Want to know a little more about me?
Why did I get into Pilates?
Rewind to 2019…I was deep into endurance road cycling, clocking up 2 to 6 hours on the bike and 60-100 miles a ride, plus a full time desk job. Unsurprisingly, my hips, knees and back suffered because I did nothing else to help myself. Before that, I had spent years playing hockey, sailing and skiing. My childhood and early adulthood were all about sport, sport science and coaching.
Then came a turning point. My GP spotted I was hypermobile (pretty much everywhere), and I started physio, which I continued for over 2 years. My muscles were so tight and imbalanced, that there were days I struggled to walk, change gear in the car or even push a door open. My physio constantly told me to try Pilates or yoga...I dismissed Pilates, thinking it was just for the “older crowd” (no offence!), and gave yoga a go, but that only made my hypermobility worse. The long stretches triggered more pain, and no teacher seemed to know how to adapt for someone like me. I ended up back at square one, struggling with basic movement after every class.
I could not accept that this was just how things were, so I pushed for tests to rule out arthritis and other conditions. Thankfully, all were ruled out. However, I was diagnosed with tenosynovitis in my wrists and confirmed to have widespread hypermobility. For anyone with hypermobility, you will know how debilitating it can be when no one explains what is going on or gives you the tools to help yourself!
Eventually, I gave Pilates a real try and I have never looked back since. My body became stronger, more balanced and more mobile. My mental health improved. My hypermobility rarely flares now because I know my limits and have developed the body awareness to move mindfully.
It was not a quick fix. I knew I needed a lifestyle shift. I felt way too young to be moving like I was in my 50s, so I committed to daily practice. Not everyone needs as many classes as I did, but for me, the consistency started real change. Even now, I still practice regularly. Yes, us teachers need it too!
Amazed by my own transformation, I trained as a Pilates teacher to help others feel this same shift.
And just when I thought I had come out the other side, 2025 gave me a reality check.…
A skiing accident in February ‘25 left me with a left knee MCL injury and tibial plateau fracture…wait it gets worse!!! Two months later, I fractured my right patella, which required surgery and metalwork (which I am due to have a second surgery to remove this winter).
It has been a tough year, both physically and mentally, but it also reminded me exactly why mindful movement matters. Pilates once again became my lifeline. It has been my route back to strength, confidence and trust in my body after injury.
Why am I sharing this?
Because if my story encourages even one person to start looking after themselves, it is worth it. Injury, hypermobility and setbacks do not have to define you.
“Through the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind and spirit can ever be attained. Self-confidence follows.” — Joseph Pilates