I have worked in the fitness and health industry since 1998, doing everything from gym instruction and personal training; to swimming coaching and aqua aerobics. I trained with the London School of Sports Massage and established a sports therapy clinic from an Osteopathic centre in 2001, before training with the Body Control Pilates Association in Pilates.
After my Sports Science degree in 2003, I opened my first Pilates and Fitness studio offering Pilates classes, Personal Training and Sports Therapy. I joined forces with Fitness Inspired Teacher training in 2008 and wrote the Level 3 Pilates Teacher Training programme and CPD courses that ran until 2016.
I have worked with people who have had an extensive range of physical issues, including knee, spine and shoulder surgery rehabilitation, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Pain conditions, the over 80’s, dancers and those just wanting to try a new discipline.
As such, the studio evolved and Marie-Claire Pilates Studios moved premises in 2011 to a venue which boasted 3 studios under one roof. One dedicated Apparatus studio, one Yoga studio and Pilates studio. During this time I revisited my first ‘mind-body’ interest and gained a qualification in teaching Yoga; before going on to tutor, the Fitt Yoga qualification.
Between 2009 and 2011 I was a guest lecturer on the Biomechanics pathway of the University of Chichester Sports Science degree and then in 2012 I was given the opportunity work in the States, alongside teachers who were trained by the late, great; Romana Kryzanowska.
Since 2015 I turned my hand to working in the capacity of ‘Movement Specialist’. An accident in 2014 fractured my spine and had left me with a chronic pain condition in my lower back. However, my knowledge of movement eventually allowed me to rehabilitate my own body to full strength and flexibility and completely without pain.
My own experiences have led me to specialise in helping people with illness and injury to resume movement in a strategic and empathic way. I also offer tailored team training to centres looking to ‘upskill’ in specific areas and I support others in the industry with mentoring and student tutoring.
I am very proud to have written a Pilates and Yoga practice book, ‘Opposition in Pilates and Yoga’, which was released in January 2016 and a pain rehabilitation book ‘MOVE Away From Pain’, which was released January 2020.
In 2022 I completed a post-graduate academic course and my Pilates Teacher Training course went ‘stateside’ as is now being taught in Texas with my support as the quality advisor. I continue to engage with training, staying ahead of all current thinking in terms of movement practices so that I can be sure I providing you with the best service based on the best evidence.
If you are not sure if II/we can help you, just give me a call and we can have a chat!
