I’ve always had an interest in people, health, wellbeing, how the body works, so I suppose it was only natural I’ve ended up doing what I do. But as is often the case, circumstances and life’s ups and downs had a hand in things.
After a brief stint in accountancy and financial services I trained as a primary school teacher, and though I no longer work in schools, teaching is still something I’m passionate about.
The love of all things health and wellbeing led me to do a Masters degree in health education and health promotion and this allowed me to develop my teaching skills in a number of environments. I was fortunate to work in a really progressive environment where we looked at the wider context of health and wellbeing and how our circumstances influence the choices available to us. I was involved with community development work and changing systems and processes, rather than simply telling people what to do. I loved this work, and alongside developing my teaching skills, I gained knowledge of lifestyle and behaviour change, and understanding of human beings in general, all skills I bring to my present work.
I used to be a gym junkie and fitness instructor and met my husband at the gym! Sadly, we’re very much lapsed these days, but I still miss an early morning run!
I live with my husband, our two children (young adults now) and our two dogs, Lola and Lottie.
My family are from Yorkshire, probably my spiritual home, though I’ve lived in the West Midlands (let’s call it Staffordshire!), the Lake District, Lancashire, Dorset and now Nottinghamshire. I love the Lakes and it’s still somewhere we visit regularly, as is Dorset.
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and like many people with a chronic illness, was not diagnosed until later in life. I also suffer with a range of neurological symptoms, as yet still undiagnosed. At times this makes me really quite poorly, but I’m learning to manage the symptoms. I’m also learning to pace myself, but in this respect I seem to be a bit of a slow learner! However, my own experiences very much feed in to my approach to my work.
I came to Pilates through my own ill health and with the help of a great teacher, Pilates literally glued me back together. I fell in love with it and wanted to share this wonderful exercise form with everyone, so decided to train as a Pilates teacher.
I chose to train with the Pilates Foundation, a demanding course requiring 450 hours of apprenticeship alongside the taught element. The full course took almost 18 months, but allowed me to think and apply my teaching skills in the Pilates setting, (many courses simply equip instructors to, well, instruct a set repertoire of exercises). It was the right course for me and has allowed me to competently work with a wide range of clients who have differing levels of fitness, health (and ill health) and challenges.
I now have my own studio and, having qualified in the use of Pilates studio equipment, am lucky to have my own equipment, which brings a real sense of variety and challenge to sessions. I’m also qualified in Pilates Therapy, a course which was at least as demanding as my initial Pilates training. This allows me to use my skills as a Pilates teacher alongside the use of objective evaluation screens and a variety of other tools aimed at helping you to effectively progress.
I have a real thirst for learning and am always learning something! When I’m not at work or studying, I love reading, walking, dabbling in arts and crafts and spending time with family and friends.
At the moment, I have the longest hair I’ve ever had in my adult life! Look at some of these photos!!