Our Team
Meet Alex - Director, Senior Physiotherapist, Pilates Teacher & Educator
(she/her)
Some things we might not know about you…
* I love Mint Slice biscuits. I can devour a family pack with NO regrets. We’re all about balance here!
* For a wedding present our closest friends put together a ‘puppy-fund’ for when we were ready to adopt a doggo. We finally got to spend it in 2021 when we met Nala!
* When I was 17, I moved to Melbourne to study dance and then stayed for 15 years (sorry Mum!)
Who are you?
Hello! I’m Alex O’Neill King, or AOK. See what I did there? And yes, you guessed it; my goal is to support you to keep moving. I live here in Perth with my husband Jay and our puppy Nala.
What is this place?
AOK Keep Moving is my studio and second home. We’re a sun-filled, bespoke Allied Health Practice and Pilates space in Bibra Lake. We offer small group classes, Physio assessment and treatments, Exercise Physiology services and Pilates Teacher PD workshops and Mentoring. We’re also lucky to be surrounded by other family businesses. Downstairs you'll find the gym Athlete X and The Kind Life and Co., a café and co-working space. It can sometimes be scary stepping into a new training space but everyone here is SO welcoming and we’d love you to pop in for a visit and say hello!
How did you get into Pilates and Physio?
When I was an injured teenage dancer my Physio introduced me to Pilates as a rehab tool. I was able to keep dancing until I chose to stop, so I knew it was powerful stuff. After overseas travel adventures, I returned to study Pilates and Physio so I could share this awesome tool with others.
I love learning so I have an interesting collection of qualifications that includes; Master of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Dance, Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction and Functional Range Conditioning. My latest learning obsession is the psychological processes we go through as humans, especially in relation to pain, and the impact the language we use has on our experiences.
Have you ever had injuries or pain?
You bet. As well as the back injury that piqued my interest in Pilates, I’ve had a couple of decent wrist surgeries along the way that almost derailed my Physio career! I'm also human just like you, and new injuries and pain do pop up! I know what it feels like to be afraid of never getting better, frustrated with slow progress and the despair that comes with setback after setback. I’ve been there too and I know this helps me to really listen to my clients and what they want.
What’s your area of focus?
At the start of my Physio career I worked in the hospital setting where I helped people get back on their feet after events like surgeries, strokes and falls. Since working in my own clinic, the bulk of my work helps people move forward through persistent/long-term pain. I also love mentoring and empowering other Teachers to help them guide their people with confidence.
What if I’m scared of the Pilates Reformer?
You are not alone! The Pilates machines (or apparatus as we like to call them) make the studio look like a weird and wonderful playground! We want you to fall in love with them as much as us, so we'll make sure to always show you how to use them safely. We also keep our small group training sessions capped at 5 people, so you'll always be able to ask questions and feel confident with your training.
Have I felt burnt out teaching before? How did I get through it?
Absolutely I have! At one point I had what looked like a dream job – working in a beautiful studio with an amazing team. But I dreaded going to work. I was tired, overwhelmed, constantly feeling like I wasn’t good enough. Luckily, I reached out for support (my boss was AMAZING!) and after tweaking a few things and changing my perspective, I was able to fall in love with teaching again. Now, I love working with other Pilates teachers to help them do the same. You can read more about that here.
Meet Phoebe, our Physiotherapist, Pilates & Yoga Nidra Teacher
(she/her)
What are some things we might not know about you?
I have recently moved back to WA after a year working and living in Melbourne
I love travelling!
In my spare time you’ll find me at the beach. Before Physio I was a swimming instructor and I love all things involving the water, including surfing and skiing.
Why do you do what you do?
I want people from all walks of life to feel strong and confident in their bodies. Our bodies have cleverly evolved to be able to run, jump, swim and carry so I believe we should not be taking it for granted!
I aim to help you improve your pain and most importantly your quality of life, by empowering you to take control of their health.
I love all things sport and exercise so I’d like to continue to help you improve your performance and become the most resilient athlete you can be.
How do you do what you do?
I listen and learn where you are coming from and work collaboratively to help you feel good and experience life the way you want to. I believe education is one of the most important tools we have as Physiotherapists and I use this to ensure you have a solid understanding of your pain or injury and your health. I want to be able to show you what your body can do.
Meet Shannon, our Physiotherapist
(she/her)
What are some things we might not know about you?
I am water/ocean obsessed and am part of a surf lifesaving club, plus just learned to free-dive!
I was a mascot moose for a ski mountain in Canada (briefly!)
I love watching, playing and being around all sports, but lean towards endurance sports myself
Why do you do what you do?
I see movement and training as ways to improve life experiences – whether it’s to hang the washing, play with your dog, lift heavy things, or return to sport - I love reaching for goals with you.
I’ve become aware of how pain and injury can make you feel stuck and am a huge believer that feeling confident and strong in your body has a positive impact on all areas of your life.
I think a lot of people underestimate what they can do. I want to support you living an empowering and fulfilling life, no matter where your starting point is.
How do you do what you do?
I listen to your story and support your building to your goals. I’ll tailor my communication to suit your needs, and provide information and education on the topics that are important to you
Here's Franzi, our Pilates Teacher
(she/her)
What are some things we might not know about you?
I love camping, the more secluded the better!
We have an 18-year old cat/fur baby.
I used to be able to kill a cactus, but now we have 24 indoor plants - mostly thriving!
Tell us a little more about your role as a Pilates Teacher?
Born and raised in Germany, I moved to Berlin to pursue my dream of becoming a midwife. After graduating I took the opportunity to travel to Australia for a year and during this time I met my now husband Tim and he brought me to Perth.
I was introduced to Pilates as a rehab tool after an injury and operation. Not being able to work as a midwife in Australia, I saw the chance to combine my new found love for Pilates and my passion for supporting pregnant and postnatal women.
I love working with all different clients but especially enjoy helping women to understand and navigate their ever changing body during pregnancy, preparing them as much as possible menatlly and physically for birth and the postnatal period.
Why do you do what you do?
Often mums shift their focus away from themselves and I like to create an environment where it is just about you - your body and mind. I hope to help you find an hour in your busy schedule where someone listens to you in an environment where you can move freely and without worries. I hope you leave the studio feeling amazing. I want you to be yourself.
How do you do what you do?
I aim to create a safe and judge-free environment for movers to explore your body and rediscover what you are capable of! For new mums, I want to educate you and to provide the space so you can prioritise your physical and mental health - leaving you empowered, more patient with yourself, proud and kind towards your own body and the changes you’ve been through.
Here's Nikki, our Pilates Teacher
(she/her)
What are some things we might not know about you?
I am married with 2 kids, 11 year old Austin and 9 year old Neave and we have a 13 year old Black Labrador
I love to travel and lived overseas on my early 20s. These days, its more camping than overseas but during the school holidays we often head off to make some memories!
In a previous life I worked in admin management before a career change after discovering the world of pilates
Tell us a bit about your journey so far?
I initially started doing Pilates when I was post-natal to help with my recovery and quickly realised that not only did it assist in my recovery , it was also helping to reduce the pain and discomfort in my back due to a scoliosis that I have grown up with. It was from there that I grew a love for the Pilates method and was inspired to study a Diploma of Professional Pilates as I wanted to be able to help others.
I am currently continuing my study with the Advanced Diploma of Pilates to be able to help people on a deeper level with injury rehab/management and prevention as well as challenging those advanced movers! When I am not teaching I am kept busy with my family, love going to the beach, camping, drinking coffee and catching up with friends.
I look forward to making you feel welcome and at ease when I see you in the studio.
Meet Emma, our Exercise Physiologist & Pilates Teacher
(she/her) - Emma is not currently taking new private clients, however you can join her for Small Group Training
What are some things we might not know about you?
* I love dancing. Alex and I met at high school were we both went to John Curtin College of the Arts and studied ballet and dance. I still attend adult jazz and tap classes at the same dance school my kids go to and we get to go on stage at the end of year concert at John Curtin. Its special sharing a passion of mine with them on a stage that brings back fond memories.
* I have two kids, Patience (5) and Maximilian (3). I enjoy leading an active lifestyle so I can keep up with both of them!
* My husband’s family owns the Capri in Fremantle. You will find me there a couple of times per week visiting family and getting a simple and delicious Italian meal.
Tell us a little more about the role of an Exercise Physiologist?
An exercise physiologist is university qualified to use exercise as medicine. We help patients with chronic (long term) conditions, injuries and disabilities and our focus is on improved quality of life, physical and mental health, fitness, functionality and confidence. We use hands-off treatment and specific exercise programs for rehabilitation. Exercise physiologists are also registered with Medicare and health funds, Veteran Affairs and work cover.
Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about supporting and empowering everyone to exercise no matter their age, condition, or experience to achieve their health-related goals. I love supporting women that have put others before themselves for so long, they are unsure of how to add exercise back into their life. It’s a pleasure working with you to prioritise your health and gain confidence in the gym. I love what I do and I love why I do it. I love the people and clients I work with. I enjoy living an active and balanced lifestyle in the hopes to inspire others to do the same.
How do you do what you do?
I aim to inspire and educate you about living your best life and to give you the tools and confidence to take control of your own health. I’m all about listening to your needs and goal setting – we discuss short and long term goals and how we can tailor your treatment to align with these. Give a person an exercise and they will feel good for a day. Teach a person to exercise and they will feel good for life.
Our Values
Empowerment.
Your body, your journey
Power through education
Compassion
Open ears & open heart
We are all doing our best
Trust.
Honest, clear communication
No B.S.
Optimism.
for Life &
for Movement