meet your instructors

A smiling woman with short blonde hair wearing a gray athletic shirt.

Rosie toon

I opened South Gloucestershire's first Pilates studio and have been teaching since 2004. After more than 30 years as a Chartered Physiotherapist, I now specialise in one-to-one work for people living with chronic lower back pain or recovering from back surgery.

We start with clinical-level rehab, then build the confidence you need to join a class and get back to everyday life. My physio background means I look at the whole person, not just the part that hurts. I've introduced hundreds of people to Pilates, and seeing it click for someone new still makes my day.

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helen barker

I spent around 20 years as a commercial property surveyor, until long drives and desk days took their toll on my back. A chiropractor suggested Pilates, and one-to-one Reformer sessions soon had me hooked. In 2016 I retrained with Body Control Pilates in London.

As well as teaching mat classes, I'm qualified on the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrel, hold the BCP Bone Health qualification and am training as a Back4Good practitioner. I'm a keen cyclist, runner, swimmer and skier, but don't let that put you off: whatever your age or ability, you'll find me endlessly patient.

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tasha alpe

My background is in contemporary dance, and my love of the moving body drives me to help people move better. I trained with the Pilates Foundation in 2011 and I'm qualified in Matwork and Comprehensive Apparatus.

My mat classes are fun, with a focus on strength and precision, and I teach one-to-one and duet sessions on all the apparatus. I've helped clients with lower back pain and scoliosis, during pregnancy and postnatal recovery, and after hip and knee replacements. Above all, I love creating a supportive, empowering space for every body that comes through the door.

A smiling woman with red hair styled in a messy bun, wearing a blue Nike athletic shirt, standing indoors against a beige wall with stone accents.

fran mundy

I'm a Chartered Physiotherapist and APPI-qualified Pilates instructor with many years' experience in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and sports physiotherapy. I combine Pilates with proven physio techniques to create programmes that are safe, evidence-based and genuinely enjoyable. Whether you're returning from injury, managing aches and pains or simply want to stay strong and active, I'll tailor each exercise to you and let you progress at your own pace.

I believe movement should be as fun as it is effective, so expect to feel supported and challenged in equal measure.

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pattie mclaren

My Pilates story began more than 20 years ago, when I developed a limp a few months after having my son. A physio found my pelvis had become unstable and recommended Pilates. Six weeks of classes later, my limp was gone.

Over the years I became fascinated by the mind-body connection and how amazing our bodies are, and decided to help others tune in to theirs. I completed comprehensive teacher training with the Pilates Foundation and I'm certified to teach mat and apparatus. I still go to classes and workshops myself, because there's always more to learn.

A woman with long, light brown hair, smiling, wearing a gray athletic shirt and jewelry, standing indoors in front of a stone wall and neutral-colored wall.

jo daley

I've been teaching Pilates for more than 20 years and hold a full Comprehensive Certification. I first trained with Julie Driver at Body Control Pilates and have since studied the classical method with leading educators, including Blossom Leilani Crawford. I know first-hand how movement can ease pain and support recovery, and that experience shapes everything I do.

My teaching is intuitive, dynamic and detailed, and I never lose sight of the challenges each person brings. My aim is simple: to help you reach your potential and leave with confidence, awareness and resilience that last a lifetime.

A woman with curly brown hair wearing a black sleeveless top and a silver necklace, smiling at the camera, standing indoors against a light-colored wall with a stone feature.

karen brown

I discovered Pilates in 1990, when it helped me recover from a back injury, and I've felt the benefits in my posture, stamina and strength ever since.

I qualified with Body Control Pilates in 2014 and hold specialist qualifications in Pilates for Bone Health, the Older Person and Hyper-mobility, with a special interest in Pilates for runners and sports performance. I teach all ages, focusing on the strength and mobility that bring more confidence and joy to everyday life. In a former life I was a designer, so I bring a keen eye for detail to every movement.

A woman with short, curly red hair and fair skin is wearing a black sleeveless top. She is standing against a light-colored brick wall. Her expression is gentle and she appears to be smiling slightly.

Louise Burbanks

I was a chiropractor and British Chiropractic Association member for more than 15 years, running my own clinic in Stroud. Day after day, I saw how imbalances in the spine and pelvis led to stiff, awkward movement and pain, and realised regular Pilates could help.

I've now taught Pilates for more than 17 years, with a particular interest in pelvic and shoulder stability, helping clients understand good movement throughout the body. It's all about better balance, strength and posture, so everyday movement feels easier and old niggles are less likely to come back.

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Group of people practicing Pilates in a studio with stone walls, wooden beams, and large windows, some lying on mats with Pilates rings and water bottles.
Group of people participating in a Pilates class in a room with wooden beams and stone walls, some holding small pink weights, standing on Pilates mats.
A group of people participating in a Pilates class in a spacious studio with wooden beams and brick walls. They are kneeling on mats, using small exercise rings, and wearing comfortable workout clothing.