How and why did you first get into Pilates?

I started Pilates as a client at The Pilates Pod years ago, following a sports-related back injury and found that it really helped get out of my back pain.

What’s been your most proudest moment in your career?

My proudest moment in my Pilates career to date was probably passing my very first Pilates certification. In my previous life I’d been a TV producer/director for 11 years (working on shows from the Big Breakfast to BBC, C4 & C5 documentaries) so retraining in fitness and taking exams in anatomy and physiology was a completely new experience.

Tell us 1 thing we don’t know about you?

I once interviewed Bernard Manning in his pants

1 top tip for people new or thinking of starting Pilates?

Get on the apparatus. It will change your world completely and you will soon realise how important it is to do Pilates authentically!

How and why did you first get into Pilates?

I was recommended Pilates by a friend who asked me to give it a try to help my back pain.  I had tried every conceivable treatment out there to no avail.   I was a little sceptical but willing to give anything a go.  I was hooked from the first lesson!  I had a very understanding teacher who took her time to gradually help me regain some flexibility and correct poor movement patterns.  Once I got my confidence, I was curious to take it further and was lucky enough to have the same instructor to take me through my training beginning with learning to teach basic mat through to gaining my fully comprehensive qualification.

What’s been your most proudest moment in your career?

Having the courage to embark on the final phase to achieve the fully comprehensive certification.  This involved very advanced exercises which I was wary of with my back but having the perseverance and fantastic mentoring meant I could spend extra time to get strong enough to be able to complete all the exercises required to gain the qualification.

Tell us 1 thing we don’t know about you?

I love horse riding and eating crisps! (not necessarily at the same time!)

1 top tip for people new or thinking of starting Pilates?

Pilates is accessible to all.  The beauty of Pilates is that it is so adaptable, the exercises can be tailored to your specific needs and with experienced instruction will help you reach your goals.

What’s your area of expertise?
Branding, Design and Lemon Meringue Pie

Why do you love working with the Pod?
Because we help so many people to improve their lives through Pilates

Tell us 1 fact about you we don’t know.
I can do the Rubik’s Magic in a few seconds.

1 top tip for people new or thinking of starting Pilates?
Pilates is a journey, not a race for perfection. 

How and why did you first get into Pilates?

I started Pilates whilst at dance college back in 2000. Pilates was always part of the training to prevent injury and balance the body. Being hypermobile as a dancer has it’s advantages but working on stability and strength was needed to support the gruelling work load on our bodies. This served me well alongside all aspects of dance training.

What’s been your most proudest moment in your career?

The day I passed my first Pilates exam and was able to embark upon this rewarding career. 

Tell us 1 thing we don’t know about you?

I spontaneously and frequently start singing songs based on a single word I’ve heard!

1 top tip for people new or thinking of starting Pilates?

Embrace the movement and enjoy! You can’t learn if you are trying to just understand every little bit, just let your body move and see what information it tells you!

How and why did you first get into Pilates?

I was introduced to it at a local Pilates studio in my gym in Sydney where I lived at the time in 2001. It was the lightbulb moment that sorted out my back pain resulting from a car accident I was in a couple years before. I was hooked, I have never looked back since and I became a teacher soon after that to spread the love!

What’s been your most proudest moment in your career?

Gosh too many. Two very uniquely different ones. Being called up by the wife of the England Football goalkeeper and asked to teach him and her at their house after hearing the work I had done with Watford FC. On the other end of the scale, teaching a 92 year old lady who didn’t own any workout clothes, came in her skirt and lots of petticoat layers and literally squealed with delight when she lay on the Reformer and moved it. She said “no one would touch a woman of her age and she just wanted to move.” I burst into tears!

Tell us 1 thing we don’t know about you?

1 top tip for people new or thinking of starting Pilates?

Do your research, learn Pilates well and you will never look back. It’s the one constant you can always rely on to help your mind and body through every walks of life.

How and why did you first get into Pilates?

I was very sporty during my school years and enjoyed going to fitness classes as an adult.  Whilst attending an all-women fitness gym our very own Ellen started some Pilates mat classes. Being interested in what it was all about I attended and have been going ever since.  As someone with a scoliosis and sciatic issues Pilates has enabled me to manage the challenges that these conditions bring. 

What’s the proudest moment in your career so far?

Passing my 100-hour test out and taking my first session flying solo. 

Tell us 1 thing we don’t know about you?

I play the cello and have played for the Queen Mother. 

1 top tip for people new or thinking of starting Pilates?

Don’t forget to breathe and go at your own pace.  Everyone is different and as they say it’s about the journey not the destination. Your body will tell you what you need. 

Why did you want to work with the Pilates Pod?

After dedicating almost 23 years to being a full time mum I decided to get back into the workplace. I started helping the Pod with some admin and discovered it was a great place to work at as well as work out at!

Something you don’t know….

I am studying for an online degree with the Open University

Top tip

Pilates helps decrease stress levels and increase energy levels. If you practice regularly it will help change your body making you stronger and more flexible. It has me! Don’t delay, let me help you book in….