There’s a new kind of wellness movement picking up pace in Aldinga, and this one’s not about reps or reformers. It’s called Neighbourly Strolls and it’s about movement, meaningful connection and coffee – all the essentials.
Launched out of the popular Neighbourly pilates studio in Aldinga Beach, Neighbourly Strolls is the kind of low-pressure community event that feels more like a friendly chat with strangers-turned-friends than a fitness class, which is exactly the point.
“I’ve always wanted the studio to be more than just Pilates,” says founder and pilates powerhouse Bianca Tropeano.
“It’s meant to be multifunctional, inclusive, and really community-focused.
Neighbourly Strolls is just taking that idea a step further – literally – by encouraging people to get outside and meet new faces.
The idea isn’t entirely out of nowhere. Bianca previously ran The Modern Social, a series of events aimed at bringing single people together.
“Connecting people has just always been in my blood,” she explains.
“I’ve been in hospitality for over two decades, and one of the most beautiful things I’ve witnessed is people forming bonds, often between complete strangers. That’s stuck with me.”
But with the onset of technology, she noticed something. We can likely all attest to grabbing out the mobile phone as a mask for interaction, but is it as feel-good as a quality conversation?
“We’re more ‘connected’ than ever, but we’re also weirdly disconnected. People don’t bump into each other the way they used to. That’s what I’m trying to bring back.”
Each stroll begins with a guided warm-up at the studio. Think light movement meets icebreaker questions like “Do you keep your tomato sauce in the fridge or the cupboard? followed by a few fitness-industry friends sharing their story. It’s all to get people laughing and loosened up.
From there, it’s a 45-minute loop along the Aldinga Esplanade, where people naturally pair off or fall into their own pace. Bring your pup, bring your pram, bring your coffee – there are no rules, no fitness trackers and no pressure.
And when you’re done? “We’ve just started our own little in-house coffee setup,” Bianca says. “One of our members is a barista, and we’ve even launched a competition to name the machine… someone’s already suggested Neigh-brew-ly.“
People can hang around and enjoy a hot cuppa and some tunes, or head down for lunch at Aldinga. The studio neighbours a tap house and there’s plenty of nearby spots to grab a delcious feed.
It’s all part of what she calls “wellness through movement, connection, and nourishment” with plans to make the strolls weekly, but the bigger aim is to bring the concept to the wider community.
“I’d love to see other communities get involved,” shares Bianca. “It could be a cafe in the city or someone from another coastal town,” Bianca expresses.
“It’s about creating a ripple effect of local connection. Each host could build their own little community under the Neighbourly Strolls umbrella.”
At its core, Neighbourly Strolls is about giving people a welcoming space to strike up a conversation without the awkward small talk in a cafe or between the puffing and panting of a run club. Everyone is there to meet people, so it takes away the pressure.
“Whether it’s something completely new or just something [people] wouldn’t normally do, it’s a great way to step out of the everyday. Feel happy, feel well, and enjoy being part of something.”
The first stroll kicks off on Sunday May 4. You can register below – it’s completely free and welcome to everyone, what are you waiting for?
WHAT: Neighbourly Strolls
WHERE: Outside Neighbourly, 102 Esplanade, Aldinga Beach
WHEN: Sunday May 4, 8:30am start with 9am walk
For more info, click here.
To register, click here.
More News
