About
Melanie Sakavaras
Founder. Pilates instructor. Wellness advocate.
I founded Nourish & Move for Wellness on one belief — that every person, regardless of age, background, or fitness level, deserves a space where they feel safe to grow stronger in body and mind.
My Story
From the corporate world
to the Kokoda Track.
Before I found my true passion for Pilates and changing people’s lives through movement and nutritious food, I worked in various roles within the corporate world — as a Travel Agent for Harvey World Travel, 2IC on the Newcastle Teletech Qantas Frequent Flyer contract, and later as Senior Product Administrator and Product Manager for Scenic Tours, looking after European River Cruise and European product.
Working with Scenic, I had the pleasure of working operationally with Channel 9 travel programs — Getaway, Postcards, and the Kerri-Anne Kennerley show. It was a full and rewarding chapter. But something was missing.
In 2011 I trekked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea — ten days that transformed the trajectory of my life. I realised I wanted to give more back to the community. Making a difference in other people’s lives became my new dharma.
I left the corporate world and began studies in psychology and fitness. That led me to managing the Balance gyms for the Wests group. The journey continued — but it wasn’t until 2017, when I discovered Pilates, that I knew I had found my true calling.
Training & Experience
Five hundred hours of practice.
Accredited Certifications
Diploma in Pilates
Diploma of Contemporary Pilates and Teaching Methodology
Certificate IV in Pilates
Foundational accreditation
Extensive Teaching Experience
300 hours teaching practice · 200 hours personal practice
Polestar Pilates accreditation
Internationally recognised methodology
Studies in psychology & fitness
Foundation for the mind-body approach
Wests Group
Pilates & functional training instructor
Robbie O’Davis Bootytime
Bootcamp coach
Lady Shake 6-Week Challenge
Functional trainer
Ongoing practice
Continual learning & education
Who I Work With
A judgement-free space
for every body, at every stage.
My studio welcomes men and women of all ages and backgrounds. You don’t need to be flexible, fit, or experienced — only willing to begin.
I have a particular passion for working with perimenopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women. This is a life stage that often gets overlooked or under-supported — but it’s also when intentional movement, nourishing food, and mindful practice can make the biggest difference. I bring both clinical understanding and lived empathy to every session.
I also work with sporting groups, corporate teams, and children — wherever movement can help people live more fully.
Menopause & midlife
Sporting groups
Corporate teams
Children & families
Outside the Studio
On the water,
in the kitchen, on the trail.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me with my family, cooking nutritious food, ocean swimming, running cross-country trails, travelling, behind a camera — or out on the water rowing, my newest love.