We’re thrilled to officially welcome Tone as our new Head of Studio at Ara’kai Practice. With a background rooted in mindful movement and a passion for creating inclusive spaces, Tone brings a grounded, nurturing energy to the mat. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey with Pilates, the rituals that keep her grounded, and her vision for Ara’kai as a place where all bodies feel supported, seen, and inspired to move.

Welcome to Ara’kai, Tone! Can you tell us a bit about your journey into Pilates? What first drew you to the practice?

My Pilates journey began early, inspired by my grandmother, who has practiced her whole life. Her dedication planted the seed for my own exploration. Over time, I developed a deep personal connection to the practice — Pilates has become the most holistic and nourishing form of movement I’ve experienced. What truly draws me in is its inclusivity; every body, at any stage, can benefit from it. That, to me, is the true beauty of Pilates.

What inspires your philosophy when it comes to mindful movement?

For me, mindful movement isn’t about how you look, it’s about how you feel. That’s the essence of my practice. It’s about tuning in, building awareness, and creating a sense of presence and ease in your own body.

As Head of Studio, what’s your vision for the movement space at Ara’kai?

My whole heart is in this project — being able to hold space, alongside my beautiful team of instructors, for all types of bodies to come into the studio, move together, and feel supported through our guidance. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe to explore their practice and reconnect with themselves.

Precision, flow, alignment — Pilates is often described with these terms. Which words feel most aligned with how you teach?

My signature practice is slow and controlled, with a strong emphasis on hands-on guidance. I focus on helping clients build awareness, stability, and connection in each movement.

How do you personally care for your body and mind outside the studio? Any rituals, routines or practices you return to?

I try to keep my daily routine simple so I can stay consistent with the practices that support me. I usually start the day with a Lanserhof microbiome shot to support digestion—balance really does begin in the gut. Most mornings, I follow that with a cup of bone broth for skin and joint support, while doing a short lymphatic drainage routine using my Carbonnique roller from Ara’kai. Having lived by the ocean for many years, I’ve come to rely on cold dips as a way to reset. Even a short swim has a powerful effect on my body and mind, and I do it as often as I can.

What does it mean to you to be part of Ara’kai Practice at this moment?

To me, being part of Ara’kai Practice means contributing to something that feels deeply purposeful. It’s more than a studio—it’s a living, breathing community where movement becomes a way to support both physical and mental well-being. I feel proud and grateful to have grown alongside it over the years, and to witness the way it continues to evolve with everyone who steps onto the mat.

Lastly, what are your favourite products from Ara'kai?

I love the Carbonnique Face roller that we frequently use in lymphatic drainage workshops, Aloe from Monastery, the Ara'kai Omega Body Scrub, and the Grounding Oil from Sandor. For treatments I love the Ara'kai Signature and the LYMA Laser Pro Lifting Facial.