Hello, I’m Anna. Exercise and sport have always been part of my life and have been a great of source of happiness.
I was introduced to Pilates in 1999. I had been suffering ongoing back problems, in part from working in the City stooped over a desk, and exercising without proper body awareness and muscle balance. The classes helped look after my aching back but also changed my view of what it means to be healthy. In the fitness industry there is still a predominance around strong muscles and how an exercise is going to make us look as opposed to is it going to make me move and feel better. Pilates gave me huge insight into creating balanced strength throughout the body. As a result, it wasn’t long before I wanted to teach and share my love of the method.
Training
In 2004 I completed matwork training at The Place Dance School, London with Hana Jones, Susanne Lahusen and Sonia Noonan.
I went on to do my equipment training at The Pilates and Yoga Movement Studio, London with Anne-Marie Zulkahari.
Pilates Foundation teachers are renowned for their high standards and comprehensive approach completing a minimum of 1500 training hours over a 16-24 month period.
My Teaching
Before moving to Bristol in 2007, I had a studio space at Derby Cottage Clinic in Cambridgeshire. Here I worked alongside Osteopaths and other specialist practitioners.
In Bristol I enjoyed working at Simply Pilates in Clifton, and The Mind Body Studio in Westbury Park.
After the birth of my first child in 2010, I set up my own studio at home in Redland. Here I work with people of all ages, abilities and fitness and offer private and shared classes of 2 people.
As a teacher I have seen the incredible benefits the method has brought to my clients.
I am continually amazed at the wonders of the physical body, with it’s incredible design and capacity to constantly adapt and meet new challenges
I aim to create a caring and empathetic space where I can address your needs as an individual client. I try to bring a sensitivity to classes in helping you discover the joy of movement, become more aware, build strength and flexibility and improve your emotional well-being. I believe any person, regardless of age or ability, can benefit from the method and its’ principles.
Further Training
I regularly attend classes and workshops in order to continually develop my practice, deepen my understanding of the body and stay informed.
In 2018 I qualified as a Franklin Method Pelvis and Spine Trainer.
I am currently a student of Body-Mind Centring with Embody Move UK and working towards a Somatic Practitioner qualification. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, this is an integrated and embodied approach to movement, the body and consciousness.
Other qualifications
Power of Awareness, 7 week Online Training, Mindfulness and Compassion (2017)
Reiki 1 and completing Reiki 2 (2019-present)
Moving Fascia Foundation online course with Evolve Movement Education (2020)
In my spare time I like to keep as active as possible. I love running, especially with my dog, cold water swimming, skiing, surfing, yoga and meditation.