She Didn’t Lose Herself in Motherhood — She Found a New Rhythm

A conversation with Shelley Kamil — Founder of Rhythmic Pilates, mum of three, and the woman redefining movement on her own terms

Tell us about your family. How many Kids?

My husband Josh and my three beautiful girls — my eldest is almost 15, then 12, and my little one is 8. And of course, our puppy Bowie, who’s 2.

Adjusting to motherhood..

The biggest adjustment was how your entire life changes — your priorities shift and this little person becomes your world.

I went from having a thriving, busy fashion retail store in the heart of Armadale to just wanting to be home with my baby. It was the first time I hadn’t worked since the age of 14.

I had this overwhelming calling to be a stay-at-home mum, but I also knew, having been in business for so long, that I would need to develop a business and creative outlet from the get-go.

The biggest surprise?

What surprised me most was how your heart expands.

At first, you’re in that honeymoon phase with your partner and can’t imagine loving anyone more. Then this little person comes along, and it’s a completely new kind of love — one you can’t imagine until it happens.

And then your heart continues to expand with each child you have, again, in ways you can’t imagine. And that’s just part of the story…

The best thing about motherhood?

The best part of motherhood is definitely multifaceted. I think your children teach you so much.

For me, they’ve shown me the true meaning of unconditional love and support — what it means to truly believe in someone. My girls are like my best friends, each teaching me different aspects of self.

My eldest is my confidant and right hand — she’s taught me how to live your best and truest life.

My second is a beacon of light and generosity; she’s taught me the true meaning of loyalty and unwavering love.

And my youngest… she’s just this special soul who’s almost always by my side, reminding me of the true meaning of kindness.

I think that’s the best part for me — their company and unwavering belief in our lives together (sounds corny, but it’s true).

What’s one thing that genuinely helps you stay afloat in the day-to-day juggle?

To be honest, being more on the introverted end of things (hard to believe, I know), I need a little time to recenter on my own.

When the girls were little, that meant working on recipe development, research and study in the hours they slept. But beyond that, it’s always been — and continues to be — my time on the mat.

Movement is everything for me. I can’t go without it. I’ll move wherever I am, home or away. Practicing Rhythmic Pilates offers not only transformative movement for my body, but a chance to connect breath to movement — my way to realign, recenter and return to the best version of myself.

How do you carve out space for career, motherhood, love, friends, and still find a moment for you?

The million-dollar question 🙂

It’s certainly a juggle. Some days I feel like I’ve mastered it, others I feel totally overwhelmed and stretched.

Some elements are non-negotiable — like being with my kids and working on my business. Lucky for me, my career is my creative outlet. Even on days where I don’t have a moment to spare, whether I’m developing new sequences, teaching or editing, it still feels soul-fulfilling and gives me a chance to move my body in an effective, dynamic way.

That said, as a stay-at-home mum (albeit a working one), I’m always conscious of keeping things balanced with my kids and have always found carving out one-on-one time to be one of the key ways to counteract any imbalances.

I also walk my puppy daily, which is the perfect chance for a few calls with close girlfriends and a good laugh — which I find solves everything.

What’s the hardest part of motherhood for you to admit out loud?

That’s a tough one. But the hardest part of motherhood for me was never my kids themselves — it was the challenges I faced outside my five.

The questioning and criticism I’ve faced has been a huge challenge, but I’ve managed to turn it into my greatest lesson.

Continuously working on overcoming the self-doubt it left me with has instilled in me a deep desire to lift up those around me — to believe in, support and always see the best in people, especially women.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before becoming a mum, what would it be?

I would take my own hand and say to myself — listen to yourself. Trust your inner voice.

It’s okay to do it your way, even if it ruffles some feathers. No one understands what your children need better than you. The outside noise really is just noise.

And if you get it wrong, that’s okay too. Motherhood will call on you to pivot and evolve through the ages either way.

What does your morning routine look like, honestly?

In all honesty, over time I’ve done a complete overhaul of my morning routine. Even with all the study and research I’ve done, I still need a good tweak here and there.

I used to meditate each morning because it’s what you’re “meant” to do as a Wellness Coach and Pilates Instructor, but it led me down a rabbit hole. I’d either fall back asleep or scroll my phone straight after — and I’d wake up sore from lying in bed too long.

These days, I feel a million times better. After a tall glass of water (which I’ve always done), I wash my face, apply my skincare, do a little Gua Sha, a touch of makeup, then head straight to the mat for a Rhythmic Pilates session.

There is nothing like moving your body first thing — that feeling of length, expansion, toning and tightening before the day has even begun. Sometimes I’m filming, sometimes I’m just practicing new sequences to teach.

I feed my dog, say good morning to my girls, have a shot of aloe vera, then often off on the school run or straight into teaching.

Once school is back, there’s the school run and private clients first thing. And after all of that — I live for my fruit salad, nuts, seeds and a green tea.

How do you wind down at night? What does your evening routine really look like?

We’ve just returned from travel, and one of those moments was my little one lying beside me, a sleepy tea with almond milk and stevia, feet up on the wall for lymphatic drainage, and a good book.

Back home, it’s often a show with my girls (Emily in Paris with my eldest at the moment), or if everyone’s occupied, an extended transcendental meditation — or a show in bed (my guilty pleasure).

There’s always herbal tea, sometimes dark chocolate (another guilty pleasure), and always a book. I read around 30 novels a year — I know, crazy.

And often, I find myself working late into the night. Is it the best for your circadian rhythm? No. But there’s nothing quite like the quiet of late nights for creatively minded women juggling motherhood and career dreams.

Who’s in your village (the people you truly couldn’t do this without)?

My village is small.

My husband is my number one support — I know he’ll always be there to back me up when I need him. And if he can’t be there, his parents will step in to help.

I’ve always been very independent because I’ve always needed to be. From day dot, I knew that wherever my path led me, I’d need to be available for my kids — hence building a business from home.

And of course, my closest girlfriends — nothing beats a good laugh. It really does make everything better.

The things in your bag you can’t leave home without:

My Chantecaille lipstick, Perricone lip balm, my phone (obviously), stevia, and a little mesh pouch filled with bandaids, hair elastics, Bronner’s hand sanitiser spray, Sol de Janeiro mini spray, and some Kiwi supplements — especially when we travel.

Where do you find fashion that genuinely feels like you?

Fashion is still a big part of my ethos, having grown up in the fashion industry.

There are so many incredible activewear brands these days, and I’m lucky enough to collaborate with many of them.

But not a day goes by where I don’t change into an outfit that reconnects me to my fashion roots.

I discover a lot of amazing emerging and established brands on Instagram and love collaborating with inspiring designers. Fashion really is in the blood — always.

Your favourite place to escape?

Singapore will always have my heart. We travel through there almost every trip, so it holds this beautiful, slightly melancholic feeling for me as it marks the end of our travels.

It’s an easy, exciting city filled with life and dreams — and so many memories of our kids growing up.

We’ve also spent recent summers in Vietnam, and of course Bali — especially COMO in Canggu. That place truly has my heart. Tropical, clean, full of fresh, healthy food and style… a win-win.

What location is on top of your wish-list to travel to next?

We’re creatures of habit, often returning to Singapore and Bali — but we’re thinking about a European summer… or heading back to the beaches of Thailand.

What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?

My favourite question.

Living a healthy, grounded life is everything. For me, that means starting every day with a Rhythmic Pilates workout. There’s nothing quite like it — your body starts to crave the dynamic, low-impact movement and sequencing.

I’m completely addicted to the blend of Pilates and Barre. Add in daily walks with our puppy (bonus points for an evening walk), listening to my body, lots of fresh fruit and veggies, increasing my protein, and the right supplements for my body.

It’s about honouring what serves you — your body, your rhythm.

And then there’s the deeper work — breath, mindset, and unblocking limiting beliefs to open up to what’s possible in a new season.

How do you keep your body moving?

That’s exactly why I developed the at-home Rhythmic Pilates platform.

As a stay-at-home mum, I found myself scheduling my entire day around getting to a studio — and it just wasn’t sustainable.

Now, I walk into the next room, roll out my mat, and get moving. No travel time, no logistics, no limitations. It’s opened up a whole new level of consistency.

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness?

Movement.

Rhythmic Pilates blends Pilates, Barre, fascia fitness and the rebounder — so there’s something for wherever your mood takes you.

Connecting breath to movement eases the mind while redefining the body. I couldn’t live without it.

What does the word ‘balance’ mean to you?

Balance, for me, is giving my energy to my non-negotiables.

Time with my girls. A good Rhythmic Pilates session. Creative time in my business. Cooking a beautiful dinner for my family. A walk with the dog. A call (or two) with my closest girlfriends.

If I can get all that into one day, I feel pretty balanced.

 

What’s a truth about yourself that took you years to finally admit?

I’ve learnt that I’m sensitive — and that that’s not a weakness, it’s who I am. I’m highly intuitive, deeply aware of energy, and far more introverted than I ever realised growing up. As a young girl, I was easily led, mostly because I didn’t fully understand myself yet.

That’s why I’ve always encouraged my girls to listen to their inner voice — even when it’s just a quiet whisper.

I’ve always been a positive person, but I’ve had to work through criticism and the self-doubt that comes with it. I’ve been told I wouldn’t make it. But I truly believe we’re given dreams and visions for a reason — and the thing that separates those who do from those who don’t is persistence.

The ability to keep going when it’s hard, when you feel questioned, when all you really want is for someone to believe in you.

Because in the end, you have to believe in yourself.

And for me, I’ve built a life — with a husband and kids — who do believe in me too.

When do you feel most like the truest version of you?

When I’m teaching Rhythmic Pilates, hanging out with my girls, or laughing with my husband.

What part of yourself do you judge the most, and why do you think that is?

I’ve always judged my sensitivity. I blamed myself for feeling hurt and denied my true emotions during the hardest times in my life.

But I’m learning to accept myself — my feelings and my heart.

What’s something about you that would genuinely surprise people to find out?

That I love a good session of reality TV in bed with a strong herbal tea and some dark chocolate… followed by reading late into the night.

Is there a version of yourself you’re trying to become?

Yes.

Unaffected. At ease. In tune with her inner voice and intuition. Free from limiting beliefs and self-doubt. True to herself and trusting her path.

 

What’s a small joy that’s getting you through this season of life?

Movement and the breath.

Practicing Rhythmic Pilates is my anchor. And my girls — they are my true north and my guiding light.

Visit, Buy, Do

If you could visit anywhere, buy anything, and do something just for you — we’d love to hear

Returning to LA and Hawaii with my 5.

Believe it or not, in all my years of Pilates and wellness, I’ve never been on a retreat — so visiting one and immersing myself in beautiful food and wellness would be a dream. Even better… to lead one.

We’ll need some good outfits, obviously.

What inspired you to start Rhythmic Pilates?

I fell in love with Pilates around 20 years ago on an overseas trip — I still remember how to say vertebrae in another language.

From there, it became my grounding force. I practiced it religiously, week in and week out. It was always a dream to become an instructor.

I remember standing with my first baby in my arms almost 15 years ago, looking out the window and having a clear vision — to work with women far and wide, to uplift them, redefine their bodies and guide them back to themselves.

I didn’t know how, but I knew it was my path.

Fast forward, I started teaching from home. Then during the pandemic, I moved my clients online — and the results were incredible. No cancellations, more consistency, better results.

That’s when I knew — this needed to be accessible anytime, anywhere. And Rhythmic Pilates On was born.

What is the best thing about having Rhythmic Pilates?

The unwavering faith it gives your body exactly what it needs.

From length to strength, deep core activation to lean definition — and a sense of ease in both body and mind.

The method evolves as we do, which has led me to continually upskill — I’m now certified 12 times across Pilates, Barre, pre/postnatal, anatomy, movement, rebounder and hormone health.

It allows me to support women through every phase of life.

What is the most challenging thing about having Rhythmic Pilates?

Believing in yourself.

You’re up against a sea of other instructors — many younger, high-profile or both. It’s easy to compare.

But I remind myself to stay in my lane — my people will find me.

What has been the biggest learning experience with having your own business?

That it doesn’t happen overnight.

The most important thing is building a solid foundation. It’s not just about sales — it’s a journey of self.

You’re constantly evolving, improving your offering and becoming a better version of yourself for your community.

What do you hope people feel and experience when signing up to Rhythmic Pilates?

Relief.

Relief that they’ve finally found someone who understands their body. That they feel supported, safe, and confident in the process.

That they surprise themselves — and build trust in their own strength and potential.

Above all, that they feel empowered and return to their best selves.

What sets you apart from other at-home workout businesses?

A dedicated instructor who truly lives and breathes the method.

Having had three children, I deeply understand women’s bodies and what they need. Combined with my 12 certifications, it means every session is intentional, informed and effective.

Every workout builds on the last — evolving with you through every phase of life.

Have you ever wanted to give up? If yes, how did you push through?

Being spiritually and intuitively led really helps.

Even in moments where I’ve wanted to give up, my inner voice won’t let me. I know this is part of my purpose.

And practically — persistence. Beyond consistency, persistence is what separates those who succeed.

Can you share anything exciting coming up for Rhythmic Pilates?

I can’t pinpoint it exactly, but I have this strong intuitive sense that 2026 will be the most exciting year yet for Rhythmic Pilates.

Click here to learn more about rhythmic Pilates.