Our Team of Inspiring Pilates Instructors
Have you ever wondered what motivates our instructors to teach Pilates? What are their stories and backgrounds? How did they discover the benefits of Pilates for themselves and others? In this series, we will introduce you to our amazing team of Pilates instructors and share their inspiring journeys.
Lou – Owner, Founder & Lead Instructor
Fun Facts…
- My favourite ice cream flavour is Chocolate
- My first thought in the morning is Coffee
- When I’m not doing Pilates things I’m playing computer games
My Pilates Vibe
- Practising Pilates since 2006
- Teaching Pilates since 2009
- Favourite Pilates move is Roll Down
- My teaching style is passionate, quirky & coffee-fueled!
Qualifications & Training
- Level 3 Neuro Studio Practitioner
- Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy
- STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor
- Post-Rehabilitation Specialist
Annalisa – Pilates Instructor
Like many desk bound workers, my tired, achy lower back was the bane of my life. I just wanted to move freely!
My Background
My love affair with Pilates started in 2004 as a participant in Pilates classes. Like so many before me, I started Pilates as a means of overcoming lower back pain. After experiencing the benefits in my own body, this quickly turned into a passion for the movement itself. Nothing comes between me and my Pilates practice!
Fun Facts…
- My favourite ice cream flavour is pistachio
- My first thought in the morning is coffee
- When I’m not doing Pilates I’m cooking
Ready for Something New
After almost 30 years working at a “desk-bound” office job within the fast-paced marketing industry, I was ready to direct my creativity elsewhere. With encouragement from my Pilates teacher, I started my Pilates training to develop a career in movement, knowing that Pilates training goes so much deeper than just the muscle being worked. I could use that creativity to problem solve each day. I completed my STOTT mat work certification in 2012. Not one to rest on my laurels, I went on to complete my further training culminating in a diploma.
My Pilates Vibe
- Practising Pilates since 2004
- Teaching Pilates since 2014
- Favourite Pilates move is Feet in Straps
- My teaching moto is that you’ll always get your cake but I’ll encourage you to eat your veggies first!
Finding Balance
My new career in Pilates has freed up time to spend with my husband and family. Including playing with and training my lovable hounds, messing about in the kitchen, learning Italian and being Nonna to my two gorgeous grandchildren.
Qualifications & Training
- Diploma Contemporary Pilates & Teaching Methodology
- Certificate IV Contemporary Pilates
- Certificate IV Fitness
- Certificate IV Allied Health
Sharon – Pilates Instructor
I fell into the corporate world very early on in my career, but I always said if I wasn’t doing this, I would be working in the health and fitness industry.
My Background
I came to teaching Pilates from 27 years in corporate advertising (gasp! I started when I was 5!). I was lucky enough to have a subsidised health programme through work and one of the options on offer was Pilates. I chose it literally because the studio was a two-minute walk from my office, so totally a case of convenience at the time. It wasn’t until I’d been practicing Pilates for a good six months, when all at once, an understanding of the movement patterns started to fall into place. An understanding of why I was moving in a certain way, an understanding of what that movement was supposed to achieve, with the outcome being change – increased mobility, an improvement in running gait and reduction in glute/hamstring pain (I was running 5 km 4x a week so improving my running at the time was a key goal).
Fun Facts…
- Please don’t make me choose a favourite ice cream flavour!
- My first thought in the morning is noooooo…
- When I’m not doing Pilates I’m cuddling my puppy
Burnout Leads to Big Changes
At the same time, I was struggling to go to work each day, 27 years had taken its toll – tired and my fire had burnt out. After two years of threatening my husband ‘today might be the day’, the day came. I had no plan but because I always said if I wasn’t in advertising, I’d focus on health and fitness, it made sense to spend some valuable time investigating the options. Because I’d had experienced obvious change through Pilates, I decided that I simply wanted to know more. So I spent two years studying mat and studio equipment to gain a full diploma. As part of that journey, I was invited to return to the education team as a mentor in training to new students and am now a full mentor.
My Pilates Vibe
- Practising Pilates since 2014
- Teaching Pilates since 2016
- Favourite Pilates move is Planks on the Reformer
- My teaching moto is that comfort zones are made to be challenged!
Push It in the Best Way
Those who know me, know I like to push the body, it’s capable of so much more than what we think. Progressively improving strength, mobility and flexibility, not only with my own body but for all those who wish to move, while placing consideration on where each individual body is at. No body is perfect and every body has its own pain points, restrictions, and challenges (believe me, I know!), all of which can be worked through and pushed past. It’s all about time and consistency. And most importantly having good fun at the same time! Moving should never be a chore!
Qualifications & Training
- Diploma Studio Pilates (Polestar)
- Certificate IV Fitness
- Hypervibe Instructor
James – Pilates Instructor
I must admit I was initially reluctant to give Pilates a go; I wasn’t sure it was for me. But I learned that not only do men do Pilates, its fantastic for us! It’s the only exercise I’ve stuck with consistently over almost 15 years because the variety, the challenge and the benefits keep me coming back.
My Background
I first started Pilates classes in 2006 to see if it might help with my sore back. I had a diving accident when young and it had never come right. What I quickly discovered was relief from back pain and greater flexibility. I built up my core strength which has never been so good which benefits my golf, tennis, running and every day activities.
In 2010 I had major abdominal surgery and am convinced that having started Pilates well before my surgery resulted in much better health outcomes.
My day job is in a corporate environment so I understand what sitting in an office chair all day can do to our neck, shoulders and body.
Fun Facts…
- My favourite ice cream is Hokey Pokey
- My first thought in the morning is coffee
- When I’m not doing Pilates I’m supporting the Demons
Sharing the Love
After 10 years of Pilates I wanted to share my great experience with others. In 2017 I enrolled in a national diploma, completing this during 2018. I have been teaching for nearly four years now and love the diversity of clients at Move Move who come to Pilates from all walks of life for all different reasons.
I love that you can walk into a class feeling creaky and stiff and by the time you finish you can feel more limber and loose. Pilates also requires concentration, which is a great to start the day or my favourite – to shake of the day with an after-work workout.
It’s really great to work with clients and help them master a new move, or be able to increase their movement or mobility.
There’s a lot of wins in Pilates and these will be different for everyone.
My Pilates Vibe
- Practising Pilates since 2006
- Teaching Pilates since 2018
- Favourite Pilates move is the Star
- My teaching style is welcoming, cheerful, considered and focused on you
What do I want you to get out of a class?
Let’s make it fun and help you to enjoy the class whatever level you may be at. Creating a greater body awareness, finding muscles you never knew you had.
Helping you to understand how to use the equipment safely and moving in a safe way.
Feeling like you have accomplished something. As an added bonus, being able to apply this awareness to ‘everyday moves’ outside the class.
Qualifications & Training
- Diploma of Pilates Movement Therapy
- Hypervibe Instructor
- Mental Health First Aider
Dale – Senior Pilates Instructor
For as long as I can remember I’ve been endlessly curious about the body and how it moves.
My Background
My curiosity led me down a natural path to study a Bachelor of Human Movements degree at Rand Afrikaans University in South Africa. Whilst at university I first discovered the Pilates Method. I was lucky enough to chance upon a fantastic coach who became my “mentor” early on in my studies. She also happened to be the body conditioner for PACT (Johannesburg Ballet Company) and every class she taught was based upon the Pilates principles. Practicing Pilates only piqued my curiosity of how the body works, and in particular rehabilitation.
Fun Facts…
- I’ll take chocolate over ice cream any day!
- My first thought in the morning is what day is is?
- When I’m not doing Pilates I’m taking photos
Focusing on Pilates
At 25 I moved to the UK where I started my personal Pilates journey. I completed numerous Pilates courses including a remedial Pilates course conducted by physiotherapists from Harley Street in London. By 2010 I was a Fully Certified STOTT PILATES® instructor. Since moving to Australia, I’ve continued to fuel my curiosity and completed a nationally recognised Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction, now specialising in woman’s health. I dedicate a large proportion of my time helping others find their pelvic floor and coaching them on how to use those little muscles correctly in everyday life.
My Pilates Vibe
- Practising Pilates since 2001
- Teaching Pilates since 2003
- Favourite Pilates move is Spine Curl
- My teaching style is supportive, patient & cheerful
My Priority is You
Having worked within the industry more than the many years I’d like to admit, my experience and knowledge, coupled with patience, dedication, as well as a hands-on approach, provide you with a comfortable exercise environment. Whether teaching a class or private session, I balance cheerful encouragement with meticulous movement, all the while keeping it fun. I’m inspired by the changes I see on a daily basis as you build strength through making health and wellness a priority.
Qualifications & Training
- Diploma of Professional Pilates Instruction
- Diploma of Personal Training
- Bachelors of Human Movement
- STOTT PILATES Fully Certified
- Pilates Institute Remedial Pilates Certification
- Hypervibe Instructor
Margarita - Pilates Instructor
After 12 years of working for an Environmental company and sitting at the desk for 8 hours a day, I started to notice how it was impacting my body and my spine. I couldn’t see myself doing the same job for the rest of my life so I decided to enroll myself in a Pilates Course and see where it takes me. My goal was to change my lifestyle and do what I really love and believe in for work.
Fun Facts...
- My favourite ice cream is Bacio Gelato
- My first thought in the morning is what's for breakfast
- When I'm not doing Pilates I'm at the beach with my kids
Becoming Obsessed!
After completing a Mat course and learning the benefits of Pilates and practising it in my own body I became obsessed and decided to further my studies. I love learning about different movements, apparatus and the benefits Pilates has to offer.
My Pilates Vibe
- Practising Pilates since 2019
- Teaching Pilates since 2021
- Favourite Pilates move is Mermaid
- My teaching style is challenging, dynamic and fun
What do I want you to get out of a class?
I want to help you find the best movements for your body. And have you walk out of each class thinking ‘that was amazing, can’t wait for my next class’!
Qualifications & Training
- Polestar-qualified Matwork Pilates Teacher
- Studying for Diploma of Studio Pilates
