Post-Pilates Guide: The Best Hang-Out Spots in Fitzroy

Rodes Studio co-founder Robyn Moir knows Fitzroy has a reputation for “hectic late-night partying”. But there’s another side to the suburb that’s a little more wholesome, she promises.

The nurse-turned-Pilates-instructor opened Rodes Studio with her sister Jodi Moir on Brunswick Street last September. It’s a “boutique, non-heated mat Pilates and yoga studio literally in the heart of Fitzroy”, Robyn says. Though vibes in the oak-panelled workout space are very different to those outside. “You walk up two flights of stairs and it’s just gorgeous. There are palm trees off the balcony reflected in the mirrors – it feels very relaxing and calming.”

The intimate space necessitates small class sizes (student numbers are capped at 11 per session), which encourages more one-on-one time with trainers and a better sense of community, Robyn says. She leads most of the Pilates classes herself, and there are yoga and breathwork offerings suitable for all levels as well.

Afterwards, the Fitzroy local heads out for sustenance, recovery, and sweet post-workout treats. Here are some of her favourite post-Pilates hangs.

Morning coffee

“Babka, a little bakery down the bottom of Rodes, is owned by Chris Messinis. He’s kind of a Fitzroy icon and just the nicest man ever – his energy feels like a hug. I get my coffee from there every single day, always an almond capp. They have the best sweet treats, too. There’s a spice biscuit that is honestly delicious.”

Organic grocer

“Wild Things in Fitzroy North. I go there literally every week with my good friend Mill Thompson, who does the content and branding for Rodes. We have a bit of a Sunday ritual where she’ll come to a class, and then we’ll do the content stuff together, and then we’ll go up to Wild Things and get a smoothie. I get berry with coconut water and she loves the acai smoothie.”

Sandwiches

“Nico’s is pretty much across the street from us and on a weekend it’s popping off. Doing a class on a Saturday and then heading down to get a sandwich afterwards is one of life’s simple pleasures. You can just sit there and people watch, and it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll run into someone you know. All the staff who work there are really fun and friendly as well. I really rate the vegetarian schnitzel and the tuna melt.”

Matcha (and tiramisu)

“Pinto opened a stone’s throw away from Rodes and I’m obsessed with their tiramisu. They have so many seasonal flavours there, like strawberry shortcake, matcha and Earl Grey. And obviously their classic tiramisu is really good. I go there pretty much every week, and I’ll always get a matcha to drink because it’s one of the best I’ve had in Melbourne. It’s also a really cute family-run business started by two brothers.”

Takeaway salads

“Alimentari has the best salads ever. As soon as you walk in you see huge bowls of beautiful salads on display. You can get a takeaway container and the servings are humongous. My favourite salad there is farro with pesto. And there’s a cauliflower and chickpea, which is also delicious.”

Catch-up spot

“Lune is a classic. It’s a really good spot to meet up with an instructor post-class. My favourite thing to get from there is the cheesymite scroll. I think eating whole foods is important, which I do the majority of the time. But I also think you should treat yourself. There’s nothing wrong with sharing a pastry with a friend, or having a biscuit with your coffee. Don’t deprive yourself of life’s simple pleasures!”

Aromatherapy

“Endota Spa is super-close to the studio – they have the Signature Blend and Calm essential oils, which are really nice for the diffuser in the studio. And you can obviously treat yourself to a massage or a facial there, which is a beautiful experience. There’s also Hiero House – they sell candles and soaps and other nice-smelling things. We buy their palo santo, which the yoga instructors burn during class.”

Infrared sauna

“A sauna place I would recommend is Nimbus Co in Fitzroy North. They have saunas and ice baths, and the fit-out is gorgeous, with moody lighting and beautiful branding. My husband and I go there quite a lot – it’s hugely beneficial with recovery, especially if you’re training all the time.”

Activewear

“We’ve partnered with the Lululemon outlet on Smith Street a few times and their team is so divine. They come to a lot of classes at Rodes, and they’ve been so helpful in giving out vouchers and getting our team decked out in Lulu. And it’s a beautiful shop as well. It’s huge.”

Broadsheet Access recently held an exclusive wellness afternoon with Rodes Studio where members found their flow with a vinyasa class and breathwork session. If you missed out, not to worry. We run health and wellness events like this all the time. Just head over to Broadsheet Access and sign up for your membership to stay in the know.