Carly Morre, Founder, Impact Pilates. Image: Supplied.

Meet Carly Morre, the legal executive turned passionate pilates practitioner and studio founder from the Yarra Valley. Her Woori Yallock business, Impact Pilates, has recently undergone a rebrand to reflect the studio’s journey, where it has been and where it’s yet to go. Her Healesville caught up with Carly to chat about the rebrand, and her undeniable passion for pilates.

1. Can you tell me about your Pilates journey? How did you get started and where has it taken you?

My Pilates journey started following the birth of my daughter, and an experience with severe abdominal separation. Pilates was the only thing I was allowed to do for a number of months (no running, no lifting, no cardio) whilst I focused on being a new mum, and restoring my core strength and connection. What began as a way to improve my physical strength quickly became so much more than just exercise. Pilates gave me confidence, clarity and a sense of calm that carried into everyday life.

The more time I spent in classes, the more I realised how powerful Pilates could be in helping people feel empowered both physically and mentally. That inspired me to start my training and education so I could support others in experiencing those same benefits.

Pilates has taken me from a corporate career to being a student who simply loved movement, to building a beautiful small group studio in Woori Yallock where people can come exactly as they are, feel supported and leave feeling strong, energised and connected. Watching our clients grow in confidence, make friendships and prioritise themselves has honestly been the most rewarding part of the journey.

Impact Pilates, Woori Yallock Studio. Image: Roshai Murdoch.

2. What was behind your decision to open Impact Pilates?

The decision to open Impact Pilates came from a desire to create something that felt welcoming, inclusive and deeply community-focused.

I wanted to create more than just a place to exercise. Impact Pilates was built to be a space where people feel seen, encouraged and empowered regardless of their age, experience or fitness level. A space where movement feels enjoyable rather than intimidating.

The heart behind Impact has always been about helping people walk out the door after class feeling better than they walked in, it's about having a positive "Impact" on people's lives and for that feeling of empowerment and strength to carry them throughout to day.

3. What does Impact Pilates mean to you?

Impact Pilates means community, strength and empowerment.

It represents a space where people can step away from the busyness of life and do something positive for themselves. A place where movement supports not only physical strength, but confidence, mindset and overall wellbeing.

To me, Impact is about creating meaningful experiences for every person who walks through the doors. Whether someone is attending their very first Pilates class, rebuilding confidence after injury or simply looking for connection and community, I want them to feel supported from the moment they arrive.

It is incredibly special watching people grow stronger, become more confident and feel part of something bigger than just a workout. That sense of belonging and community is what Impact Pilates is truly about.

4. You've recently undergone a rebrand of Impact Pilates. How was that process? And what does the rebrand symbolise?

The rebrand process was really exciting because it gave us the opportunity to reflect on how far Impact Pilates has come and where it is heading in the future.

As the studio has grown, the brand naturally evolved alongside it. The rebrand was about creating an identity that better reflects the heart of Impact today — bold, empowering, strong and community-driven.

It symbolises growth, confidence and connection. It reflects the experience people have when they walk into the studio: feeling welcomed, supported and inspired to move in a way that feels good for their body.

The new branding also represents the evolution of the studio itself. From expanding into new movement spaces and introducing heated mat classes and yoga, to continuing to build a community of strong and capable women, the rebrand feels aligned with the next chapter of Impact Pilates.

5. What have been your biggest challenges as a business owner and operator? And how have you overcome them?

Like many small business owners, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing the many different roles that come with running a business while still protecting time and energy for myself and my family.

There have also been challenges that come with growth — moving into new studio spaces, navigating uncertainty in the economy and learning to trust the process during periods of change. At times it has felt overwhelming, but those moments have also created the greatest opportunities for growth.

One of the biggest things that has helped me overcome challenges is staying connected to the purpose behind Impact Pilates. Every decision comes back to creating the best possible experience for the community and helping people feel strong, supported and empowered.

I’ve also learned the importance of taking the time to build a strong team culture, so that every coach feels deeply connected to the bigger vision behind Impact Pilates and genuinely passionate about the experience they create for clients. I’m incredibly proud of the team. They are amazing instructors who not only support and encourage me, but they also support one another and truly care about every single person who walks through the studio doors.

6. Do you have any advice for people living in the Yarra Valley who might be thinking about trying Pilates & Strength?

Absolutely, my biggest advice would be to simply start!

So many people think they need to be flexible, fit or experienced before trying Pilates, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Pilates is for every body and every stage of life.

You do not need to be perfect to begin. You just need to be willing to show up for yourself.

We understand that starting something new can feel intimidating, but in a supportive small group studio environment, you quickly realise everyone is there for the same reason — to feel stronger, healthier and more connected.

Pilates & Strength can have such a positive "Impact" not only on physical strength and posture, but also on confidence, stress levels and overall wellbeing. It becomes more than movement; it becomes part of your routine, your self-care and your community.

For anyone in the Yarra Valley considering trying Pilates & Strength, I’d encourage you to give yourself permission to start before you feel ready. You might be surprised by how strong and empowered you feel after just a few classes.

Finding strength in community; meet the founder of a Woori Yallock pilates studio having a big Impact.