Having first opened in 2018, Ponsonby fitness studio Sala quickly gained a dedicated following for its yoga, HIIT Pilates and barre classes. With that community in mind, Sala founder Sarah Lindsay has expanded the studio to emphasise connection and collaboration – especially post-lockdowns.

Joining the two existing exercise rooms, the thoughtfully designed additions include a reformer Pilates studio with 16 reformer beds and a wellness store highlighting local makers, as well as a communal co-working area and an expanded timetable including sound bath and breath work classes.

“This is what I always had in mind when I opened Sala, but even more so post-pandemic,” Lindsay tells Broadsheet, “a real community space for people to move [their bodies] and connect with each other.”

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Lindsay runs Sala with her partner Joshua Preston, and when they realised they could bring their long-term vision to life (thanks to a serendipitous moment last September when existing Brown Street tenants in the same building gave up their 15-year lease) they were re-energised to give the studio a greater sense of purpose.

“At the time, we were at breaking point trying to run a business through the pandemic,” recalls Lindsay. “The next day, the lease came up and we had to follow it through to the end. I feel proud of what we’ve managed to achieve.”

In devising the expansion, Lindsay engaged long-time collaborator and interior designer Mijntje Lepoutre, who has been a member of the studio since it opened. “She has been with us during the evolution of Sala, and understands the vision of what we wanted to create,” says Lindsay. “Outside of the studio, we both have toddlers so we really appreciate each other’s schedules.”

The pair sought inspiration in comforting, earth-based colours rather than the industrial monochrome chosen when the studio first opened – a response to the “darkness” of the lockdowns. “Previously, everything had been very industrial and minimalist because I wanted to create a space that was almost a blank canvas for people to project their own experiences,” says Lindsay. “Post-pandemic, it was important to me to create an environment that felt very warm and nurturing.”

From new street-level access, it’s the terracotta staircase you see first: a playful ascent up to the light-flooded reception. To the right, you arrive at the inviting communal area set up with long wooden tables and chairs, plus a self-serve kitchenette (coffee is koha with donations going to rotating charities). It is calming and uplifting with terracotta brick, textured rugs, and beautifully-spaced spherical lantern shades. Abstract artworks, including those by Auckland-based artist Grace Bader, add a contemporary feel.

During the week, Lindsay says it can function as a co-working space. “Going to a studio or gym can be a very individual experience; even if you’re in the same class as someone week after week you’re not usually making connections,” she says. “This holding space gives people the opportunity to sit together or bring their laptops and work on WFH days. I’ve always been a big believer in the significance of cultures throughout history sitting together around a table, so it was important to me to bring that into Sala.”

The refurbishment also includes a new look for the original yoga studio, with soft cork flooring and a custom-made light installation by Angus Muir – one of New Zealand’s most sought-after light artists. The glowing wall fixture is designed to infuse the room with different colours throughout the day.

“I reached out to Angus, and he was so enthusiastic about that brief,” says Lindsay. “I love that you can interact with the changing colours, which can help move you into deeper states during your yoga practice.”

Lindsay’s aspirations to help the wider community have included hosting a dinner with not-for-profit charity restaurant Everybody Eats in the studio, just this weekend past. The night included a yoga and sound healing class, followed by a three-course dinner with profits supporting Everybody Eats mission to end food poverty in New Zealand.

The next one is taking place on June 25 for the winter equinox – and there are several other events lined up for the rest of the year. “Whether it’s sitting together over a coffee and giving a small donation each week, to something much bigger to really make a difference,” Lindsay says, “that’s the future I’d like to help with.”

Sala
Level 1, 46 Brown Street,
Ponsonby, Auckland

beta.sala.studio
@sala_akl