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Last week a teacher made me laugh out loud. We’d just finished working on Teaser on the Reformer, when she looked at me and said without any sign of joking: “Right… that one’s going straight in the graveyard.” And there it is. The Exercise Graveyard: Where movements go to die. We all have one. For the movements we quietly sidestep in our own practice and sometimes mysteriously “run out of time” to teach. The ones that feel awkward, exposing, too demanding, or that highl

Every so often, a single comment stops you in your tracks. Recently, I heard someone say that Pilates content “needed to be relevant, new and fresh.” Those of us listening shared the same silent inhale. That familiar moment when you recognise the essence of Pilates being reduced to a marketing tagline rather than understood as a method with depth, lineage, and purpose. It reminded me of a simple truth: Pilates does not need to chase relevance. Pilates isrelevant.What Does “

Ever been made to feel like you're  “Just” a mat work teacher? Last week I was asked if “mat work only” Pilates teachers were still recognised as having a value now that the “Reformer” boom has hit. Firstly, I was surprised by this question as it's something I have never questioned. Secondly, the fact that a teacher felt that their skills were not as valuable because they were considered “just” a mat work teacher, saddened me Where do you stand on this conversation?  Unt

Why Face-to-Face Pilates Teacher Training Still Matters Yesterday I had a discussion with another professional about online Qualification trainings. (This person was not a Pilates teacher.) Now there are multiple benefits to online trainings, I love my online Pilates sessions with my mentor and clients. I've taken training courses online that have been brilliant and full of value. However, I firmly believe that if you are making the choice to train as a Pilates teacher there

"Farting Is a Form of Self-Care". Hear Me Out… Last week I saw. a post on instagram that made me cry with laughter. It was a horse, in its stable, letting out the most fabulous amount of wind. It was glorious. ( Apologies ot anyone who is senstive to this material!) I felt moved to message the person who had posted the video and their response was classic. Farting is a form of "self care' That resonated with so much, that I feel the need to share it with you. Why do I feel th

Why Terminology Matters Does it annoy you when someone gets your name wrong? In Pilates It's not unusual to hear a Reformer being referred to as a "Bed".  This suggests rest, relaxation ( and yes, other activities) However the Reformer and it's carriage are designed for work, movement, exercise. Pilates. Within Pilates, as in any professional discipline, language matters. Using correct terminology isn’t being pedantic or "elitist; it’s about being precise, clear, safe and ab

Why Who You Learn From Matters As the Pilates industry grows and demand for teachers increases, it’s more important than ever to stop and ask: What does quality education really mean and why does who you learn from matter? Pilates is a professional discipline, not a hobby. Whether you're training to teach on the mat, the reformer, or undertaking a fully comprehensive certification, the responsibility you carry as a teacher is significant. You’re not just reciting exercises,

In 1990 I moved to London from Yorkshire to pursue a career in acting and modelling. This life change came with a painful decision: leaving behind my beloved horse 'Trigger" ( Yes, he was a Palomino, like the original Trigger!) Leaving him behind was so hard that I chose to distance myself from horses entirely, and for over a decade, I neither rode nor engaged with horses. It was as though that chapter of my life was over. In 2000 I trained to be a Pilates teacher and absolu

The Difference Between a Pilates Teacher and an Instructor I was asked the other day, “What’s the correct term, Pilates teacher or instructor?” Good question! And, honestly, it got me thinking… Is there really a right answer, or does it come down to how you see yourself and your role with your clients? Maybe it’s a bit of both. A s a teacher trainer I see myself as a mixture of the above as well as an Educator. (and lifelong student!) In the world of Pilates, the terms "t

Today in class one of my students struggled with a new exercise and was disappointed with their “performance”. It made me wonder why we put so much pressure on ourselves and expect to perform new exercises flawlessly? Contrary to popular belief the world will NOT end if you breath in, instead of out when you do an exercise or if you move your right leg when I said left. Frankly, as long as you don't fall off the reformer, fart in my face or throw up in my studio. everything

Again...A bit louder for those at the back: First things first, Joseph Pilates himself never mentioned "neutral" because he passed away before the research that introduced it took place! Fast forward to the year 2000, and boom, "neutral" was all the rage. It infiltrated Pilates training ( Including my original training) and seemed like the holy grail of wellness and back injury prevention. But guess what? Over time, we've learned it's not the be-all, end all solution. However

The Invaluable Benefits of an Experienced Teacher in Pilates Reformer Training When embarking on a journey to become a certified Pilates Reformer teacher, the quality of your training can make all the difference in shaping your future success. While there are various options available for teacher training, enrolling in a course led by an experienced teacher offers numerous invaluable benefits. In this blog, I explore why having an experienced teacher at the helm of your Pila

There is no such thing as a universal cue, and no magic bullet that will make an entire class knock out a perfect Pilates “Teaser” or a rider execute a faultless “Passage”. It can be tempting to throw out multiple cues in the hope that one sticks. But over-teaching during a class, especially in larger group sessions will overload clients until eventually they understandably, zone-out. This is why it is so important to cue selectively and allow clients time to work on their ow

An elite level dressage rider may give the illusion of sitting quietly and motionless  but there are subtle position changes happening all the time allowing the horse to move freely and unhindered by the rider. When we ride, our body position is constantly changing as we move dynamically with the body of our horse. It does not stay in a fixed "neutral" position, We don’t live in "Neutral" in every day life either, there is a constant assessing and re-assessing within our post

Teaching group Reformer classes can be very challenging, especially when there is a mixture of experience within the group. Sometimes it can feel like herding cats! Here are some of my top tips to help make teaching group Reformer classes easier for both you and your clients. At the end of the day your aim should be to make them accountable for their own Reformer workout and make your life as a teacher easier! Safety first! Each Participant should be at the correct level for

Earlier this week I was teaching a client an exercise they had never done before. It was harder than than they expected and they were frustrated that their execution of it hadn’t been text book perfect. It made me wonder why we expect to do every new exercise perfectly, flawlessly and worthy of a beautifully back lit Ig post? Have we forgotten the joy of learning, making mistakes, practicing and improving? The lost art of being a bit crap at something with the journey being a

I love learning, no matter whether it's Pilates, Equestrian skills or how to operate a new Blender. I also love teaching.   There is something unmistakably rewarding when we are able to share knowledge and create a mutually respectful partnership that encourages learning.   As a teacher this should always be our aim, creating a positive learning environment where the student knows they are safe to fail as well as succeed.   But what happens when this is not achieved? I

With almost 20 years of Pilates teaching experience and a lifelong passion for equine studies, Julie Driver was the obvious choice when it came to the Windrush Equestrian Foundation choosing a Pilates tutor for their riders. Considering that Pilates is the perfect way for riders to improve their technique and create a stronger and deeper relationship with their horse Julie will guide you through some Pilates exercises to  help improve your seat ,  strength ,  self-carriage  

Tips for successful online classes. In the last few weeks the Pilates industry has had to change its way of doing business. Teaching online can seem daunting, especially if you've been thrown in at the deep end. Here are some simple tips to help you navigate your way for online success Before you start Ask a family member or friend to Zoom/Skype with you to check they can see you and hear you. Check your lighting. Lighting your mat/face from in front of the camera makes a cle

Pilates instructor Julie Driver shares her top exercises to help improve your position in the saddle A secure seat is the foundation of good riding, regardless of which discipline you do. It’s where the majority of the communication with your horse comes from, and being secure in the saddle means you’re able to use your leg and rein aids independently. Sitting quietly and correctly means there’s less wiggling around and weight shifting, which can confuse your horse and leave