Spotlight on Stirling: The Hundred Pilates Studio

In a sunlit space just off Scarborough Beach Road, a boutique Pilates studio is quietly building a business model around longevity, loyalty and local connection. The Hundred, founded by Christine, is a case study in how small businesses can thrive by aligning purpose with place and prioritising people over performance.

Christine’s entry into the fitness industry spans more than two decades, but it was a personal shift that led to the creation of The Hundred. "I hit my forties and realised the workouts I had relied on for years were no longer serving me," she says. "I was sore, burnt out and chasing intensity that left me depleted." Pilates offered a more sustainable approach, one that delivered strength without strain and calm without compromise. That experience became the foundation for a business built on empathy, accessibility and long-term wellbeing.

The Hundred was never intended to compete with high-volume gyms or trend-driven fitness chains. Instead, Christine identified a gap in the market for a studio that prioritised consistency, community and care. "We are here to help people feel good in their bodies, no matter their age, stage or fitness level," she explains. The studio offers Reformer Pilates, mat work, yoga and breathwork, but its real point of difference lies in its culture. There are no mirrors, no pressure and no performance metrics. The focus is on showing up, not showing off.

Scarborough’s demographic made it a strategic choice. With a growing population of health-conscious professionals, young families and active retirees, the suburb offered a ready-made audience for a business that values connection over competition. "We wanted to be in the heart of it, close to local families, professionals and anyone looking for a more mindful approach to movement," Christine says.

The studio’s growth has been organic, driven largely by word of mouth and member retention. But like many small businesses, The Hundred has had to navigate economic headwinds. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing cost of living pressures have tested the resilience of the wellness sector. "When budgets tighten, fitness can feel optional," Christine admits. "But we have focused on creating genuine value, not just in movement but in connection. Our members stay because they feel supported, celebrated and part of something bigger."

That value proposition is reinforced through strategic partnerships. A recent collaboration with Solace Bathhouse combined Pilates with restorative bathing in a series of Move and Soak events. "It worked because we share the same ethos. Slow down, tune in and look after yourself," Christine says. The studio also partners with local schools, cafés and mental health charities, extending its brand presence beyond the studio walls and embedding itself in the broader wellbeing economy.

Christine credits her team as a key asset in the business’s success. "They are not just instructors. They are guides, cheerleaders and community builders," she says. "They notice when someone is new or nervous, and they make sure every person feels welcome. That kind of care is rare." This emphasis on emotional intelligence and relational service delivery has helped The Hundred maintain high levels of member engagement and loyalty.

For other small business owners, Christine’s advice is pragmatic. "Keep it human. In a world of automation and quick fixes, people crave connection. Show your personality, stay true to your values and lean into community. That is what makes the City of Stirling, and Scarborough, so special."

At The Hundred, Pilates is a platform for building trust, fostering resilience and creating a business that moves with purpose.