Deb
Studio owner
Yoga, Mat & Reformer Pilates, Barre, Core & Release, Stretch & Destress, Unwind & Reset
Teaching style: Playful, practical, energetic & fun – focusing on lesser worked muscles
How Pilates & yoga has helped: less neck pain, no more headaches, ITB issue gone & less angry. Pilates made me stronger, learning to turn off overused muscles & yoga gave me clarity. Able to hike, snowboard & dance efficiently = less pain & injuries + quicker recovery.
Before discovering yoga.. I felt stuck as lessons kept repeating - my stubborn a$s refused to listen to my body or intuition. Yoga (breathwork & meditation) gave me tools to find calm & regulate emotion.
Before Pilates.. I had no clue how to activate core or switch on my glutes. It sure made running & snowboarding much harder when correct muscles weren’t in use. Ouch, my physio & chiro bills!
Focus: upper body, core & glutes – my weak areas! This helps with my chronic neck issues (I’ve had since 17) as they tense up / get achy when upper body gets stuck without sufficient movement + strengthening. Always targeting obliques & lower abs as core + glutes are our biggest muscles for functional movement 💪
Fav exercises: high row / shoulder press (to teach) & short spine or woodchopper on reformer (to do), shoulder / hip openers in yoga & tendu in barre. Love working on balance & getting foundations right (hand & feet strength), as everything is linked - head to toe. Let’s increase body awareness to move efficiently.
What’s on your playlist? My Favourite Murder (when I’m not teaching), 90s - 2000 love ballads, trance, pop (Gaga, p!nk, Sam Smith) & soundtracks like The Greatest Showman. Karaoke anyone?
What brings you joy? Reading, singing, dancing, cute animal vids, cooking & eating. Maybe Otto when he stops peeing on my things. As an extrovert, I get energy from people & love learning from others.
Maria
Studio manager
Mat & Reformer Pilates, Mini-Me classes, Stretch & Destress, Barre
Teaching style: Friendly, enjoyable & fun! There’s always laughs as I like to get to know my students. I talk a bit as it’s important we learn about our bodies, allowing us to move intuitively, & with ease.
How has Pilates & dance helped: Pilates re-sparked my interest as I had been teaching for +20 years. During lockdown, a fire was lit, giving me a new appreciation for movement & wellbeing.
Before I discovered Pilates, I was a dance teacher & aerialist. I started teaching ballet, contemporary and all that jazz, (pun intended), at 17. Eventually, it evolved to teaching pole, aerial hoop, silks / contortion. I’ve performed & competed nationally + worldwide. Needing a change, I shifted my focus to Pilates.
Focus: Alignment & mindfulness. I believe fitness is a lifestyle, not a chore. I want my clients to increase their mind-body connection. Being a stickler for alignment, get ready to grow tall & feel more supported.
Fav exercises: Anything lower body! From the tiny muscles in our feet, to the massive muscles in our glutes, the trunk supports the entire body & gets the worst beating throughout the day. I love to stretch & strengthen these areas, bringing ballet exercises into the mix. This gets deep into the intricate muscle system & freshens up routine exercise.
What’s on your playlist? Showtunes & Disney songs are a must any time I'm in the car. My steering wheel loves hearing me belting those high notes, whilst I ignore confused looks from other drivers!
What brings you joy? My kids - they amaze me everyday doing silly things that make me grateful for life.
Nikki
Mat & Reformer Pilates, Barre
Teaching style: I like to layer up exercises so that everyone is moving at a pace that feels challenging but attainable.
Before Pilates.. I was living in Dubai with my family of 5! I decided to get my Pilates certificate and straight after, I was asked to cover a class on the spot with no preparation! I was there as student. I haven’t stopped teaching since.
Focus: I focus on the students needs. Some days we feel super strong and some we need to pull back a little.
Fav exercises: I love a good plank series.
What’s on your playlist? There is always a Beyoncé song ;)
What brings you joy? Movement, Sunshine and my kids’ smiling faces.
Becky
Yoga
Teaching style: Not being about an end goal/posture, but about what makes you feel the most energised and open.
How has yoga helped: Yoga has helped me develop a sense of mental calmness, and encouraged a safe space for building confidence. It's impacted so many facets of my life, introduced me to a wonderful community, and helps me feel at peace.
Before discovering yoga..I did competitive gymnastics for many years, then dance, then running, then boxing... I also have a background in media and marketing, so was very much a part of the rat race!
Focus: Activation and alignment, slow and controlled, and using pranayama (breath) to guide, support and comfort.
Fav exercises: I love a half moon and balances in general, a good old seated forward fold, plus hamstring stretches!
What’s on your playlist? Lots and lots of crime podcasts...
What brings you joy? Dogs, family, and nature.
Giorgia
Mat & Reformer Pilates, Barre
Teaching style: My style is warm, encouraging and mindful, with a strong focus on technique and intentional movement. I aim to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported and confident, while still being challenged and encouraged to progress at their own pace.
How has Pilates helped: I’ve developed a stronger connection with my body, both physically and mentally..
Before Pilates.. I have always had a love for movement. After years of playing volleyball, boxing and exploring different forms of exercise, I discovered Pilates and found a new way of moving, one focused not only on strength and performance, but also on body awareness, balance and connection.
Fav exercises: I enjoy exercises that build strength, control and body awareness, always balanced with a well-deserved stretch. My goal is to help clients feel stronger, more confident in their movement and increasingly connected to their bodies.
What brings you joy? Being from Italy, I love sunshine, staying active and enjoying good food.
Vickie
Qi Gong, Yoga (slow flow)
Teaching style: Steady, heartfelt and intentional, but also fun and flowing.
How has yoga and qigong helped: When I first started practicing, it was more about getting healthier and stronger in the physical body, but it gradually became more holistic and I noticed the amazing effect yoga and qigong had on my mental, energetic and emotional states. The practices have been transformative, healing and empowering. My path in life just became clearer ever abundant the more I practised and the more I learnt how to listen inwards - in to the heart, mind, body and spirit.
Before discovering yoga & qigong.. I was working part time in bookkeeping and accounting, being mum to my two girls and just moving through life in an unawakened state.
Focus: Connecting breath, heart, mind, body and intention in everything we practice.
Fav exercises: A well thought out yoga flow sequence that keeps me present in the moment and in tune with my breath and body. Favourite poses include crow, bird of paradise, dancer and supported fish. Qigong forms that connect me to the five elements, and also love all the animal forms.
What’s on your playlist? Mostly mellow or chilled tunes, indie folk, bossa nova covers, but also anything Disney!
What brings you joy? Being in nature, walking my dog, connecting with good friends and beloved family, chilling and chatting with my kids, reading a great book, hanging out at home in pjs or trackies, running weekend retreats.
Daphene
Dance it Out!
Teaching Style: Fun, engaging, and encouraging. I aim to create a safe, judgement-free space where everyone can let loose, have fun, and forget about the outside world for a while. I love empowering people to embrace their unique style and make every move their own.
How Has Movement Helped? Movement helps me be present. It clears my mind, helps me focus, and gives me a way to express different sides of myself.
Before I Discovered Dance… I was quite introverted. Dance brought me out of my shell, gave me confidence, and continues to challenge and inspire me through different styles and experiences.
Focus: Exploring movements you might not do in everyday life and building strength, mobility, and body awareness through fun and varied movements.
Favourite Exercises: Anything that gets me moving and i love trying new moves! I especially love exercises that improve flexibility and mobility—I love a good stretch.
What’s on Your Playlist? When I'm not dancing, you'll find me listening to jazz, Chinese pop, and chilled, easy-going tunes.
What Brings You Joy? Dancing, reading, spending time with my cats, bouldering, watching animal videos, delicious food, and warm weather.
Alex
Mat & Reformer Pilates, Barre
Teaching Style: I aim to create a welcoming space where everyone feels supported, empowered, and confident to move. I love helping clients explore movements that feel right for their bodies while gently challenging them to build strength and confidence.
How Has Movement Helped? It has helped me develop a deeper connection with my body and myself. It has made me feel physically and mentally stronger. It also gives me a great start to my day or gives me a space to slow down, reset, and quiet my mind after a long day.
Before I Discovered Pilates… I was stressed and had chronic neck and back issues. A friend got me to try pilates and I loved it as a way to bring my mind back to the present moment, and develop a stronger mind-body connection.
Focus: Focusing on improving body-awareness and challenging our endurance and mobility through a variety of exercises
Favourite Exercises: I love single leg exercises on the reformer, and planks
What’s on Your Playlist? Chill pop, some indie rock, jazz, anything! It depends on the vibe.
What Brings You Joy? I love playing tennis, playing and listening to music, hiking, and hanging out with friends.
Our team sounds amazing right?
Book into one of our classes today
Want to join our team?
We’re always on the lookout for talent! If you teach Barre or Pilates, please get in touch by emailing hello@mindfulmovementsh.com.
Otherwise, check our studio space & complete the form if you wish to hire an area or the Treatment Room.
Mindful Movement team benefits:
15% off merchandise and studio workshops
Free classes for instructors dependent on class capacity
Opportunity to cross-skill or upskill to other modalities such as Swiss ball, TRX or other mat Pilates variations
Coaching and feedback (cueing and class plans) available for newer team members or when cross-skilling / upskilling
Surrounded by a supportive team who share knowledge and grow together (skills workshop every 6-8 weeks and optional team catchups)
Access to learning materials, such as books (yoga, pilates) and online courses for those wanting to further their development or deepen their knowledge
Studio space to practice or plan classes