Local Heros

Local Heroes Business Edition

Meet Tracey Boundy from Phyt Studio - Langwarrin

Langwarrin is truly filled with many hidden gems, and I had the pleasure of spending time with one of them. Her name is Tracey. I was feeling accomplished after finishing one of her amazing mat Pilates classes. We sat in her beautiful bright fitness studio and had a chat. Tracey is the warm and vibrant owner and creator of Phyt Studio in Langwarrin.

I learnt that Tracey migrated from England to Australia in 1991 when she was just 15. Her family came to Australia for her father to take up a job offer. After completing year 10 in the UK, Tracey completed years 11 and 12 at Koo Wee Rup Secondary. Tracey said it was “weird and a huge adjustment” because she came from a huge formal school in the UK to a much smaller school that was less formal.

Like so many of us, Tracey’s career pathway had many twists and turns. After completing high school, Tracey wanted to be a Marine Biologist, so moved away from her family, on her own, and studied at Deakin University in Warrnambool for a year. Tracey values her family and missed them so much she returned to the family home and pursued a new career pathway. With a keen interest in science and biology Tracey studied again and became a medical receptionist.

Soon after, Tracey met her husband and at the age of 20 became pregnant to her first child. Around this time, she decided to complete a certificate in business and was offered a position at her step mum’s accounting business. Working in the family business worked well because she had a young child and had some flexibility. This experience inspired her to do further study and she achieved a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. As with so many hard-working mums, this degree was done over a nine-year period as she juggled two children, family, life, and work.

To my absolute surprise, Tracey then explained that she has been working in an accounting practice full time for the last 20 years and is a Director of that company. She explained that she runs Phyt Studio on top of her existing full-time employment because it makes her happy and she is passionate about helping people. Tracey beamed with happiness and said “Phyt Studio is my love, passion, and yin and yang.”

Tracey first experienced Pilates after she had a complete hip replacement at the age of 40. Tracey said Pilates helped her feel better and recover faster. She was mentored in Pilates by her teacher in Somerville who supported and encouraged Tracey to train as an instructor. So, on top of her full-time job, Tracey did her training and began teaching for other studios after hours.

Tracey said working in Pilates made her life more balanced and she wanted to continue. She decided to create her own studio in order to fit teaching Pilates around her own life better, and so in 2020 she built her own studio. Soon after, however, Covid struck resulting in the studio having to be closed and reopened numerous times. Tracey is very happy that the business has been able to run smoothly since the end of Covid restrictions.

Tracey’s mum Jacky is 81 years old and attends her classes regularly. Tracey says that her mum is her greatest inspiration. “Mum taught me to move it or lose it. Don’t believe you can’t do something until you have tried it” she told me.

I was really inspired and blown away during my discussion with Tracey at how motivated she is to help others. Her classes are so much fun, and we all laugh so much that we forget we are exercising. Tracey’s passion for helping people through Pilates is evident. Tracey told me that her biggest lesson has been appreciating that every person, their body, and experience is different, and she will often adjust the session to suit individuals’ needs. Tracey said, “You don’t know what a person has been through, so it’s important to be kind.” She creates a safe and fun fitness community for all kinds of bodies.

Tracey has lived in Langwarrin since 2013 and loves the community, its people, and how close it is to everything. Her favourite local businesses are McKay’s Butcher Quality Meats and Ducky Brown at South Gateway. She said the quality of food is always great and the staff always very friendly.

If you would like to learn more about Phyt Studio and available classes please visit http://phytstudio.cvvom.au/ Or check it out on Facebook phyt studio