our team

Renée

Clinical Pilates Manager 

Renée Steel’s discovery of the benefits of Joseph Pilates teachings began while studying dance at The Royal Academy of Dance in London. While dancing her way through Europe, her Pilates practice ensured an illustrious career.

Renée holds a Diploma in Ballet Teaching Studies at The Royal Academy of Dance in London. She is also a qualified Contemporary, Tap and Jazz teacher, holding a Certificate in Dance Education (AISTD, Tap/Jazz) with the ISTD, London.

Since returning to Australia, She has worked as a lecturer at Federation University's Performing Arts Programme and currently teaches dance at the Melbourne Academy of Performing Arts. Her students at the Academy thoroughly adore their conditioning training which includes the original Contrology series devised by Joseph Pilates. Completing her Diploma in Clinical Pilates at Breath Education.

With 20-plus years of teaching experience, Renée looks forward to imparting the joy of movement with NU Pilates clients.

Zane Harper has joined our team as a Exercise Physiologist/Personal Trainer. Zane has completed his Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the Australian Catholic University, previously Zane has also completed a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science, and a Graduate Certificate in Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries.

Zane has a keen interest in rehabilitation and preventative exercise for a wide range of conditions and injuries, including musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. As well as having interest in sports related injuries as he participates in Footy and Semi-professional Cricket.

Zane is currently joining our team two days a week and will be taking appointments on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Arjan Nalliah joins the team as a Senior Physiotherapist and Exercise Scientist and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NU. He has a background in the Fitness Industry and Strength & Conditioning. Arjan’s last Strength and Conditioning Coach role was with Sri Lanka Cricket which included rehabilitating long term player injuries, becoming the Head of Strength & Conditioning.

Since returning to Australia eight years ago, Arjan has predominantly worked as a Physiotherapist, and Exercise Scientist. Sporting involvement included the Sandringham FC - VFL, South Melbourne FC - Soccer and Tennis Australia. Arjan has found postural strengthening vital for reducing symptoms for all his clients, he is excited to integrate Physiotherapy with one on one Clinical Strength Training here at NU! 

He and his wife Anoushka have three children, aged 10, 6 and 4. In his free time, he likes training his kids for sport and going for runs with his 10 and 6 year old.

We are thrilled to have him in the NU team. Arjan is available for Physiotherapy assessment and treatment, as well as one on one Personal Training and Rehabilitation. The good news is this can also be claimable through your private health cover.

Luke

Business Manager

Luke Thornton brings a wealth of experience and a vibrant energy to the NU studios. He has lead Pilates classes and trained individual Pilates clients both internationally and locally. Luke brings over 20 years’ experience in one-on-one and small group personal training, Pilates and injury rehabilitation.  His experience in practical exercise science, rehabilitative exercise and biomechanics positions him as a trusted industry expert. 

Luke is an expert in injury rehabilitation and prevention, with extensive knowledge in strength and conditioning, Pilates and corrective exercise.

Olivia Clark is an aspiring musical theater performer and dancer. She loves everything associated with music and movement. Pilates has been a part of her training for many years, and she loved how this body conditioning system allowed her to heal from injuries and also allowed her to strengthen her body. As a result she decided to take her knowledge of Pilates to the next level, and trained with the Australian Pilates and Physiotherapy Institute, studying both Matwork and Reformer.

She has worked as an instructor in a clinical setting and also teaches group reformer and matwork. She has a particular interest in injury prevention, pre and post natal conditioning as well as conditioning for dancers. Aboveall, Liv is extremely passionate about building rapport with clients and assisting them with their fitness journey. She is very excited about sharing her knowledge and love of movement with the clients of NU Fitness.