About Us

Two Houses. One Method.

  • KONTROL HAUS is a Classical Pilates studio in New Zealand.

    We are a full apparatus studio. Every piece of apparatus Joseph Pilates designed — Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Baby Chair, High Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Foot Corrector, Guillotine, and more — is here. All of it. Used. Taught in the original order.

    We teach only the original method — Contrology, as Joseph Pilates designed it.

    Not just teachers or students. Everyone is welcome here.

    We built Kontrol Haus because New Zealand needed a place where Classical Pilates could exist in its entirety. This is that place.

    We are not a gym. We are not a wellness spa. We are a house for the method. A home for your Powerhouse.

  • The name holds two meanings.

    First. Joseph Pilates was German. He called his method Contrology. In German, control is Kontrolle. And a place of learning and belonging — that is a Haus. A house.

    Second. In Classical Pilates, we speak of the Powerhouse — the center of the body from which all movement begins. Abdomen. Lower back. Hips. Pelvic floor. The house of strength within.

    KONTROL HAUS means both. A house outside. A house within.

  • We believe the original method holds everything you need. We trust it. We teach it fully.

    We believe the Powerhouse is subtle. It reveals itself in quiet attention, not in noise.

    We believe control is freedom. Precision is clarity. Your center is your strength.

  • We teach the body through the method.

    Every body is different. The Classical Pilates method gives us a complete system to understand, support and challenge the person in front of us.

    Focused practice.
    An environment designed for concentration — where breath, movement, springs and thoughtful instruction take priority.

    Individual attention.
    We keep our sessions small so we can observe, respond and teach the body in front of us — not simply lead exercises.

    The complete method.
    Pilates is more than the Reformer. We work across the full classical apparatus, using each piece as part of one connected system.

    Rooted in tradition, taught with intention.
    We respect the original method while understanding that no two bodies are the same.

    The method is our framework. The body is our guide.

Our Team

Xi

Founder

Hi, I'm Xi

I'm a mum to a two-year-old daughter, a former gym coach, and co-owner of Kontrol Haus — alongside my partner, Libby.

With over nine years of experience in the fitness industry, my journey has taken me from gym coaching to running my own studio, XI LABS. That experience taught me a lot — but it also showed me what was missing. My own body started giving me signals. That's when I turned to Classical Pilates.

The change didn't happen overnight. But over time, it realigned my body, rebuilt my strength, and brought me back to myself — especially after becoming a mum.

That personal experience sparked a deeper curiosity. I began traveling to Classical Pilates studios across Europe, Asia, and beyond — observing different teaching styles, practicing with different instructors, and learning how this method is understood around the world.

What I discovered surprised me. Many people know Pilates as "core training" or "rehabilitation exercise." But very few truly understand the philosophy behind Classical Pilates.

It's not just a workout. It's a complete system — breath, control, concentration, flow, and precision. Joseph Pilates called it "Contrology" for a reason. Sadly, much of that depth has been lost or watered down in many studios today.

I hold certifications in Polestar Pilates (Reformer & Mat), EMS training Level 1&2&3, TRX, Level 4 & Level 5 fitness coach and Flossband techniques, among others. Currently, I am an apprentice in Romana's Classical Pilates — which has deepened my foundation and strengthened my understanding of the authentic method from its true lineage.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients — from athletes looking to enhance performance and prevent injuries, to seniors wanting to maintain mobility, balance, and strength with care and respect. Every body tells a different story, and I love helping each one move better.

Before becoming a Pilates instructor, I worked as an editor at Denizen magazine. So storytelling is still part of who I am — I just tell stories through movement now.

Life with a toddler is busy — so I understand how precious your time and energy are. My teaching is warm and supportive, but also focused and intentional.

Together with Libby, we built Kontrol Haus to bring authentic, philosophy-driven Classical Pilates to our community.

Let's build strength, alignment, and control — together.

Welcome to Kontrol Haus.

Libby

Hi, I'm Libby

I'm a mum to 6-year-old twins, a longtime fitness enthusiast, a dedicated Pilates & Yoga instructor, and co-owner of Kontrol Haus alongside Xi.

With over 10,000 teaching hours across more than six years in the industry, my journey began in 2016. Then came pregnancy and the arrival of my twins. During that special time, I discovered Yoga and Pilates. They supported me throughout pregnancy and helped me reconnect with my body after childbirth — an experience that changed everything for me.

I hold a 200-hour certification in Universal Yoga, a modern, holistic yoga style created by Andrey Lappa. It blends traditional yogic philosophy, precise anatomical alignment, pranayama (breathwork) and sequential movement flow, standing out for its structured, science-informed approach that balances physical asana practice, energy work and mental focus, rather than being a purely free-flow or spiritually oriented style. I also earn my Polestar Pilates (Reformer & Comprehensive) certification, a qualification widely respected in clinical rehabilitation and movement therapy. Unlike classical Pilates, Polestar places a strong emphasis on anatomy, biomechanics, functional movement and injury rehabilitation. Additionally, I have completed specialized training in Women's Pilates covering prenatal, postnatal and menopause stages, as well as professional training in sound bowl healing.

Currently, I am an apprentice in Romana's Classical Pilates, which has further solidified my professional foundation and deepened my understanding of the authentic Pilates method.

I specialise in postnatal restoration, postural correction, movement alignment, women's health at every life stage, sports rehabilitation, and sound bowl healing for physical and mental relaxation. All my sessions are safe, scientific and effective, combining physical movement with holistic sound therapy to relieve tension, reduce stress and support comprehensive body recovery from within.

Together with Xi, we founded Kontrol Haus to bring authentic, philosophy-driven movement and holistic wellness practices to our community.

Let's build a stronger, healthier you — together.