Barbara’s Pilates journey began in 2003 when by chance she saw an advertisement for Pilates studio classes in her local post office and decided to give it a try to get fit for a skiing holiday. After 6 weeks of twice weekly classes she maintains she skied better than in all of her previous skiing holidays and was totally hooked on the method.

After 3 years of weekly studio and mat classes in January 2006 she embarked on a 12 month full time training course at her local studio with principal tutor Andy Adamson, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Birmingham University with 20 years teaching experience, in dance and choreography at the university and a long time devotee of the Pilates method. Other movement disciplines were studied – Alexander Technique and dance. The course also included modules in anatomy, kinesiology, pregnancy, health and safety. During the course regular workshops were held with visiting instructors particularly Alan Herdman and Miranda Bass of London and Michael Miller of Boulder Colorado.

On graduating in January 2007 she was awarded certification as a Teacher of Pilates, through the Open College Network, from the Oxford School of Pilates in mat work and all studio equipment and began her teaching career. Over the years she has worked with many client conditions in both men and women, including stroke victims, pre/ante natal clients and pre/post-op rehabilitation, not least her own rehab after a total hip replacement in September 2023.

After 22 years of teaching and personal practice she is still passionate about the method, its ability to enhance people’s lives through exercise and when necessary help to correct and alleviate skeletal and muscular body issues. In Nicky she has found a teacher with the same Pilates philosophy, passion and vision through a shared knowledge and teaching style.