About
My love for Pilates started over 5 years ago. After suffering for many years with lower back pain, I was finally diagnosed with disc degradation disease and was given 2 options: surgery or Pilates. I chose the latter. I immediately joined a class and the change on the way I felt and moved was almost instant. Pilates became an integral part of my life. I found myself raving about Pilates to anyone who'd listen and eventually I decided that teaching was what I wanted to do. I formally trained with Body Control Pilates as a Level3 Matwork Pilates teacher in 2020 and am continuing my professional development by attending courses, classes and workshops.
I'm based in Kingston upon Thames and I offer one to one as well as group classes on the mat. I teach down to earth, functional movement which will promote the body and mind connection so much needed. My classes will focus on increasing body awareness, strength, core stability and flexibility through mindful movement. I aim to create a safe, inclusive and non-competitive/non-judgmental environment where my clients can express their own unique movement. I hope that the experiences and learning that my clients have on the mat will be carried away and be used on their day to day and perhaps even become an integral part of their own lives.
QUALIFICATIONS
Certified Body Control Pilates teacher 'Level 3 Matwork'
Level 3 Pilates for the Older Adult
Level 3 Pilates and Pregnancy (pre and postnatal)
Body Control Pilates™ is renowned as a world-leading education provider for Pilates teaching.
Our education curriculum is internationally renowned and our membership body for Body Control Pilates teachers is the largest professional Pilates organisation outside the USA.
Body Control Pilates offers a comprehensive programme of exercises for both mat and machine work. They are adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. We believe that many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body. In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work. This is the essence of the Body Control Pilates Method.
Body Control Pilates is remarkably effective - and medically-approved. It is of an holistic nature, being based upon a well-constructed philosophical foundation. Central to the Method is 'awareness of your own body' and each and every exercise is built around its eight basic principles:
By working on the deep architectural structure of the body, 'core stability' is achieved, and then maintained, through increasingly complex movement sequences. Specific problem-areas can be targeted by an exercise, but always in relation to the rest of one's body.
Your body awareness is heightened by bringing together mind and body - Body Control Pilates literally teaches you to be in control of your body, allowing you to handle stress more effectively and achieve relaxation more easily.
The Body Control Pilates Method can work for everyone, regardless of fitness level! Exercises can be mat or machine-based, but matwork exercises have a great attraction in that they need no special equipment, and are particularly safe for those with back problems (and don't forget that 95% of the UK population has, or has had, backache). Its consistent success rate in solving such problems has brought it to the attention of osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and homeopathic doctors, many of whom have either set up Pilates studios as part of their practices or established a close working partnership with their local Body Control Pilates teachers.
To find out more about Body Control Pilates visit www.bodycontrolpilates.com.
NA“I have been trying to get my husband to come to Pilates for years and years as he suffers from a bad back. After finding Sofia I managed to get him to come along for a trial class, he reluctantly came along but by the end of that first class he was hooked, his back has improved dramatically. We both look forward to Sofia’s class every Tuesday evening. Each week the class is never the same, lots of new and different exercises sometimes using the ball, resistance band, foam tube or Pilates ring. It is always fun and we come out feeling so good.”
RH“Sofia is a great teacher. She gives clear instructions and spends time with all the members of her class individually. I have spent time with other Pilates groups, but find Sofia's class to be both enjoyable and beneficial. She can teach Pilates at any level and makes the whole experience fun.”
DC“Sofia's classes are relaxed and great for any level. She encourages you to work to your own abilities, making it just hard enough to feel that positive glow of success at the end (and gentle ache the next day!)”
RS“Sofia you are a wonderful teacher! I wanted to write you a note to say thank you for consistently providing fantastic classes. I always leave class with a smile, feeling relaxed, happy, and strong. I’ve stretched in places I never imagined I would be able to, all my muscles get a great workout which is great! Thank you so much.”
SB“I have been doing pilates on and off for over ten years. After a gap of a year, I am so glad to have found Sofia’s classes. Just what I have needed to regain my core strength. Sofia has a gentle friendly demeanour and provides constant encouragement, motivating participants to push their boundaries while respecting their limitations. I love the introduction of bands and small squashy pilates balls into some of our classes. Sofia is an absolutely amazing pilates instructor and highly recommended.”
JB“I always feel I’m in expert and well qualified hands at Sofia’s Pilates class. She is extremely attentive to all individual needs and gives supportive, unobtrusive help where needed. The class is pitched exactly right for the range of clients and their ability levels. I am so glad to have found this class and the high standard of Pilates teaching from the lovely Sofia.”
JH“Sofia is an excellent teacher, explaining the exercises (importantly including which muscles should be working) really well and assisting individuals as needed. The exercises vary weekly, making the 1-hour class interesting and fun. Definitely feels like it is having the desired effect!”
HS“Highly recommend Sofia. She's a very supportive teacher and I've enjoyed doing pilates in her class.”
BK“Very pleasantly surprised. Was a bit skeptical to start with but very glad I gave it a go. The class is beginner friendly without being a cake walk. Has really helped with my lower back.”
GA“This was my first venture into Pilates classes. Sofia puts you very much at your ease, adapts some exercises for individuals and makes each class different and fun. I would highly recommend.”
JS“I am so pleased that a friend took me along to Sofia's class - I actually enjoy the exercising which is a first for me. Since week 1, Sofia has helped me look after my problematic neck during the class, offering modified exercises... And on top of that it is a lovely friendly and welcoming group.”
SW“Finding Sofia saved me! Her teaching is gentle and professional and her classes are fun and varied. She focuses on doing it correctly and gives each and every person individual attention. I am new to Pilates and have found that it’s changed my life. My mobility and flexibility has improved tenfold and my lower back issues are no longer an issue. From beginner to advanced, she adjusts the exercises to cater for all skill levels. I always feel so relaxed and composed after a class and sleep exceptionally well that night. Thank you Sofia 🙏”
GR“Sofia's classes are lovely! I felt very present in my body, I feel limber and strong after her classes and she articulates the exercises so well. Her cues for minor adjustments make all the difference in feeling the benefits of each exercise. Thank you Sofia!”
MK“I'm new to Pilates and have found Sofia's classes to be friendly and welcoming! She always accommodates everyone in the class, no matter what their level of ability and alters the exercises each week to focus on a different area. It's a really great way to stay fit and healthy, both in mind and body and no matter what your age (I'm over 50!). I highly recommend!”