What is Sculpt?

by Natalie Davids on Tuesday 15 September 2026

3 min read

Introducing Sculpt

You may have noticed an intriguing new class called Sculpt or Sculpt Hot pop up on the timetable. Maybe you've heard whispers about it in the changeroom and wondered what all the fuss is about. Maybe your gym bestie has already talked you into booking a spot, and you're not sure what you've gotten yourself into. Either way, we're about to spill the tea.

Here's everything you need to know about Sculpt, including what it is, what to expect, and where you can give it a go.

What is Sculpt?

Sculpt combines dynamic movement, mobility, and strength, all guided by the rhythm of the music. You'll move through a combination of standing and mat-based exercises – some with and without weights - designed to challenge your balance, coordination and muscular endurance, before finishing with a calming mindful moment to help you reset.

It’s where strength meets flow in a music-driven workout experience.

And what is Sculpt Hot?

This spicy sister format takes everything you love about Sculpt and turns up the temperature (literally), with classes performed in a heated studio to dial up the burn.

What can you expect from a Sculpt class?

A slow burn.

No jumping lunges. No burpees. No racing against the clock. (Don't worry, we still love those workouts too). Sculpt is intentionally performed at a slower pace, allowing you to focus on control, stability and quality of movement while steadily working up a sweat. Using dumbbells and ankle weights, you'll challenge your muscles through controlled, repetitive movements that leave your body shaking in all the best ways.

And then there's the music.

Moving to the rhythm helps create a stronger mind-body connection, while that perfectly timed beat drop during your final set of pulses might just be the motivation you need to keep going. Once your muscles have felt the fire, your instructor will slow things down with guided breathing designed to help lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system.

While you might feel the burn throughout the class, trust us. It’s not one you'll want to leave early. Stay for the full 45-minute experience and walk out feeling stronger, steadier, and surprisingly refreshed.

What are the benefits of Sculpt?

Sculpt takes a holistic approach to fitness. As you move through each sequence, you'll develop strength, mobility, balance and body awareness - all of which play an important role in helping you move well both inside and outside the studio.

The class is designed to challenge your muscles without rushing the process, giving you the opportunity to build stability and confidence while improving overall movement quality.

And that mindful finish isn't there just because it feels great. Taking time to slow down and regulate your nervous system can help promote recovery and support stress management, making Sculpt feel just as good mentally as it does physically.

For those stepping into Sculpt Hot, there are additional benefits that come with training in a heated environment. Research* suggests that heat acclimation can support cardiovascular efficiency, improve endurance performance, and help the body adapt more effectively to exercising in warmer conditions.

How is Sculpt different from Pilates or Yoga?

Sculpt shares Yoga's sense of flow and mindful movement but incorporates weights to create a greater strength-training challenge. You may recognise some movements inspired by Mat Pilates; however, most of the class is performed standing, creating a very different experience and training effect.

And while moving to the music might remind you of Barre, you won't find a barre or ballet terminology here.

Think of Sculpt as its own thing. A carefully curated blend of strength, mobility, balance and mindfulness, designed to create an experience that stays with you long after you've left the studio.

Where can I try Sculpt and Hot Sculpt?

You can find Sculpt in the Yoga studio at Northern Beaches and Norwest, while Sculpt Hot is offered at our Bligh St, Bondi Junction, Pitt St, St Leonards and Zetland clubs. Good news, Collins St members: Sculpt Hot will be landing in your club very soon.

Whether you're looking to build strength, improve mobility, or simply try something new, Sculpt offers a fresh way to move, sweat, and reconnect with your body. See you in the studio!

About the author

Natalie (Nat) Davids is the Head Coach of Exercise to Music at Virgin Active Australia. With a background in entertainment, Nat traveled the world for over nine years performing professionally as a dancer and singer on cruise ships. She transitioned into the fitness industry in 2018 and quickly fell in love with rhythm cycle.

Today, Nat leads the recruitment and training of group exercise instructors across Virgin Active's Exercise to Music programs, including cycle, and plays a key role in innovating and evolving the member experience through music-led movement. Whether you're participating on one of Nat's Cycle Spirit, Cycle Burn or Barre classes, you can expect her energy, creativity and global performance background to take you on a musical journey. You might just forget you're working out!