Teachers

ANNABELLE FORDE

Having studied at the Laban Centre for both undergraduate and master’s degrees in dance, the impact of human movement and the power of a healthy, free-moving body have been alongside me for over 30 years. As an advocate of contemporary dance as well as the power of sport to establish self-confidence, direction, and community – teaching Pilates and the Gyrotonic method have formed an invaluable part of my life.

I qualified in 2000 as a comprehensive mat and equipment teacher though the strong training provided by The Pilates Foundation. In 2002 I further qualified as a Gyrotonic instructor and have continued to update my training as the technique evolves.

For over 20 years I have taught in Pilates and Gyrotonic studios in London as well as opening a fully equipped Pilates and Gyrotonic studio. I have worked with and for osteopaths and physiotherapists as well as running teacher training workshops for The Pilates Foundation.

With Pilates as my core discipline, using the Gyrotonic method to teach and inspire brings me back to the reasons I fell in love with movement – this is a unifying technique to bring both discipline and freedom to the way the body moves.

CAROLINE BRENNAN

Caroline is excited to join the team at Optimum You Yoga studio and sharing her passion for Pilates.

Her journey began some 25 years ago as a Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist, teaching Aerobics, Body Conditioning and Indoor Cycle Classes – it was during this time Pilates hit the UK market and Caroline was fortunate to be working for a health club provider who embraced the trend and it was literally a ‘light bulb moment” and went on to train with many Pilates and Yoga Training providers to bring a movement integration class, that has variation, whilst maintaining the principles of pilates:

• Centering
• Concentration
• Control
• Precision
• Breath
• Flow

“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit”  (Joseph Pilates)

Pilates is not just about great posture and rock-hard core. It is more than just a physical exercise, and can radically enhance mental, emotional and spiritual well being too.

Caroline looks forward to meeting you in the studio.

LOU TRINDER

My passion for Pilates grew when a class was introduced at my place of work. With a hectic media job in London and 3 young children, Pilates became a reset tool at the start of each week. I loved how it didn’t matter if i was feeling exhausted or a bit blue, an hour of Pilates on a Monday lunchtime never felt like a chore and I’d step back to my desk feeling far more positive and prepared mentally for the week ahead. I could quickly see and feel the benefits physically too and relished the opportunity to learn new moves and challenge my body. And so my Plan B was born and as we relocated from London to Market Harborough I transitioned from my desk job to Pilates teacher. I continue to enjoy attending classes and taking courses to develop my teaching skills, so I can share my enthusiasm for the principles of Pilates in my own classes.

MICHAL AVRIEL

Michal has been a Pilates and fitness instructor for over 23 years.  She is 47 years old, with 3 children, and came to England from Israel about eight months ago, following her husband’s work.

All her life she has been involved in the fitness industry and back in Israel, ran two studio spaces, one focused on Reformer Pilates classes and the other with a broader range of fitness classes.

Here in the UK she was delighted to discover the Optimum You community and beautiful studio space. She now runs her 1-1 and duet Reformer Pilates classes in the smaller private studio room. You can book the 1-1’s sessions directly by emailing michal.avriel@gmail.com or contacting her on: 0775 472 3478.

Michal has a wealth of experience and knowledge and her style of teaching is both dynamic and fun and will get great results.

Michal also teaches a group mat Pilates class on Friday mornings as part of the weekly timetable.

OLIVIA MITCHELL

Olivia came to Pilates following an accident which required her to undergo spinal surgery. Pilates was suggested by her surgeon to support her rehabilitation.  After a few months of committed practice, Olivia started to notice positive changes to her body including less pain and more function, not only in her spine but in the rest of her body too. From a follow up scan 6 months later, she could see for herself that the results were real.  Her discs were all healthy and her spine health was that of someone considerably younger.  It was then Olivia decided she wanted to support others with their health and took the step to train as a Stott Pilates teacher. Olivia believes that movement is an integral part of wellbeing and focuses her practice around controlled, precise movement and breath work.  Pilates requires a mind to body connection, working together as a whole.  In Pilates a focus is core strength, and yes Pilates will certainly give you a stronger core  but it will also support your posture, help main mobility, flexibility and improve balance too.  The result is better health and functional movement.

Karmi Yogi Programme

Share Your Good Vibes and Get Free Yoga

Our Karmi Yogi Energy Exchange program gives students the opportunity to deepen their yoga practice, regardless of their financial situation.

Karmi Yogi’s are an integral part of our studio family – their passion and dedication is what makes our community special. In exchange for working 4 hours per week cleaning and supporting the studio, Karmi Yogi’s will receive unlimited yoga and lots of other perks!

Want to become a bigger part of our community in exchange for free yoga? Have 4 hours a week to spare? Our Karmi Yogi Energy Exchange program is for you!

To apply or if you know someone who would like to be considered, simply contact us at hello@optimumyouyoga.com