In Conversation with Founder Emily Leilua

We sat down with MOVE founder Emily Leilua to learn more about why she created MOVE Women’s Gym.

What inspired you to create MOVE Women’s Gym?

“I began my career as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and over the past 13 years I’ve also worked in many different spaces in the health and wellness space. I found very early on that women needed support beyond exercise and I studied to become a degree qualified nutritionist and naturopath.

My passion has always been helping women thrive — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

But everything changed for me after having my own babies.”

What was your experience as a mother?

“After having my children, I experienced first-hand how limited the support is for women transitioning back into exercise.

Most women are ‘cleared’ at six weeks postpartum, but that doesn’t mean their bodies are fully healed or ready for high-impact group fitness classes. Many are dealing with abdominal separation, pelvic floor injuries, nutrient deficiencies and of course the sleepless nights of newborn life!

I personally spent months working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist, but I struggled to find a space where I could safely rebuild strength and bring my baby with me. So as a personal trainer myself, I focused on doing what I could from my garage home gym.

At the same time, I was navigating postpartum mental health challenges — something many women silently experience, so not having the community aspect connected to exercise didn’t help too much.

It made me realise how many women are going through the exact same thing, without the right support.”

So what gap did you see in the industry?

“Women are often placed into training environments that weren’t designed for them in mind.

A lot of fitness spaces are still based on high-intensity, one-size-fits-all programming for the male — which may work for some, but often leaves women feeling burnt out, unsupported, or disconnected from their bodies.

Women are not small men.

We experience hormonal changes, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause, and high-stress life seasons that need to be considered in how we train and recover.

MOVE was built to change that.”

What is MOVE Women’s Gym?

MOVE is a women’s-only gym studio designed to support women’s bodies to thrive at every stage of life.

Our programming is based on what the current research shows it best for women’s long-term health outcomes — not just short-term intensity. We prioritise strength, injury prevention, energy, and sustainable progress over burnout culture

As a women only space, we bridge the gap between traditional fitness and women’s physiology — offering training that supports pregnancy, postpartum recovery, hormonal health, and long-term strength.

Many women, especially mothers, struggle to prioritise their health in traditional gym environments due to barriers of family life. MOVE includes an onsite crèche so mothers can train, recover, or simply have time for themselves knowing their children are safe, cared for, and engaged in a supportive environment.

Whether it’s a workout, a sauna session, a shower in peace, or a moment to reconnect — MOVE is designed to give women that space back.

We believe wellbeing is not just physical — it is emotional and social too.

MOVE is a space where women feel seen, supported, and connected. A place where community matters just as much as training.