Shandy Aulia is breaking the outdated stigma that Pilates and body care are exclusive to women. Through her wellness ventures, she empowers both men and women to take charge of their health and well-being.
Best known for her charming smile and cheerful demeanor, Shandy Aulia rose to fame in the 2003 film “Eiffel I’m in Love,” starring opposite Samuel Riza. She went on to appear in popular films such as “Apa Artinya Cinta?,” “The Doll” and “Rasuk.” Beyond acting, Shandy has proven herself a dynamic entrepreneur, establishing the fashion label SA Collection, the beauty line SA Naturel by Shandy Aulia, and Miss Claire Jewelry for children. Every endeavor reflects her courage to experiment and innovate.
Her most personal transformation, however, came with her move into the world of wellness. This passion led to the creation of two new ventures: SHALIA Pilates and Shalía The Contour Club. Both are more than businesses—they are extensions of Shandy’s personal journey toward true health and self-confidence.
Building from the Heart
Shandy Aulia’s entry into the wellness industry is rooted in a deeply personal philosophy: “Build what you need, and others will benefit. If you build with heart, people will feel it.” More than a motivational phrase, it is a principle she lives by. Her business is not driven solely by trends or market analysis but by genuine needs she has experienced herself—needs she now seeks to share with others.
Her journey began with overcoming pain and discomfort. Years ago, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition that causes a curvature of the spine. Seeking relief, she turned to Pilates. What started as therapy to ease her pain and improve her posture soon became a daily practice she grew to love.
“When I tried Pilates, I truly experienced its benefits for my back pain and scoliosis, and I continue to feel them today. This inspired me to open a Pilates studio that provides a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners, helping them incorporate Pilates into their lifestyle,” Shandy explained.
This experience was an eye-opener for her. She realized that the body is not an asset to be taken for granted but a lifelong investment that requires holistic, sustainable care. Driven by this realization, she created a space where others could also experience these benefits. Thus, SHALIA Pilates was born, a studio designed to welcome everyone, from first-timers to seasoned practitioners.
Shandy also came to understand that health is not solely about exercise; well-being is shaped by many factors beyond physical activity. Having struggled with digestive issues and bloating herself, she discovered the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage, which detoxifies the body and reduces water retention. This reinforced the importance of caring for the inner body, particularly the abdomen, as the center of overall health.
“It’s essential to understand our bodies so we can identify the specific care they require. Our digestive health directly influences our skin, mood, and energy levels. Everything originates in the gut, making it critical to comprehend how we digest our food,” she asserted.
This belief serves as the foundation of Shalía The Contour Club. Together with SHALIA Pilates, both ventures reflect Shandy’s commitment to holistic wellness. Through them, she encourages people to better understand their bodies, nurture both the visible and invisible aspects of health, and embrace sustainable well-being from within.
Chair by Rolf Benz from KATTA Indonesia
Redefining Wellness
One of Shandy Aulia’s core missions with SHALIA is to challenge the outdated belief that wellness belongs exclusively to women. She champions the idea that men, too, deserve holistic care—from Pilates to body contouring.
Pilates, for instance, is often perceived as a “feminine” workout. Yet it was created by a man, Joseph Pilates, who, as a sickly child in Germany, suffered from rickets, asthma, and rheumatic fever. In his quest for recovery, he explored various health practices and eventually developed Pilates—an exercise method designed to build strength, flexibility, and overall vitality. His own transformation remains proof of its power.
At SHALIA Pilates, men are invited to train in programs emphasizing functional strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. By utilizing reformers and other equipment, participants can develop better core stability. Many male athletes and professionals are often surprised by how challenging and beneficial these workouts can be. Pilates uniquely balances muscles in ways that traditional exercises may not.
To ensure the highest standards, SHALIA works exclusively with certified instructors from BASI (Body Arts and Science International), a global authority in Pilates education. “We place great emphasis on collaborating with experienced trainers who understand the nuances of movements focused on healing and posture correction,” she explained.
Meanwhile, through Shalía The Contour Club, Shandy is also dismantling another stigma: the idea that body care is only about vanity—or only for women. This advanced wellness center, staffed by experts, offers non-invasive treatments for both body and skin health.
One of the most popular treatments is lymphatic drainage massage. This therapy aids in detoxifying the body, reducing water retention, boosting immune function, and stimulating blood circulation. For men, it is particularly effective for post-workout recovery and reducing inflammation, often delivering a more sculpted look after just one session.
“I totally understand the hesitation—there’s a stigma that wellness is a ‘women’s world.’ But honestly, once they try it, most men are surprised by how powerful and effective it really is,” Shandy said.
To elevate her services, Shandy enlisted award-winning therapist Slav Marinov, a London-based massage expert with more than 22 years of experience and global recognition, including gold medals in Sports Massage at both the 2022 World Massage Championship and Intercontinental Massage Championship.
“The knowledge passed on by Slav Marinov is the backbone of Shalía The Contour Club. He teaches our therapists that massage is an art—one that demands precision and empathy. His training continues until our team reaches the highest level of skill. The results are truly remarkable,” said Shandy.
First-time male clients are offered personalized consultations to define their goals—whether fat reduction, recovery, or skin improvement. Based on this information, therapists create a tailored plan. Shandy particularly recommends Emsculpt Neo for beginners. This treatment combines High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy and Radio Frequency (RF) to build muscle and burn fat in just one session, making it a favorite among male clients.
Once comfortable, clients can progress to advanced treatments such as Exion Face, Emtone, and Xwave, designed to stimulate collagen, tighten skin, enhance muscle tone, and even support intimate health at a cellular level.
Challenges and Vision
Shandy Aulia’s shift from leading actress to wellness entrepreneur came with no shortage of challenges. She had to educate the market about the value of holistic wellness, assemble the right team, and balance creative ideas with operational demands—all while her own name was directly tied to the brand.
Yet these hurdles have only strengthened her vision. Her primary objective is to establish both of her brands as trusted wellness destinations, not only in Indonesia but throughout Southeast Asia.
“I would love to expand into other cities, possibly explore franchising in the future, and eventually offer our own branded wellness products. Most importantly, I want to continue building communities where self-care is normalized, encouraged, and enjoyed by everyone.”
Looking ahead, she sees the wellness industry moving toward more personalized, tech-integrated solutions that adapt to modern lifestyles. The era of one-size-fits-all is fading, with tailored programs becoming the norm. As conversations around self-care expand, men’s participation is also expected to grow. Shandy believes the lines between beauty, fitness, and health will continue to blur, paving the way for more holistic wellness experiences.
For men who are still hesitant to begin their wellness journey, Shandy has a clear message: don’t wait until pain or burnout forces you to act.
“Wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s your foundation. Whether it’s Pilates, body contouring, or even a massage, you deserve to feel strong, confident, and balanced. And at Shalia, we’re here to help you do just that and improve your APEX game—with no judgment, just real results,” she said in her message to DAMAN readers.
Shandy’s journey shows that transformation isn’t confined to the big screen—it can be lived every day. Once a beloved actress, she has now evolved into a visionary entrepreneur, building a purpose-driven business that empowers people to discover their strength and health from within.
Creative Direction Brad Homes
Photography Vony Wong
Styling Bagoes Abyoso
Photography Assistance Hamdillah Faqih
Styling Assistance Vanessa Yofania
Makeup Talia Subandrio
Hair Dea Felicia