studio in West End. So this feels like our ‘real’ launch into Brisbane with a three-room studio that will be one of our largest nationwide. It just offers so much more variety in class scheduling and class styles.”

The new spot – on buzzy Fish Lane – will incorporate three dedicated movement spaces, with two large reformer rooms and one hot Pilates and yoga studio fitted out with infrared panels.

Amenities include spacious change rooms with large rows of showers, plus make-up stations with hair dryers and products so you can quickly get out the door post work-out. “They’re designed for people to do the class, get ready, and head off to wherever they’re going – whether it’s work or play,” Asbell says.

The South Brisbane studio will offer around 100 classes per week, including five different takes on reformer – from hybrid strength training sessions like a Hot Pilates Box class to classes focusing on traditional forms – and three different types of hot mat Pilates.

There’s also a range of yoga classes – everything from energetic vinyasa to restorative yin and soundbath workshops. Classes are all-levels, with instructors offering modifications for beginners and progressions for more skilled devotees.

“Upstate has become known for our variety of classes. So you can do a strong workout in the morning and, if your heart desires, come back in at the end of the day for more of a mindful stretch and meditation class. We want to give people that variety so they can choose a class they feel like their body needs on that day.”

The brand is also known for its energetic, neon-lit community spaces with signature bright yellow paint scheme. The aesthetic, Asbell says, reflects Upstate’s mission to help people create a positive mindset through movement. “We wanted to create a place that feels happy the moment you walk in the door, that’s defined by big group classes that are full of positivity and energy.”

And while the South Brisbane studio will still be recognisably Upstate-coded, Asbell says the space will include some new design features unlike any other brand location. “We’re taking the opportunity to refresh a bit of the look and feel of the space.”

Asbell anticipates strong demand at the new studio, following citywide interest in the West End site – including from former Melburnites who were previously Upstate devotees. She also promises to roll out more Sunshine State spots – scouting is already underway for a studio location north of the river.

To celebrate Upstate’s new South Brisbane announcement, one lucky Broadsheet Access member will win a 12-month Upstate membership (worth $2600). Log in or subscribe to Broadsheet today for your chance to win.