Meet Emma!

Let me introduce myself, my name is Emma - as you may have guessed! And I have been a fitness instructor now for 9 years. I have 2 main focuses in life – the first one being a wife and a mum of 2 children, the second one a Fitness Instructor - and I love both my jobs!

I have never proclaimed to be a fitness fanatic! In fact, before I became an instructor, I was the complete opposite. I left school and went to work as a hairdresser, I passed my level 2 qualification and realised that wasn’t the path for me. So, I tried my hand at an office job until the birth of my first child. I had always suffered with anxiety, and my mental health has affected me as far back as I can remember. My first child Alex came into the world, and subsequently my anxiety became overwhelming, I hid it well, trying to handle it alone. Then my daughter Holly arrived a few years later, and things became engulfing, I then had a breakdown.

As anyone who suffers with any kind of mental health knows, it is a dark and scary place to be. It takes a lot of support from those closest to you to be able to deal with everyday life again. Thankfully I had that, and back in 2014 was taken to my first Zumba class by my best friend. What initially was a bit of fun, quickly became my tonic. I started to feel the best I had felt in a long time, those clouds hanging over me were lifted and I felt amazing. I decided there and then I wanted to become a fitness instructor and to help others in life the way this helped me, and still does to this day. So, from that moment I have never looked back, I qualified initially as a Zumba Instructor, where it all started for me, but as my confidence and knowledge grew, so did my enthusiasm for wanting to try new things. I have gained various qualifications and am still learning and adding more all the time - it is my passion and what drives me in life to be the best version of myself!

In addition to instructing at Leisure Centres within Kent, I also instruct Pilates within the Community. Which leads us to how you have landed on this website!
 

Pilates & Me!

I qualified in 2020 with Level 3 Pilates Mat, and Pilates for Orthopaedic conditions. Just like I was helped get to where I am, it is important for me to be able to do the same for you, so with these qualifications I can help you achieve your desired goal. I am here to bring your body back into ideal alignment and your mind to a peaceful place. This is a constant goal of mine. It takes a keen eye, listening ear and a mind constantly evolving and thinking one step ahead of how to improve your body strength and overall wellbeing. I have met participants who have had surgeries, injuries, pregnancies, and even psychological traumas related to accidents and more. Therefore, I make the time to get to know you on a personal level so I can better help you move forwards.

Every week during class, there is always a new challenge to enjoy, so in this sense, there will be an element of striving, and you'll feel better for that as a result. But I will also encourage you to spend some of the time simply noticing your body and how it feels.

Instructing Pilates is something that gives me total job satisfaction, a warm feeling inside if you will. I believe that moving your body makes you feel great and is the key to a happy and healthy life. Pilates is a great way to move - just like food, exercise is also best when it's varied. Mix up your Movement!
 
It is also a great way to switch off from the outside world for an hour, focus on you and your body and give yourself some self-care. The beauty of coming to a regular class each week means you a have a set time in your routine and it's planned into your schedule. This is why I offer a block booking of 6 sessions, so you can initiate that routine, and you will feel and notice the difference.
 
I pride myself on offering sessions to people where there are no egos or cliques, there’s genuine warmth and support from every member. We are all different shapes and sizes, and all have each other’s backs. Another important way to boost your mental health is to connect with people. Taking a Pilates class gives you the opportunity to connect with me and the others in the group. Spending time with others changes the levels of chemicals in the brain (serotonin, cortisol and endorphins) and can give you a welcome mood boost.
 
By choosing Pilates, it can become something you enjoy and that you can easily build into your weekly or daily life. Research has shown that exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. The slogan ‘Fun, Effective Fitness’ is there because exercise doesn’t have to be hardcore to get results!
 
Come and try Pilates, no matter what your fitness level and see how it can change your life, just as it has changed mine and many others. I look forward to helping you move well and if you have any questions, please come and say hello!

Lots of Love,