A little bit about me

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Hello I’m Paula

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Following an active childhood competing as a gymnast, I applied for my first fitness qualification with the YMCA at the age of 18. In my pursuit to stay fit and active, I began teaching multiple genres of group fitness classes. I moved to London to start university and I continued to teach classes and work as a personal trainer for Holmes Place Health clubs. Fortunately for me,  London was at the height of the fitness explosion. The bountiful metropolis opened many doors and gave me an abundance of opportunities working in every corner of the city. After gaining a B.Sc degree in Exercise Science, I was able to take on more qualifications with the company who had invested in me. As the years went on and continuing to teach high energy classes, I suffered multiple injuries with ongoing pain, inflammation and fatigue. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, this “red flag” moment was the wakeup call that I needed. I began to re-evaluate my relationship with my own wellness, exploring different types of movement, alternative medicine and therapies, nutrition and meditation. I immersed myself deeply and found a wealth of knowledge that provided me with the wisdom to live holistically. Nutrition and lifestyle had a big part to play in my healing process and I began to practice Yoga & Pilates. As much as I enjoyed both immensely, it was Pilates that made a profound impact on my recovery. Seeing and feeling the huge benefits Pilates had on my own body, ignited my passion to go deeper. 

 

I  graduated in 2009 with the Pilates Foundation following fifteen months of practical and academic study. I chose the The Pilates Foundation as I was inspired by the quality of one particular Pilates Instructor. His flair, depth of anatomical knowledge and unique teachings of the philosophy were unparalleled. Resonating with my own aspirations to teach with such comprehension and integrity, choosing the Foundation was an easy decision to make. 

 After qualifying, I worked as a clinical Pilates teacher for West London osteopaths and Westminster physiotherapy  centre, alongside teaching Pilates for the multiple high-end gym giants such as Equinox and Virgin. My work extended into the corporate workplace from city banks such as Merrill Lynch to schools such as The city of London academy. 

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After having children and 20+ years of London life, I swapped my city shoes for muddy boots. We moved into the heart of Marlborough in August 2020. I live with my husband Tom and we have two children who keep us on our toes.

 In between teaching classes and juggling family life, I adore long forest walks with Mabel my terrier, all things in the natural world, food, and interior design. I am currently looking to further my studies in naturopathic nutrition and Pilates for children in the hope to expand my expertise in the field of holistic wellness. Ultimately, my aspirations are to establish my own movement and holistic wellbeing space.

I am currently teaching classes online via the zoom platform and face to face classes in Marlborough and the surrounding areas. I welcome you to come and trial a class and sincerely hope your Pilates journey can be as inspiring as mine. 

 

Paula Playfoot.

 

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"Every moment of our life can be the beginning of great things" Joseph Pilates

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