I was first introduced to Pilates by a physiotherapist whilst I was at university, who suggested it as a good way of improving my posture in a functional way that would transfer from the exercise class to everyday life.  That was one of the best recommendations I've ever received because once I had been to a single class I was hooked!  As someone who struggles to switch off and not think about work, study, the weekly shop, the things I've not yet done, and so on, a Pilates class is the time when I can't think about those things because I am entirely focussed on the exercise I'm working through.  I quickly realised that it was the most valuable hour in my week, as my tension was reduced and I would leave the class feeling refreshed and better able to carry out that day's tasks; on top of that I felt fitter, stronger and noticed an improvement in the other sports in which I took part.

​Then my beloved, regular Pilates mat class closed and I was bereft!  Whilst I searched for a new class I thought I would go on a course to deepen my understanding of the exercises so I could continue to practise Pilates on my own.  I soon found that really the only way to do that was to go on an instructor's class, so I signed up to a Level 3 Pilates Matwork instructor's Diploma with J Pilates Ltd, qualifying in December 2014.  Since then I have been running classes in the evenings in West Kent and East Sussex, endeavouring to share my enthusiasm for Pilates with those who come to my classes.  

I still attend Pilates classes myself (it's nice to have someone else leading the class!) and I continue to see improvements in my fitness, my muscle tone, my precision and consequently in my perfomance of the other sports in which I take part (such as swimming, horse riding and running). Most of all though I enjoy taking the opportunity to connect my mind with my body to simply stretch, move and strengthen.

Becoming an instructor was only the beginning of my Pilates training, the more I discover about the Pilates method, the more I realise I have to learn; as soon as I feel I've mastered one exercise I find room for improvement in another - there's always room for improvement for everyone, that's what keeps us interested!

My personal Pilates challenge at the moment is 'The Saw'.

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