ABOUT
Sadly I am not a naturally flexible, strong, balanced nor graceful individual!
Add in a good dose of sporting injuries, too much desk time, limited exposure to any form of exercise that didn’t involve a ball (or a horse) and a ‘just get on with it’ attitude instilled from a very young age and I found myself in my twenties with varying degrees of back, neck and shoulder trouble twinned with some nasty headaches and migraines.
I have always loved sport, especially dressage, but felt frustrated that essentially I couldn’t get my body to perform as I wanted it to.
To address my varying challenges I sought help from the physiotherapy team at Back into Action, this, along with Cranial Osteopathy helped to ease my problems, but essentially I needed to address the underlying issues myself.
So, I started Pilates and I have not looked back.
Wind back the clock…I have always been interested in the human body and in 2004 I completed my Physiotherapy degree at King’s College London. Sadly the constraints of the NHS did not appeal, various events took me in a different direction and I did not go into practise.
I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason - which often only becomes clear at a later date. My degree has enabled me to train with the APPI and become a certified Pilates Mat Work & Large Equipment (Reformer/Chair/Cadiallac/Barrel) Instructor. I am lucky enough to have my own small studio in the garden at home, where I offer bespoke individual and pairs sessions as well as small classes.
As an Advanced Equipilates & Rider Biomechanics Trainer I work with riders both on and off horse. I am also a Franklin Method Pelvis Trainer and find the Franklin method tools and imagery enable much easier positioning and movement through the rider. More recently I have become an accredited EQ Bands coach and they are an amazing tool to help clients build strength symmetrically and gain more stability in the saddle.
I am so grateful that the learning journey I am on has helped me to regain control over my body, and develop my seat and position for riding. I truly believe that my personal experiences are invaluable when it comes to working with clients. As a social cyclist, tennis player and general lover of all sport I notice every day how much these movement methods and tools improve physical performance in all areas.
Essentially for me, life is about balance. I see life as a dynamic equilibrium which demands we keep moving and adapting. The more flexible, supple and strong we are, the more easily we can deal with the forces thrown at us. Maybe the best (and maybe the hardest?) thing about life is that there is always room for improvement!
Qualifications
BSc Hons Physiotherapy, Kings College London
Certified Pilates Mat Work Instructor, APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute)
Certified Pilates Large Equipment Instructor, APPI
Advanced Equestrian Biomechanics Trainer, Equipilates
Franklin Method Certified Pelvis Trainer
Accredited EQ Bands Coach