It’s always hard to write about yourself so I hope you also check out my testimonials page – as I think that is the best way to get a more unbias opinion.
But where should I start – Aussie, Mum of 3, Movement Nerd, Sauna Lover. I fell in love with Pilates about 14 years ago and did my comprehensive training in my hometown of Melbourne, before moving to beautiful Cornwall. I don’t think I fit in sometimes to people’s expectations of what a movement teacher looks like, I’m 52, after 3 c-sections my lower tummy is a made up of scar tissue, and I manage a chronic health issue. But Pilates makes me stronger, more connected to my body, calmer, and happier. This is not a side hustle for me, this feels like the job I was made to do and I absolutely love it.
I love and honour the trust my clients put in me, and I don’t take it for granted. For that reason potential clients should know about my training, as I believe you should be diserning about who you put your trust in. As I said I did my Comprehensive Pilates Training in Melbourne, Australia with National Pilates Training. Qualifing with a Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction – it was very thorough course that took me 2 years to complete – covering Pilates Mat Work and all Pilates equipment – Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrells, Ped-a-Pole. A mix of therory, classroom work, observation and work placement. But as good as my training was – it just made me feel confident enough to start. The more I learn the more I feel like I need to learn more and I think it is my deep interest how the body works, my creativity, my commitment to my clients that keeps me motivated and makes me a constantly learning teacher, and much better that when I first started. And whilst I am not immune to self doubt and self critisism, I am incredibly confident about the Pilates method and how much it can transform not only the body, but also our mood, and our overall health.
Personal experiences often shape our interests don’t they? So I thought I would share some of my particular work interests –
- Menopause – I am 52, and still in peri-menopause. I think for women peri-menopause is when a lot of the issues with our bodies start reering their heads. My symptoms have mainly been the mental health ones and Pilates is my saviour and gives me a different kind of headspace. But for many women their bodies start hurting more and we often need to work out differently. We also need more load as after menopause our bone building rate has a sizeable cliff edge. Pilates helps you safely add load – we can still build bone we just need to work a bit harder at it.
- Neurodiverse – I have a son who has quite a beautiful (but can be challenging too) neurological mix – and I think I might too. Quite proudly I might say. Whilst the world is catching on to how we can better support those that are a bit neuro spicey – exercise in general can be a bit more challenging. A big fast group classs might work for some but not everyone. And I am passionate about giving access to quality movement to all. I have a client who is non-verbal autistic, and many who just love the small classes. The other thing the equipment gives people is a different sense of proprioception – the pushing and pulling connects us with our whole bodies.
- Complex and Chronic Issues – whilst I don’t profess to be an expert, I am certainly not put off by challenging health conditions. Quite the opposite actually. Fundamentally I believe there needs to be access to quality movement instruction and help. And if you are dealing with a chronic condition sometimes your options are limited, yet it often you need it even more, to manage pain. I myself have a long standing condition, I think cause by my 3 c-sections that affects the whole right side of my body. I have clients with primary lymphedemna, osteo-arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, nerve pain issues as well as back pain. Depending on the nature of the issue and the severity of symptoms often a Private class is necessary.
- Mental Health – I know this is talked about a lot but I believe that exercise absolutely affects your mood and your mental health. But when someone is going through a really tough time, sometimes because of a health issue or a very difficult emotional time exercise can help immensely. For me that is why I started Pilates. I felt a complete loss of control of my body when I was going through IVF for my first son. Pilates met me where I was at and helped me find that control again. Working for myself and creating an atmosphere that my clients can be their authentic self, be vulnerable if they want, is of the biggest importance to me. My studio feels like a safe space.