Most teacher training programs treat breathing as a central pillar, and most instructors will tell you it’s the first thing they teach in class.

So when it came to developing my new MoveSmart in 8-Weeks online program, why did I choose not to focus on breath (or even really mention it) until week three?

When I started teaching Pilates years ago, no one really knew what it was, and anyone who had come across the equipment, would say things like “oh that’s the one with the contraptions - looks like something out of Fifty Shades of Grey!”

Nowadays, I’m asked at least once a week if I teach “Reformer” or “normal” Pilates.

This month marks two years since I opened my home studio. In that time, I’ve taught over 800 private sessions in this little space (alongside my online and external classes).

Here’s what I’ve learned in that time…

I’ve recently been lucky to support some wonderful teachers in their own practice.

1:1 work often involves letting go of our impulse to grip and overuse certain tissues, in order to distribute movement and load more evenly through the whole body. A process that commands our attention, and requires us to feel safe.

…because our unique habits, histories, and emotional and physical health distinctly influence the way we experience our bodies, a group class might not be the best environment to create the substantial change you seek.

I discovered ways of moving that were not about fitness or performance, but celebrated the experience of moving, for it’s own sake, as a form of mindfulness.