Claire Roberts – Power of Pilates Founder & Instructor

Pilates has been a part of my life for the past 9 years following major back surgery, and it has helped me achieve a stronger, toned and more flexible body. I decided to take the plunge and become a Pilates instructor (OCR NVQ level 2) and once I had qualified, teaching Pilates became an all consuming passion and Power of Pilates was born. The satisfaction from seeing even the smallest improvement within your class is so rewarding, and I believe my personal experience of using Pilates as part of my rehabilitation allows me to have some understanding of the challenges that many of my clients face.

I was first introduced to Pilates as a part of my rehabilitation following major back surgery; after suffering years of a restricted lifestyle, back pain, sciatica and painkillers, my disc collapsed back on my spinal cord causing temporary paralysis. A spinal fusion was performed and I found myself in a body brace and on crutches with months of hydrotherapy and rehabilitation ahead of me.

My physiotherapist encouraged me to live, eat and breathe Pilates and to use the principles whilst doing mundane tasks in my everyday life. This helped to retrain my body to move correctly and protect my back - even now, I automatically engage core when going over speed bumps!

I am now fitter and more active than I have ever been; I am a self confessed health and fitness addict and can generally be found doing some form of exercise every day. I qualified as an open water diver 3 years ago and ran the 5k Race for Life last year - things I would never have dreamed possible 9 years ago. Pilates is now a way of life for me, continuously strengthening my core stability and helping to prevent further back problems.

I am currently studying for the Pilates level 3 qualification, which is the highest accredited Pilates qualification and regularly attend Pilates workshops as I believe to you can never stop learning! I am a member of REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals) and I am fully insured to teach in a group environment and on a one-to-one basis.

When I created Power of Pilates I wanted to ensure that the class size was restricted to allow everyone to have individual attention – each body is different and the session is tailored to take each person into consideration. Pilates is a personal to you and your body, and I want my clients to be an individual, not just a number. I am passionate about the sense of well-being that Pilates brings you and I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with you!

Qualifications: OCR Level 2 in Exercise & Fitness - Pilates matwork.
Register of Exercise Professionals level 2.
Full insurance.
First aid certification.
Pilates Level 3 - January 2008

Certificates in:
Pilates Arms and Legs (Dec 07)
Pilates X-band (Dec 07)
Pilates Body Rolling (Dec 07)
Pilates & Pregnancy (Apr 08)

Back to Instructors page