The Story Behind

Nova Pilates

After completing her first year at the Exercise Teachers Academy in South Africa in 2008, Sunny began working as a personal trainer at a national gym franchise. In 2011, she became a comprehensive Pilates Instructor, with a clear vision: to one day open her own fully equipped Pilates studio.
She quickly noticed a gap in the industry—many women didn’t feel comfortable in the loud, impersonal gym environment. Her clients craved mindful movement and proper form, not just reps and routines.
She began incorporating Pilates principles like alignment and control into all her sessions, and the response was immediate: people felt better, moved better, and became more confident in their bodies.

This reinforced what Sunny already knew—individuals need more than a gym. They need space. They need support. They need someone to see them.

Nova Pilates officially opened its doors in July 2013, born from Sunny’s belief that health and strength should be personal, empowering, and accessible to everyone.

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She quickly noticed a gap in the industry—many women didn’t feel comfortable in the loud, impersonal gym environment. Her clients craved mindful movement and proper form, not just reps and routines.
She began incorporating Pilates principles like alignment and control into all her sessions, and the response was immediate: people felt better, moved better, and became more confident in their bodies.

This reinforced what Sunny already knew—individuals need more than a gym. They need space. They need support. They need someone to see them.

Nova Pilates officially opened its doors in July 2013, born from Sunny’s belief that health and strength should be personal, empowering, and accessible to everyone.

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For two more years, she continued working both at Nova and at the gym, building her dream with consistency and care, until moving full time to focus on growing and expanding the studio.
Today Nova Pilates serves a community of over 200 students from Randburg to West Rand - and beyond.

Why Choose

Nova Pilates

Environment

Cool, spacious and air-conditioned environment with full natural light

Attention

Attentive, personalised classes for individual focus and care

Equipment

Fully equipped studio with industry-leading apparatus

Safety

Safe and secure parking for peace of mind during your session

Meet your Nova

Pilates Instructors

Meet your Nova

Pilates Instructors

Founder, Instructor & Personal Trainer

Sunny Trifonova

With over 18 years in the fitness and Pilates industry, Sunny brings passion, precision, and warmth to every session. As a mother of three, she understands balance, strength, and real-life resilience. She leads with empathy and expertise, empowering each client on their wellness journey.

Qualifications:

ETA National Certificate Fitness

James Raaf & Associates -Mat & Equipment

HFPA Sports Nutrition

Founder, Instructor & Personal Trainer

Sunny Trifonova

With over 18 years in the fitness and Pilates industry, Sunny brings passion, precision, and warmth to every session. As a mother of three, she understands balance, strength, and real-life resilience. She leads with empathy and expertise, empowering each client on their wellness journey.

Qualifications:

ETA National Certificate Fitness

James Raaf & Associates -Mat & Equipment

HFPA Sports Nutrition

Biokineticist & Instructor

Shenaaz Msusa

Pilates became Shenaaz’s tool for confidence and healing after a difficult teenage period. Now, she shares that gift through rehab-focused movement, helping others feel strong, empowered, and at home in their bodies.

Qualifications:

Biokinetics, University of Johannesburg

Pilates Mat & Equipment (Pilates Dynamics)

Biokineticist & Instructor

Shenaaz Msusa

Pilates became Shenaaz’s tool for confidence and healing after a difficult teenage period. Now, she shares that gift through rehab-focused movement, helping others feel strong, empowered, and at home in their bodies.

Qualifications:

Biokinetics, University of Johannesburg

Pilates Mat & Equipment (Pilates Dynamics)

Mat & Equipment Instructor

Sindy Jonker

Certified in 2014, Sindy brings technical depth and personal commitment to every session. She’s trained a wide range of clients, blending rehab, performance, and passion for results that are personal and lasting.

Qualifications:

STOTT Pilates – Mat and Equipment

Mat & Equipment Instructor

Sindy Jonker

Certified in 2014, Sindy brings technical depth and personal commitment to every session. She’s trained a wide range of clients, blending rehab, performance, and passion for results that are personal and lasting.

Qualifications:

STOTT Pilates – Mat and Equipment

Biokineticist & Classical Pilates Instructor

Caitlin Bika

Caitlin blends the clinical precision of biokinetics with the timeless principles of classical Pilates. Her sessions restore mobility, build core strength, and guide clients back to functional movement.

Qualifications:

Biokinetics, University of Johannesburg

Third-Generation Classical Pilates Instructor

Biokineticist & Classical Pilates Instructor

Caitlin Bika

Caitlin blends the clinical precision of biokinetics with the timeless principles of classical Pilates. Her sessions restore mobility, build core strength, and guide clients back to functional movement.

Qualifications:

Biokinetics, University of Johannesburg

Third-Generation Classical Pilates Instructor

Mat & TRX Instructor

Maria Walfaardt

Maria’s Pilates journey began after spinal surgery. With a personal understanding of healing through movement, she brings energy, fun, and functional precision to her classes. Her sessions use varied props to keep things dynamic and supportive.

Qualifications:

BASI Pilates Mat

Mat Instructor & TRX Trainee

Maria Walfaardt

Maria’s Pilates journey began after spinal surgery. With a personal understanding of healing through movement, she brings energy, fun, and functional precision to her classes. Her sessions use varied props to keep things dynamic and supportive.

Qualifications:

BASI Pilates Mat

Registered Dance and Pilates Mat Instructor

Natalie Oberem

Natalie is a talented Barre and Mat Pilates instructor, with a passion for choreography and dance. Natalie was the resident choreographer at the Guild Theatre for over 14 years. She is an accomplished, versatile performance professional with a unique range of diverse skills gained from over 25 years of comprehensive performing arts experience.

Qualifications:

AIDT & Dancecore Dance Teacher Certificate 

BASI Pilates Mat

Registered Dance and Pilates Mat Instructor

Natalie Oberem

Natalie is a talented Barre and Mat Pilates instructor, with a passion for choreography and dance. Natalie was the resident choreographer at the Guild Theatre for over 14 years. She is an accomplished, versatile performance professional with a unique range of diverse skills gained from over 25 years of comprehensive performing arts experience.

Qualifications:

AIDT & Dancecore Dance Teacher Certificate 

BASI Pilates Mat