For many people, exercise starts as something they feel they should do. For Mahalia George, it became something she truly wanted to do.
Now 22 years old, Mahalia grew up in Kalgoorlie, a small town in Western Australia. After graduating high school, she was introduced to Pilates by her dad. What started as curiosity quickly turned into something much deeper. Pilates was not just movement, it was clarity, strength, and connection.
That first experience shifted her perspective on training entirely. She did not just enjoy Pilates, she connected with it. That connection shaped her path. Four and a half years later, she is now a full-time coach building her career in Dubai.
From Small-Town Australia to Dubai
After beginning her Pilates journey in Australia, Mahalia later moved to Dubai to work with Emirates as cabin crew. While navigating aviation life, she continued training at The Lab Studios, staying committed to movement and developing her skills as an instructor.
Over time, she realized aviation was not her long-term path. Following a conversation with Jay Christie, one of the founders of The Lab Studios, she was given the opportunity to transition into coaching full-time and officially join the team.
That decision marked a turning point. It was no longer a side passion. It became her profession.
Movement That Became a Mission
“My entry into the industry came from experiencing firsthand how powerful intelligent training can be,” Mahalia has shared.
Pilates for her is not simply a workout. It is strength, resilience, and confidence built through consistency. Her approach is grounded in real experience rather than trends. She teaches from a place of having lived the transformation herself.
She also uses her platform intentionally. Rather than presenting perfection, she shares her everyday efforts and honest experiences, especially to support other Pilates instructors navigating their own journeys. Her content focuses on growth, learning, and showing up consistently.
A Milestone Moment: Teaching with Adidas House of Fast
At the beginning of 2026, Mahalia reached an exciting milestone. She hosted and taught a mat Pilates class as part of a collaboration between The Lab Studios and Adidas House of Fast. The class took place at the Adidas House of Fast location on Kite Beach.
For her, this was more than just another class. It was a meaningful moment of growth and gratitude.
“It was a goal of mine to host an event in 2026,” she shared. “Ticking that off so early in the year felt incredibly special.”
The collaboration represented progress, partnership, and stepping confidently into bigger opportunities.
Balancing Roles: Teaching and Growing
Mahalia’s calendar today is built around passion and purpose. She coaches full-time at The Lab Studios while continuing to grow her social presence and expand her reach within the Pilates community.
While she does not yet offer private sessions, launching private strength and Pilates coaching is one of her goals for this year. She is intentionally building toward it.
Her teaching philosophy centers around encouragement rather than pressure. She understands that showing up is often the hardest part.
She frequently reminds clients that consistency matters more than perfection. The sense of accomplishment after a session, the feeling of doing something meaningful for your body and mind, is what builds confidence over time.
Changing the Narrative Around Fitness
Mahalia believes movement should feel empowering, not intimidating.
Too often, fitness is presented as exclusive or appearance-driven. Her goal is to make it accessible and confidence-building. She emphasizes progress, education, and sustainability.
Rather than selling a perfect version of fitness, she promotes strength of self. Her voice resonates particularly with young instructors and clients who are learning to trust their path.
Lessons Learned
At just 22, Mahalia already speaks with maturity about growth.
Her message is clear:
Trust your path.
Be patient.
Do not let comparison distract you.
Confidence is built through experience and repetition. Progress is not linear, but it is meaningful when it is consistent.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The year ahead holds exciting opportunities. Mahalia plans to:
- Continue growing her platform
- Host more community-based events
- Launch private coaching services
- Collaborate with brands aligned with empowerment and accessibility
Her journey is not just about physical strength. It is about building resilience, confidence, and community.
Final Thoughts
Mahalia George represents a new generation of fitness professionals. At 22, with four and a half years of teaching behind her and the courage to pivot careers across continents, she embodies commitment and clarity.
She does not teach trends. She teaches consistency.
She does not sell perfection. She models effort.
And in doing so, she is building something far more lasting than a fitness brand. She is building impact.
Do follow her on Instagram
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