A Little Bit About Me

I was born and bred in Newcastle, I spent much of my life working as a Graphic Designer in the retail sector. After finding a love for fitness, I made the leap from Designer to full-time Teacher in 2015.

I started my own Pilates journey more than 20 years ago after a serious fall in my late teens left me with a severe back injury and pain. With the aid of Pilates & Resistance training, I managed to rehab back to full strength and since then I've been a huge advocate of how amazing these combined methods are in:

- Improving health

- Increasing muscular strength and endurance

- Improving flexibility

- Reducing lower back and other joint pain

- Aiding rehabilitation

After originally certifying as a STOTT® PILATES Mat teacher, I've also gone on to complete my Classical Pilates Apparatus training (Reformer, Cadillac and Wunda Chair) with the fabulous Alison Salmond (STOTT® PILATES and NEW YORK PILATES STUDIO® certified). I've also attended workshops and classes with Classical Pilates teachers Alan Herdman, Marjorie Oron, Kathy Ross Nash, Rebecca Convey & Julie Driver (Body Control Pilates).

My thirst for knowledge led me to study Pilates more in depth. I have a particular interest in Pilates for Athletic Conditioning, Back Care and Injury Rehab, which has led me to complete STOTT® Pilates: Injuries & Special Populations as well as a Post Graduate Pilates Certificate in 'Integrating Pilates for Long Term Medical Conditions’. Both of which, provided me with in depth theoretical and practical knowledge on how to help rehab clients with chronic conditions and injuries.

I've always had a passion for anatomy and how the body functions; which is what led me to cross-over to certify in Sports Massage Therapy, which has since enabled me to find a great balance between both manual and physical therapy to help my clients with their injuries and pain.

I love working with clients in small group class settings as well as Semi Private groups & Private sessions in:

- Pilates

- Injury Rehabilitation (incl. Back Pain)

- Postnatal Recovery and Pelvic Floor Issues

- Myofascial Release & Movement

My true aim as a teacher is to help my clients reach their goals by 'educating their mind to understand their body.'

When I'm not teaching, I also Mum to 2 teenage boys and a bit of a rock chick. So you'll either find me running around after them or having the time of my life bouncing around at a concert!

My Qualifications

Fitness
L2 Fitness Instructor (ETM)
L3 Pre & Post Natal
Kettlebells
Suspension Training
Intrinsic Biomechanics
ZEN-GA Instructor

Pilates
STOTT PILATES - Intensive Mat Plus
STOTT PILATES - Injuries & Special Populations
STOTT PILATES - Pre & Postnatal Mat
Alison Salmond Osteopilates - Classical Reformer Teacher Training
Alison Salmond Osteopilates - Classical Cadillac/Tower Teacher Training
Alison Salmond Osteopilates - Classical Wunda Chair Teacher Training
Alison Salmond Osteopilates - Post-graduate Pilates Certificate in Long Term Medical Conditions
Alison Salmond & Julie Driver - Return to Life: A Mat Mastermind (Classical Pilates)

Therapy, Rehab & Nutrition
L3 Sports Massage
L3 Nutrition For Physical Activity
Sports Nutrition
Merrithew Fascial Movement
The Roll Model Method - Self Myofascial Release - Jill Miller
Rolling Along The Anatomy Trains - Jill Miller and Tom Myers

What have my clients got to say?

"Why do I love Steph?

Steph is absolutely hands down one of my favourite coaches I have ever had and actually only the second female coach I have ever had! As previously I have never been able to have that connection..

I have been working with her for over a year and I have never had a coach who is so inspirational, knowledgable and so genuine..

She can challenge you to achieve your goals and will ensure to push you to get the results (which I can tell you I need) but everything always comes from the heart and will be your absolute cheerleader when you need it! She is there whenever you need that additional support or guidance..."