O-Studio was founded by former professional rugby player Tim Bateman, who saw a need for accessible, evidence-based recovery tools to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
“After visiting the Christchurch studio, we felt strongly that Auckland needed this too,” Jenny, who runs the studio with her two sons, Daniel and Reuben, tells Verve. “Remuera was the right location, a community that values wellness, balance, and performance.
“We’re proud to be a family business. I come from a background in nutrition and equestrian sport. Daniel is a tennis coach and certified wellness and nutrition coach. Reuben has a business and property degree and brings strategy and structure, plus, he’s a competitive basketballer. Together, we’ve poured our experience and energy into building a studio that’s genuine, grounded, and inclusive.”
Tell us about your philosophy.
We believe recovery and mental wellbeing should be part of everyday life, not something reserved for when you’re burned out. Everything we do is built around science-backed, accessible wellness that’s effective, enjoyable, and sustainable – no matter your age, background, or fitness level.
How has the community responded since you opened?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve seen people from all walks of life, athletes, professionals, parents, retirees, teenagers, embrace the studio. Many have made it part of their weekly rhythm, which is exactly what we hoped for.
What were some of the biggest challenges in getting this space off the ground, and any ongoing ones?
Transforming a commercial space into a sanctuary takes time and precision, from soundproofing to layout and energy flow. The ongoing challenge is education: helping people understand these therapies are not just for athletes or high-performers, they’re for anyone who wants to feel better in their day-to-day life.
How did you go about curating the range of services?
Our services are grounded in proven results. We offer a mix of traditional and modern therapies: from sauna and massage to float therapy, red light, and recovery tools. Each one has been carefully selected to support physical recovery and mental clarity, whether you’re an athlete or someone just looking for more calm, energy, and focus.
You place a lot of emphasis on science-backed wellness – what trends or practices are you most excited about right now?
We’re particularly excited about contrast therapy – sauna and ice – which is gaining traction for its impact on energy, mood, and resilience. Float therapy and red light are also becoming more popular as people look for ways to manage stress, recover deeply, and stay well long-term.
Which service has become the most popular?
Our communal sauna and ice bath have been incredibly popular. It’s a powerful combination that people really feel the benefits from both physically and mentally. There’s also a social element that adds to the experience, which appeals across all age groups.
How do you build a sense of community at the studio?
The studio is designed for connection. Whether it’s sharing a sauna, chatting with the team, or coming in regularly at the same time, people naturally get to know each other. We’re intentional about creating a space that feels calm, respectful, and inclusive and that welcomes everyone, no matter their age or experience.
How do you encourage people to move from one-off visits to long-term wellness habits?
The first experience often speaks for itself, people leave feeling noticeably better. We follow that with education, approachable membership options, and support to help them build a rhythm that sticks.
What’s next for O-Studio?
Right now, we’re focused on continuing to serve our Remuera community and evolving with what they need. We’re exploring group sessions, workplace wellness collaborations, and staying at the forefront of recovery science so we can keep delivering meaningful results.
And finally, what does the ‘O’ stand for?!
The ‘O’ stands for owning the moment – being fully present and connected to yourself. It also symbolises a complete circle, reflecting balance, community, and the ongoing rhythm of wellness. For us, it’s a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t a one-off act, it’s something you return to, again and again.
O-Studio isn’t about fixing problems it’s about staying well. In a world that’s constantly ‘on’, having a space to recharge and rebalance isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. And it’s for everyone young or old, athlete or not.
