Alison
Hello there. I have been teaching Pilates for nearly 14 years now and I’m still on a journey really – of finding out more about Pilates, watching it evolve and incorporating the latest thinking into my teaching. I’m also finding out more about my body – what it can do, what it apparently can’t do and how I might be able to change that!
I’ve carried on studying over the years and in particular I have qualified to teach Pilates on the Reformer. This year I’m completing two further qualifications: one is to enhance my teaching and the repertoire of interventions I can use with clients, especially but not entirely in 1:1 settings – I will be a qualified Intrinsic Biomechanics coach. In addition, I’m training on two further pieces of Pilates studio equipment: The Wunda Chair and the Spine Corrector. We have them both in the Studio.
If you want to read about where I was up to in Pilates, circa January 2017 click here to go to the blog post.
I have a few other strings to my Exercise Instructor bow – I teach aerobics, Circuit Training, Chair Based Exercise and I’m a Gym Instructor. The latter, I no longer teach in the gym but I do make use of all my Strength Training knowledge when teaching, particularly in 1:1 teaching but also in group classes.
I came to exercise relatively late – only setting foot in a gym when I was 31 and have done other stuff. I have a Science background and trained and worked as a Nurse before doing a long stint in Office Admin.
I have two kids, the odd hobby (like a garden with too many weeds), too many wrinkles, a mild case of Menopause and a long list of things to do when I retire.
Selected Qualifications
Janet
Hello!! I’m Janet. I am an Extend and REPS level 3 qualified Exercise Instructor with over 7 years experience of successfully leading classes with older and less able participants.
Combining my love of dancing and movement and a desire to keep fit and to help others with their fitness, I work with various Voluntary Organisations in a range of community settings within and around Leeds. I use fun exercises and dance based movements and aim to encourage mobility, fitness, stamina and a sense of well being, all within a sociable and safe environment.
Janet teaches Chair Based Exercise.
Qualifications
Louise
Hello I’m Louise.
I’ve been practising Pilates since 2004 and qualified as a Level 3 Mat instructor in 2016. I’m a keen cyclist, and love to run and walk in the Yorkshire Dales. I’ve travelled the World and have been lucky enough to practise Pilates in New Zealand, Bali, Greece and closer to home, Brighton and Manchester. Backpacking gave me a host of wonderful experiences and memories along with a very sore back! I’ve practised Pilates to help me combat back pain and stay strong and flexible.
My main aim is to share the positive influences Pilates can have on your mind and body and demonstrate that Pilates is for everyone. I’m passionate about good posture, alignment and believe in the benefits of a strong and flexible spine and how this can benefit the rest of your body and the way you move.
See you on the mat!
Louise teaches Matwork and Back Care Classes.
Qualifications
Claire
I fell in love with Pilates from that day I walked into my first class.
Pilates has repaired a neck and shoulder injury whilst also improving my overall strength and flexibility.
Amazed at the results, I decided to train as a Pilates Instructor, to help others find the same benefits in their own bodies.
Pilates helps me to stay active in all parts of my life, whether it’s running, working out in the gym or looking after two children.
Having spent 15 years working in Financial Services , I understand the effects that long term sitting and working at a computer can have on our body and I am passionate about getting people moving about more during the working day.
I am a fully qualified mat level 3 Pilates Instructor, and can therefore teach from beginner level through to advanced. In addition I am qualified to teach High Intensity Pilates.
Qualifications
Cristina González Hortigüela
All my life I have been involved with sports and dance. I began to train in rhythmic gymnastics when I was 6 years old, participating in competitions at the regional level with the team from my city. Later I started dancing in a ballet school and when I had to decide what to study at University, I chose what was most related to it and that was Sports Science at A Coruña University.
As part of my undergraduate studies I learnt about biomechanics, physiology and anatomy and these have been invaluable for my work as a Pilates Instructor. After university I returned to my study of dance and also Pilates. I found the Pilates technique was the ideal vehicle to use my knowledge from my dance background and my degree.
I certified in Pilates Mat in 2015 and in Reformer in 2016 and since then I have worked as a Pilates instructor. I believe in fluid and organic movement working with a sense of control and understanding of the body. It is my intention to convey a feeling of satisfaction from each exercise and to make it personal to the needs and abilities of each person.
Qualifications
Emily
Hello there – I’m Emily!!!!
I started dance classes when I was 3 years old and won medals in modern dance, tap, street and ballet competitions, both locally and nationally. This eventually led to aerobics and I have been teaching this since 1991 and then qualified to teach Zumba 10 years ago.
I started regular Pilates classes way back in 2000 and have been teaching it for five years now. I teach in schools, nursing homes, gyms, leisure clubs and in addition do Personal Tuition for private clients.
I love music and this is a big part of my classes and also especially with Pilates I focus on the mindful quality of the movements and the flow of positive energy. There is so much more to Pilates than just the actual exercises!
I have a loyal following in my classes and the Pilates regulars that I see week in and week out say that they enjoy my passion for Pilates and friendly nature.
Over the years I have gained experience teaching Pilates at different levels. I’m confident teaching Beginners classes with people who are totally new to it, through to Advanced classes. I also specialise in teaching Older Adults and now teach Chair Based Exercise to Care Home residents.
We are insured through Balens.