About

Pilates Living

My Story

Rebecca was introduced to Pilates after experiencing pelvic instability with her third pregnancy. A busy mother and passionate yoga teacher at the time, she did not implement the prescribed exercises postnatally, something she would later regret.  Following hip surgery a few years on, Rebecca was told Pilates would form her rehabilitation program. It was only then she learnt to appreciate the science and intellect behind the exercises and greatly benefitted from these in her post-operative recovery.

After a string of other injuries and chronic pain, the diagnosis of a connective tissue disorder was finally uncovered. The excessive mobility from the condition meant she lacked stability, resulting in high levels of joint inflammation. Pilates provided her with the means to limit further injuries through strength based exercises. She could move more safely within her own parameters while still achieving results. 

Rebecca’s yoga background made the transition to Pilates teaching much easier. The experience in another movement discipline helped her gain entry into the Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Teacher training course, known for producing teachers of a high technical standard internationally. Developed by a US physiotherapist, the program uses the original principles and techniques of Joseph Pilates, while applying modern science to the exercises.

Pilates Living

My Story

Rebecca was introduced to Pilates after experiencing pelvic instability with her third pregnancy. A busy mother and passionate yoga teacher at the time, she did not implement the exercises postnatally, something she would later regret.  Following hip surgery a few years on, Rebecca was told Pilates would form her rehabilitation program. It was only then she learnt to appreciate the science and intellect behind the exercises and greatly benefitted from these in her post-operative recovery.

After a string of other injuries and chronic pain, the diagnosis of a genetic connective tissue disorder was finally uncovered. The excessive mobility from the condition meant she lacked stability, resulting in high levels of joint inflammation. Pilates provided her with the means to limit further injuries through strength based exercises. She could move more safely within her own parameters while still achieving results. 

Rebecca’s yoga background made the transition to Pilates teaching much easier. The experience in another movement discipline helped her gain entry into the Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Teacher training course, known for producing teachers of a high technical standard internationally. Developed by a US physiotherapist, the program uses the original principles and techniques of Joseph Pilates, while applying modern science to the exercises.

Rebecca was fortunate enough to study under two of Wellington’s most experienced Pilates Teachers and Polestar Educators while living in New Zealand. She worked as a teacher in both their studios on completion of her training.

‘Performance Pilates’ gave Rebecca the opportunity to acquire her experience from one of the best. Studio owner Ellena Conland used Pilates to improve her performance throughout her professional career as a ballet dancer. She later honed her skills in London working and running studios there at the height of Pilates’ popularity. Performance Pilates is the longest running studio in Wellington, highly regarded for the quality of its teaching and Ellena’s vast wealth of experience. She was an invaluable mentor to Rebecca whilst in NZ. 

‘Pilates Flow/Arc Physiotherapy’, owned by prominent Physiotherapist and senior Polestar Educator Janna Hawkins, enabled Rebecca to work alongside physiotherapists in more of a clinical setting. Janna’s in-depth knowledge of the body and attention to detail with the Polestar program, gave Rebecca a wonderful foundation from which to work from. The clients Rebecca worked with in rehabilitation were amongst the most rewarding.

For Rebecca Pilates will be a lifelong practice, she describes it as ‘the glue that keeps her together’. But her greatest joy comes from teaching others and seeing the transformation that takes place. Rebecca knows first hand the challenges of reintegrating movement back into everyday activities following long periods of injury and inactivity. Not only has Pilates changed her own approach to exercise, she loves helping others discover the benefits of increased body awareness, mindfulness and movement control.

Rebecca was fortunate enough to study under two of Wellington’s most experienced Pilates Teachers and Polestar Educators while living in New Zealand. She worked as a teacher in both their studios on completion of her training.

‘Performance Pilates’ gave Rebecca the opportunity to acquire her experience from one of the best. The studio owner, an ex-ballet dancer, used Pilates to improve her performance throughout her professional career. She later honed her skills in London working and running studios there at the height of Pilates’ popularity. It is the longest running studio in Wellington, highly regarded for the quality of its teaching and the wealth of experience offered by its owner.

The second studio, ‘Pilates Flow/Arc Physiotherapy’, owned by a prominent physiotherapist and senior Polestar Educator, enabled Rebecca to work alongside physiotherapists in more of a clinical setting. The clients Rebecca worked with here in rehabilitation were amongst the most rewarding.

For Rebecca Pilates will be a lifelong practice, she describes it as ‘the glue that keeps her together’. But her greatest joy comes from teaching others and seeing the transformation that takes place. Rebecca knows first hand the challenges of reintegrating movement back into everyday activities following long periods of injury and inactivity. Not only has Pilates changed her own approach to exercise, she loves helping others discover the benefits of increased body awareness, mindfulness and movement control.