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My Yoga & Pilates Wellness Journey

My Yoga & Pilates Wellness Journey

My journey into yoga began at 21. A friend and I signed up for a class at Gravesend Education Centre—and though my first experience wasn’t perfect, I recognised there was something powerful in the practice. I persevered, found a new teacher whose style resonated with me, and kept coming back.

Yoga provided more than just a workout; it offered a refuge from stress and a space to breathe deeply and focus my mind .

Diving Deeper: Foundations and Philosophy

Eager to learn more, I enrolled in a six-month foundation course, meeting one Saturday each month. Through it, I discovered yoga’s rich history—ancient texts that speak of practices dating back thousands of years. This immersion in philosophy and tradition ignited a passion to understand yoga at its roots, not merely as a series of poses but as a holistic system for mind, body, and spirit .

From Student to Qualified Teacher

In 2007, I met my next mentor, Simon Low, and began an 18-month British Wheel of Yoga teacher training course with the Yoga Academy at Bore Place —now the beautiful venue where I host retreats. Studying so close to home was a blessing, and by 2009 I had qualified as a yoga teacher. Yet at that point, I still didn’t know if I’d ever teach full-time. I simply followed where my curiosity and inspiration led me.

Always interested in movement and exercise I was attending lots of Pilates classes and was getting asked often to cover Pilates classes. So In 2015, I studied with Future Fit School of Pilates to gain my Pilates certification. 

Balancing Dual Careers: From Classroom to Studio

Between 2012 and 2018, I qualified as a primary school teacher, had two children, and continued to grow my yoga and Pilates teaching alongside the demands of school life. Juggling lesson planning, marking, and a busy home with two young children became increasingly challenging.

During this time, my interest in movement and exercise remained a constant. I was regularly attending Pilates classes and often asked to cover them, which led me, in 2015, to formalise my training with the Future Fit School of Pilates. Gaining my certification deepened my connection to the practice and laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Everything came to a head one Saturday morning in 2018. Overwhelmed by schoolwork and stretched too thin, I realised I could no longer give both careers the attention they deserved. I made the life-changing decision to follow my heart and commit fully to teaching yoga and Pilates—a leap that reshaped my path and purpose.

Building My Business: From Cover Classes to Corporate Clients

Starting out, I covered classes at local leisure centres, then started taking on permanent classes. I then started teaching independent classes in a physiotherapy studio in Longfield that referred clients to me. Slowly, I built a roster of my own classes, moving from being a landlord’s instructor to running mixed-ability sessions where participants joined my independently-run classes. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, I feared my livelihood would vanish overnight. Instead, I embraced online teaching, launching a hybrid studio that has since evolved into thriving in-person and purely digital offerings.

Emma’s Holistic Teaching Approach

My teaching style is a blend of tradition and innovation. In yoga classes, you’ll experience:

  • Hatha foundations mixed with Vinyasa flow,

  • Moments of Yin and restorative practice,

  • Guided pranayama (breath work) and meditation,

  • A mindful progression through strength, flexibility, and mobility.

In Pilates, I follow the Body Control® method, incorporating:

  • Mat-based exercises and standing, sideline, prone, and supine work,

  • Equipment like resistance bands, foam blocks, magic circles, and massage balls,

  • A pace that’s dynamic yet accessible, with options to scale up or down.

Every session is tailored—whether you’re recovering from back pain, seeking stress relief, or aiming to build core strength and flexibility, I encourage you to work to your ability, challenging you gently to grow stronger each time Interview with Phil and….

What Yoga and Pilates Offers You

Whether you join us in person in North West Kent—locations include Ebbsfleet, Meopham, Hartley, Cobham, Istead Rise and Borough Green—or online from the comfort of your own home, you’ll find:

  • Mixed-ability group classes in yoga, Pilates, HIIT, Yin yoga, and meditation, available both live and on demand .

  • Retreats hosted at B Place, where you can immerse yourself in multiple yoga sessions, mindful walks in the countryside, and restorative practices.

  • Workshops and sound baths, using crystal bowls and gongs for deep relaxation.

  • Private 1:1 sessions, tailored to individual goals and body needs.

  • Pilates Teacher Mentoring, sharing the insights I’ve gained over 15 years to help instructors build thriving businesses .

Packages range from pay-as-you-go to monthly memberships, ensuring there’s something to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Community, Connection, and Care

Our classes aren’t just about exercise—they’re about building lasting friendships. Some groups gather afterward for tea and cake or lunch. They celebrate birthdays together, and support one another outside the studio. Online members stay connected via a dedicated WhatsApp group, sharing progress, encouragement, and even virtual meet-ups during lockdown. This sense of belonging is at the heart of what makes Yoga and Pilates truly special.

Lessons Learned and Future Horizons

Reflecting on my journey, I wish I’d started this business earlier, armed with today’s social media tools and marketing know-how. But every misstep taught me something invaluable. In June 2025, I’m embarking on Polestar Pilates training to deepen my expertise further. Down the line, I plan to launch dedicated Pilates teacher training programs, share mentorship more widely, and continue learning through retreats and CPD courses—all to serve you better on your wellness path.

Your Invitation to Begin

From that PE-loving girl to a passionate teacher and mentor, my path has shown me the transformative power of movement, breath, and community. If you’re ready to start your own journey—from student to teacher, or simply to a stronger, calmer you—I invite you to join us. Together, we’ll explore yoga and Pilates in a safe, supportive space designed to help you flourish—mind, body, and soul.