Hi everyone,

Just a quick update to let you know that my On Demand library is taking a little break while I make some improvements behind the scenes and put a few better systems and procedures in place.

Everything else remains exactly the same. All of my studio classes and Zoom sessions will continue as normal, and I look forward to seeing you there.

I want the On Demand platform to be the best it can be, and at the moment it simply isn’t where I want it to be. Rather than continue with something I’m not completely happy with, I’ve decided to pause it until it’s ready.

Thank you so much for your understanding and your continued support. I’ll let you know as soon as On Demand is back and better than ever.

Take care,

Janette Bendle

One of the things I love most about Bend It with Bendle is that it’s no longer just a place where people come to exercise.

It’s become a community.

Our classes are getting bigger, our friendships are getting stronger, and there always seems to be something happening in somebody’s life that we’re celebrating together.

Birthdays, grandbabies, new babies, holidays, achievements, recoveries, new jobs and life’s challenges… we cheer each other on through all of it.

Every time I watch a new person walk through the door a little nervous, before long they’re chatting over coffee, laughing with everyone else and feeling like they’ve found their place.

That’s what makes me happiest.

My July Challenge

Now, I have a little challenge for you.

I know many of you absolutely love Tuesday and Friday mornings. They’re our coffee mornings, our laughter mornings and our catch up mornings.

But I’ve also watched you all become so much stronger. I see what you walked into my studio able to do, and I see what you’re capable of now. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

So here’s my challenge.

Before July is over, I’d love you to try a class you’ve never done before.

If you usually come on Tuesdays and Fridays, why not join us on Wednesday morning for our Classical Pilates and Barre class?

Or perhaps Thursday night’s 6PM Strength class?

Or Saturday morning’s 8.30AM Functional Pilates class?

What a wonderful way to start your weekend.

If you already attend two classes each week, maybe challenge yourself to add a third.

You might just discover a new favourite.

While we’re talking about classes, I’d also love your feedback.

Would you like another Mobility and Stretch class added to the timetable?

If so, what day or time would suit you best? I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts.

Calling All Men…

One thing I’ve noticed is the huge difference between the number of women and men in our classes.

We have a wonderful group of loyal blokes who come every week, and I absolutely love that they’re comfortable training alongside the women. To me, that’s a sign of confidence. They come to improve their health, have a laugh and be part of a welcoming community.

They’d also be the first to tell you how much they’ve gained from attending over the years.

So I’d love to welcome more men into our community.

If you have a husband, partner, boyfriend, brother, father, son, uncle… or any man in your life (no questions asked! 😉), send them along.

It doesn’t matter if they can’t touch their toes.

It doesn’t matter if they’ve never done Pilates before.

It doesn’t matter if they’re stiff, sore, unfit or nervous.

We’ll meet them exactly where they’re at.

I’d especially recommend Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 pm or Saturday mornings at 8.30 am. And if there’s enough interest, I’d also this to be the other opportunity to offer another Strength, Mobility and Stretch class that I think many men would benefit from.

A Special Offer

Their first class is completely free.

If they enjoy it, they can then purchase 5 classes for just $55.

And if they decide they love it and stick around…

I’ll shout them a coffee!

After that, they’re just like the rest of you and become part of our wonderful Bend It with Bendle family.

Community has always been at the heart of what I do, and I truly believe men have a beautiful place in that community too.

For Those Who Prefer to Exercise at Home…

Don’t forget we also have our online platform.

If you’ve been thinking about joining, I’d absolutely love to welcome you.

But I should probably warn you.

If you’re looking for polished perfection…

The perfectly dressed instructor…

The flawless workout…

The person who never gets her words mixed up…

Or someone who never laughs at herself…

Then this probably isn’t the platform for you.

What you’ll find instead is real life.

Real classes.

Real teaching.

Real people.

Sometimes I’m teaching a group class in the studio. Sometimes I’m filming on my own. Sometimes I muddle a word, laugh at myself or have to improvise… and none of it gets edited out.

What you see is what you get.

No filters.

No pretending.

Just movement that helps you become stronger, more mobile and more confident in your body, so you can keep saying yes to life.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

See you in class.

Janette ❤️

It’s been a great month and a particularly exciting start to June.

Last week, the Channel 9 advertising team visited the studio. I put the call out to my clients and asked if anyone would be willing to come along and help showcase what we do, while giving the crew a feel for the vibe and community we have built at Bend It with Bendle.

Well, the response was overwhelming.

Women streamed through the door, giving up their time to support me and the business they have helped build over the years. As I looked around the room, I was reminded that we have created so much more than a place to exercise.

It really is a community.

People show up for themselves, they show up for me, and they show up for each other.

Friendships have formed here. There is laughter, coffee afterwards, shared life experiences and a commitment to looking after ourselves physically and mentally as we age.

The filming crew commented several times on the beautiful energy in the room and the wonderful community that exists within these walls.

I couldn’t agree more.

These women had my back, just as they have so often over the years.

But while I often talk about women, let’s not forget the men.

Whether it’s a husband, brother, son, friend or work colleague, if they want to move better, become stronger, improve their mobility and flexibility, and maintain a body that supports them through the years ahead, they are more than welcome here.

I’ll guide them towards the classes that best suit their needs and experience level.

What we do at Bend It with Bendle isn’t about chasing perfection.

It’s about creating a stronger, more capable body for everyday life.

My focus is functional strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, core strength and movement patterns that help people move with confidence both inside and outside the studio.

I’ve been working in the industry since 1999, and the one thing I know for sure is that learning never stops. I continue to read, learn and evolve so I can bring the best possible experience to every client who walks through the door.

When people visit the studio, the thing they comment on most isn’t the workout.

It’s the atmosphere.

For all the moans, groans and whinging, everyone loves the classes.

It’s warm.

It’s welcoming.

It’s supportive.

It’s fun.

And very often, it’s funny.

Sometimes at my expense. Sometimes at someone else’s. Either way, we laugh.

This is the kind of place where people often leave feeling better than when they arrived.

Regardless of your age, fitness level, experience, shape, size or what you’re wearing, you belong here. Most people realise that pretty quickly.

And don’t forget, there are plenty of ways to train with us. You can attend classes in the studio, join us live via Zoom, or access our on-demand library from home.

And for those of you who already come to classes, here’s a gentle nudge.

Try something different this month.

Many of you are creatures of habit and faithfully attend the same one, two or three classes each week.

Mix it up.

If you come Tuesday and Friday, try Wednesday or Saturday.

If you come Wednesday and Saturday, perhaps give Tuesday or Thursday night a go.

Challenge yourself.

Different classes challenge the body in different ways, and your body will thank you for it.

And so will I.

I often say movement is the closest thing I know to a fountain of youth. Not because it stops us ageing, but because it helps us keep living well.

After more than 27 years in this industry, I still wake up excited to teach, learn and help people move better.

Thank you for allowing me to do what I love.

Janette x

And no, it’s not just Pilates.

Over the years, one of the biggest things people say to me when they first walk into the studio is “The energy here feels different.”

Many have shared stories of arriving at other studios feeling nervous or out of place. Walking into rooms where nobody speaks to them. Feeling uncomfortable because everyone already seems to know each other. Or being told, “That’s my spot,” before they’ve even had a chance to settle in.

It can feel intimidating. Especially when you’re already stepping outside your comfort zone just by showing up.

What makes me proud isn’t just the classes we run.
It’s the people inside them.

From the moment someone new walks through the door, they’re welcomed, not just by me, but by the beautiful community that has formed around this studio.

Someone will help them find a spot.
Someone will grab their equipment.
Someone will introduce themselves.
And before long, they’re invited for coffee after class like they’ve been part of the group forever.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings have become our little ritual. Coffee after class is almost sacred at this point. Not everyone makes it every week, but everybody knows the invitation is always there.

Over time, what started as “just classes” has become friendships, support systems and genuine connection.

We celebrate birthdays together.
There’s always a birthday card.
There are WhatsApp chats keeping everyone updated on life, sharing support through hard times, celebrating wins, and even another group dedicated purely to “What To Watch Next” because apparently recommendations are serious business.

If someone is struggling, the group rallies around them.
If someone achieves something, everyone celebrates it.

And in a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, that kind of community matters.

Of course, we still work hard.

We move.
We strengthen.
We improve mobility, balance and functional fitness.
We laugh a lot while doing it, but the results are real and your safety is always my priority.

For those joining via Zoom, you already know the vibe.
And for our on-demand members, many of the sessions uploaded to the platform are recorded while live classes are running, so you still get a little glimpse into the fun, warmth and energy that makes this community what it is.

It’s very hard to explain fully.
You really have to experience it.

So if you’ve been thinking about trying something new, or perhaps know someone who would benefit from movement, support and connection, come and join us.

We currently have an introductory offer of 5 classes for $55 for in-studio sessions.

And if you bring a friend, we’ll even give you a discount off your next package purchase.

Because movement is important.
But community?
That’s the magic.

Janette Bendle
Bend It with Bendle

With love,
Janette

 

Well, after a long wait, a lot of moving parts, and a whole lot of love poured into it, our Bend It with Bendle On Demand platform is officially up and running.

And I would absolutely love for you to be part of it.

This space has been created so you can move with me anytime, anywhere, whether you have 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or a full hour to give to yourself.

Here is what you will find inside:

Mobility to help you move more freely, loosen up, and feel better in your body
Beginners a gentle place to start or come back to basics
Functional and Strength more challenging, full body workouts designed to build real strength for real life
Under 30 Minutes a mix of everything for those days when time is tight

Most sessions come with options to dial things back, including doing them without dumbbells, so you can meet yourself exactly where you are at.

This is your space. Your pace. Your body.

There are already plenty of classes waiting for you, and I will be adding new videos regularly to keep things fresh and evolving.

If you ever run into any issues or have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can email me or give me a call anytime. I am here.

You will also see that we offer live Zoom sessions, running alongside my in studio classes, so you can still feel connected and part of the community, wherever you are.

And of course, if you are local, my studio door is always open. I would love to see you in person.

A little note from me.

You might notice I occasionally use lighter weights in some of the sessions.

I am currently managing a shoulder injury and preparing for surgery to repair a torn ligament, so I am moving a little differently at the moment.

What I want you to know is this. You are always encouraged to choose the weight and intensity that feels right for your body.

If you feel strong, go heavier.
If you need to ease off, that is perfect too.

That is what Bend It with Bendle has always been about. Learning to move well, listen to your body, and build strength in a way that works for you.

And one more thing that really matters.

This is real.

Real people in a real class with a real instructor.

Everything you see has been filmed right here in my studio. Some sessions are recorded live while I am teaching a class, others are filmed separately. Same space, same backdrop, same feel.

There is no perfect lighting, no perfect takes, and definitely no perfect instructor.

You will get me as I am.

I will get my words wrong sometimes.
I will lose my balance occasionally.
I will laugh, reset, and keep going.
And you will hear the real interactions with the people in the room.

Because that is what real movement looks like.

I am not here to tell you that you need to be perfect.

I am certainly not.

We just do our best on the day, and that is always enough.

Thank you for your patience while this has been coming together, and truly, thank you for being here.

I hope you enjoy it.
I hope you feel stronger.
And I hope you keep bending it, like Bendle.

With love,
Janette

 

I’m so happy you’re here!

We are on a huge learn curve with our new website. It’s a whole new skill set.

Thank you for subscribing.

I write to touch base.

Once we are sure of a seamless experience we will be loading content for On demand and of course if you are local to the Mornington Peninsula, I look forward to meeting you face to face in class.

You will be the first to know when the class packages can be accessed via the website.

Benditwithbendle offers a range of classes for every level of fitness.

• Strength
Feel strong, capable, and confident.

• Functional Pilates
Move with integrity, balance, and beautiful alignment.

• Mobility & Movement

Create space, ease, and freedom in your body.

Every session is designed to help you get stronger, move with purpose, and improve your everyday functional,  lifting, reaching, bending, gardening, playing with the kids or grandkids, or simply feeling good in your body.

If you have any questions at all, please reply to this email. I’m more than happy to help and if it’s easier, I can even give you a call.