About PilateswithSylvia

About me

Hi, I'm Sylvia — a Pilates teacher with 15 years of experience across health clubs, leisure centres, and private studios. Pilates is both my passion and my lifelong learning journey. Since qualifying at The Pilates Institute in 2011, I've been lucky to learn from some wonderful trainers and mentors along the way.

I'm an associate of JPilates, where Jo Cobbe continues to inspire me. Her approach — honouring the classical Pilates repertoire while teaching it in a creative, evolved way — has shaped how I teach.

I specialise in Pregnancy and Postnatal Pilates, as well as working with older adults — helping people build strength and feel good at whatever stage of life they're in.

This past year, I also qualified as a Personal Trainer, so I can now bring resistance training and cardio work into your sessions — giving you even more support in reaching your fitness goals.

Experience

I bring extensive experience in fitness and wellbeing to our relationship. Over the years I’ve learned that every single person is unique, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to fitness and wellbeing. That’s why, if we work together 1-2-1, I will create a customised training plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals.

Fitness and movement training

Level 3 Personal Trainer - FitPRo ActivIQ Approved training

Level 3 Diploma Pilates Instructor - CIMSPA Approved

Level 3 Award Pilates Instructor specializing in Pre & Post natal Clients, CIMSPA Approved

CPD All things Abdominals & Pelvic Floor.

CPD Pilates for the Older Adult Clients, JPilates Training. Approved CIMSPA CPD training.

CPD Pilates for Clients with Disabilities

Pilates Barre, JPilates, Approved REPS CPD training

Training in Mindfulness and Wellbeing Coaching

Level 4 Diploma - Mindfulness Based Clinical Hypnotherapy, Central England College - qualifying September 2025

Mindful Movement Certificate - Oxford Mindfulness Centre, Oxford University

MindfulnessNow, UK College Mindfulness Teacher Training, Central England College

Advanced Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Stress Management, Centre for Coaching. ISCP

“Parent and Baby Pilates has become the highlight of my week - I love how Sylvia teaches with the perfect mix of Kindness, encouragement and precision. I was missing my Pilates practice while on maternity leave and this class works perfectly with my little one who clearly feels he can bring his full self to the studio too!"

- Jane and baby Grey

@Trika Yoga - Parent & Baby Pilates

Clear instructions, plenty of variety. Tutor tailored the course to our age and ability and made it fun. Challenging, friendly, helpful, constructive. It helps me to keep fit, good intensity exercise for me.

- Student Testimonials

@BristolFolkHouse - Standing Strength and Balance

Life Beyond The Mat

Fueling energy for life and movement

Teaching movement is my passion, but staying balanced means nurturing my own energy outside the studio through nature, simple rituals, and lifelong personal curiosity.

walks & getting outdoors in nature

Wholesome food & eating slow

Continuous personal learning

I grew up in the South West and feel really lucky that I developed an active lifestyle getting outdoors at an early age. Outside of teaching my partner and I love to go on long walks around the outside of Bristol and further a field. Whether spending time tending my garden, or going on a long hike, spending time outdoors restores my spirit and clears my busy mind.

I have always loved taking time to prepare meals from scratch when I have the time. Nothing fancy!! I love getting fresh vegetables and making simple home cooked food. I'm awful at following a recipe, but for me the joy comes from creatively pulling ingredients together. I feel eating well and having routine with meals really grounds me and anchors my energy levels in the week. This summer we've enjoyed so many home grown marrows!

Curiosity drives me. I'm definitely a lifelong learner. This summer I've been really enjoying doing my own research learning more about Pilates's historical roots, and also the early 19th Century world of Physical Culture. (see image above).

Why personal balance matters in class

Prioritising my own physical health and wellbeing directly enhances how I teach. When I am grounded and recharged, I bring genuine patience, warmth, and intuitive presence to every client and class. I believe Balance in life is key, I love a glass of wine and a sweet treat, and that rest is sometimes more needed than activity, and having a dance in the kitchen with family can be as refreshing as a spare weekend. The more we learn to live mindfully and engage with our bodies and minds the more life can bring us joy.