We speak to Shireen Baker, from Lean Bean Fitness who shares why founder Lizzie Bland‘s unique approach to studio fitness has found success with consumers. The key is in the variety and playfulness of a brand built on personality. 

Shireen wears our Pacific Rory Knit Bra & Pacific Speechless Knit Short

Tell us about your studio, when did it open?  Where are they located etc.

Lean Bean was founded by ex professional dancer Lizzie Bland as a female only bootcamp on Bondi Beach. Word of mouth spread fast amongst our community of females and we opened our first boutique studio in Bondi in 2017 followed by Darlinghurst in 2022.

Lean Bean Fitness Founder, Lizzie wears our Peached Tess Top & Peached Midi Pants in Sage

How did the idea come about? 

Lizzie founded Lean Bean when she moved to Australia, it was her way of connecting with like minded people and also sharing her passion for female fitness.  As community was the foundation of Lean Bean Fitness, maintaining & building friendships remains important today for us today. In fact that’s how bestie and now co-owners of Lean Bean Fitness met!

What was the idea behind the studio?  

We pride ourselves on being experts in female fitness. We love them, we are them and we know what they need. And we understand the importance of variety in your exercise regime. As your energy levels fluctuate throughout the month, so will your needs. Some days Pilates and barre may suit you best, then when you’re feeling more energised you can sweat it out in HIIT Play classes or Bean Box. We tailor exercises in each class specifically for the female body so you can walk away feeling stronger, more energized and great about yourself. No two classes are ever the same which means you’ll never get bored.

You have an amazing line-up of instructors, tell us a little about them.

We believe we have the most talented instructors in the biz! Some OGs have been with us since the launch of our bootcamp in Bondi and others have joined since Darlinghurst opened. We provide freedom within the Lean Bean Fitness framework which means each instructor can bring their own personality & playlist to class.

Lean Bean Fitness Instructors Josie & Olivia wearing THE UPSIDE at their Girl Power Event
Josie (Left Front) ~ wears our Soft Seamless Anna Bra & Seamless Spin Shorts in Guava
Olivia (Right Front) ~ wears our Pacific Rory Knit Bra & Pacific Kiama Knit Pant

What do you think it is about your studio which makes people come back time and time again?

Despite our killer classes we have a very warm vibe and don’t take ourselves too seriously, hence the signature “playtime” signage in both studios. All levels & ages are welcome and there is no judgement whether you have been exercising weekly for years or if it’s your first class in years!

What is your signature style?

Challenging but always fun! You’ll walk out feeling 100 times better.

What is your favourite customer feedback you’ve received?  

It’s genuinely the BEST part of our job hearing the positive feedback from customers. Some really strong friendships/ bonds have been formed at Lean Bean which is so beautiful to hear. We also get lots of messages from clients saying Lean Bean changed their lives for the better and helped them during tough times. For some people facing uncertainty in life or difficulty, we have been a constant in their lives (either in studio or virtually) and positively boosted their energy & mood.

What you are looking for in Studio Wear?

We know variety is key when it comes to your fitness regime – both mentally and physically, it’s important to mix it up. So we have a variety of The Upside activewear on hand. We love the soft, stretchy materials for Barre Beans or Power Pilates and the firm leggings/ crops for a HIIT Play or Bean Box.

From the left ~ Shireen wears our Racquet Tahnee Top & Ditsy Paisley Midi Pant
Olivia wears our Pacific Rory Knit Bra & Pacific Kiama Knit Pant & Josie sports our Soft Seamless Anna Bra & Seamless Spin Shorts in Guava

How do you #SPORTMYSTYLE from studio and beyond?

We love that activewear is now a fashion staple. So it means we can bounce from studio to brunch without having to change outfits. We just add a cute crew neck jumper & layer chain necklaces to take the outfit to the next level.