About Us

ABOUT PILATES SCOTLAND

Born in 2020, Pilates Scotland online introduces an exciting range of services that provides their members with unlimited access to an extensive library of mat-based Pilates classes with new workouts being added each week.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pilates Scotland hosted both private and group Pilates classes in locations throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Participants of their classes felt a real connection and many reported significant results. Furthermore, Pilates Scotland clients felt a sense of belonging as a result of their newfound friendships with their fellow class goers.

Throughout the summer of 2020 many of Pilates Scotland’s clients asked them if it would be possible to host a range of online classes as they were keen to continue practicing at home. Thus, Pilates Scotland online was born!

Our mission at Pilates Scotland is to supply fun, easy to follow, challenging yet relaxed classes that are suitable for all levels and can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. We endeavor to support local Pilates Instructors based throughout Scotland whilst building a community of like-minded individuals through the practice of Pilates. We are committed to offering our members value for money and we believe that quality instruction should be accessible from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Founder, Christine Mills, is passionate about expanding the Pilates Scotland team and her individually selected instructors are all encouraged to be themselves and to allow their personalities to shine through.

Let us introduce you to the team:

Christine Mills

Christine started dancing at 3 years old in local Edinburgh classes before full time training at Arts Educational Schools London, where ballet was her favourite discipline. After suffering a back injury at 22 she was introduced to Pilates. The success of her tailored programme enabled her to return to her home city and join the health and fitness industry.

She now has over 20 years experience and holds a Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Mat-Based Pilates, as well as a Level 3 award in Designing Physical Activity Programmes for Antenatal and Postnatal Clients and Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions. She also has many other group exercise qualifications including Exercise to Music, Les Mills Body Pump, Body Attack and Body Balance. Christine has taught all over Edinburgh and West Lothian with clients from all walks of life and with a variety of individual challenges. She is passionate about helping people to move freely, without pain or restriction and loves to support clients to achieve the fitness goals they aspire to. She has established Pilates Scotland with the intention of making Pilates Classes, friendly, fun and enjoyable.

Anna Baker

Edinburgh based, Anna Baker has been a fitness instructor for over 18 years, following her career as a university lecturer teaching toxicology. Anna’s approach to her instruction is fundamentally based on making her classes both fun and enjoyable and her larger than life personality will help to keep you motivated every step of the way. Anna is passionate about helping her participants to develop stronger and more effective planes of movement. Anna also specialises in injury rehabilitation.

In addition to Anna’s background in Pilates, she has recently expanded her portfolio, combining her cancer research to deliver CanRehab classes for those undergoing cancer treatment.

Anna loves being part of the Pilates Scotland team and we are absolutely delighted to have her onboard.

Stephanie Gavart

Stephanie spent years performing and travelling the world as a professional singer and dancer after graduating from Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom Surrey. She discovered Pilates in 2010 as a result of injury and has never looked back. Pilates helped Stephanie find strength & control in her body and brought her a sense of wellbeing.

Stephanie completed her training with Pilates Union and she has undertaken further training since with internationally renowned teachers whilst living in France. In addition to Pilates,

Stephanie is also a qualified Yoga teacher and she likes to bring a slight Yoga feel to enhance her Pilates classes.

Having recently returned to the UK after living in France, Stephanie is delighted to join the Pilates Scotland team. With Stephanie, you can expect to work hard, feel safe & secure on your mat whilst having lots of fun too!

Giuseppe Cincindella

Giuseppe has been a Pilates teacher for a number of years and coming from a background in sport, he is passionate about the benefits that Pilates can offer to individuals participating in a wide range of activities. In addition to being a Pilates instructor, Giuseppe is also a qualified Yoga, Nordic Walking and Swimming Instructor to name a few.

Originally from Italy, Giuseppe played a lot of football when he was younger and he now feels that sport has heavily influenced his outlook and values in all aspects of life, both professional and personal.

In his free time, Giuseppe loves to travel and explore new corners of the world and he loves to share his experiences with others.

Gillian Sandilands

Gillian has been teaching fitness classes in Edinburgh and the surrounding area for nearly 30 years and she has delivered everything from Pilates, Aerobics, Legs, Bums and Tums to Zumba. Gillian discovered Pilates 10 years ago where she was instantly drawn to it as it not only challenged her own fitness, but also felt, in her words, that it allowed her to ‘truly teach’.

Gillian’s passion is beginners; passing on the knowledge she has gained over the years, seeing clients progress and meet their own fitness goals. Gillian’s classes are clear, concise but with a little bit of flair to ensure you don’t get bored.

Gillian is also a fully qualified Yoga teacher, and her Pilates classes are enriched by that knowledge. You can expect a mindful Pilates class when being led by Gillian, focusing on alignment and form, classical moves but with subtle changes to keep you engaged.

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Valentina Pintus

Valentina brings a passion for practised posture and movement. She has been delivering Pilates classes for over 12 years and in more recent years began specialist Reformer and Equipment teaching.

Despite being firmly settled in Scotland, Valentina enjoys returning home to Italy to develop her ongoing Pilates expertise.

She started out at a young age as an Artistic gymnast and a keen interest in a variety of sport activities has played a very important role in her professional and personal life. She enjoys sharing her passion and enthusiasm for Pilates by teaching students of all ages and backgrounds and sharing her motto; The Quality of Movement.

When not teaching, Valentina enjoys spending time playing tennis and visiting new corners of the world and cooking Italian food.

Lisa Ireland

Lisa started her journey into the world of Pilates after finding it to be one of the most effective ways of re-building core strength and ease back pain after having three caesarean sections. She completed her Pilates training with Stott Pilates in Dubai in 2012 and since then she has been actively teaching clients in both private and group classes. In addition to mat-based classes, she also teaches regular Barre sessions. Classes may also include the use of small equipment.

Lisa encourages clients to focus on quality movements while still appreciating different abilities and postures. Every class is different but always with an awareness of the breath and how it helps us move effectively. She loves to read/research to expand her knowledge and has attended numerous workshops to keep updated.

Heidi Talbot

Heidi is a Pilates and Seasonal yoga instructor based in Ratho, Edinburgh. When not teaching Pilates and yoga, Heidi is a touring musician and singer.

“I find that the body-breath-mind connection that is maintained throughout Pilates not only strengthens me physically but also grounds me and gives me a deep calming feeling that I can take with me not just when I’m performing but throughout my everyday life.”

Heidi holds a Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Mat-Based Pilates, as well as a Level 3 award in Designing Physical Activity Programmes for Antenatal and Postnatal Clients and Pilates for Common Orthopaedic Conditions. She qualified as a seasonal yoga teacher in 2019 with a Yoga Alliance recognised diploma in vinyasa practices of seasonal flow/Ashtanga yoga, pranayama, meditation, and pre and post natal yoga.

Heidi leads our Tuesday evening classes in South Quensferry and is delighted to be part of the Pilates Scotland Team.

Andrew Raeburn

Andrew graduated from Heriot-Watt University with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science with Psychology and has been working in Fitness and Wellbeing for over 12 years. He is a qualified Pilates Matwork Instructor, Personal Trainer and Strength and Conditioning coach with a background in athletics.

Having previously worked with elite athletes, Andrew has now turned his attention to the importance of using exercise as a tool towards a healthier body and mind. His love of teaching and Pilates really came to the fore during his time managing the Fitness and Wellbeing Programmes at Queen’s University Belfast. This allowed him to work with a wide variety of individuals, ensuring that the staff and students were supported regardless of where they were on their health and wellbeing journey.

Andrew’s passions are the great outdoors and improving the mental and physical health of others. No matter how extensive your exercise experience, you will leave his classes feeling stronger, healthier and with a smile on your face!

Alannah Jordan

Alannah is a recent graduate from PASS college Edinburgh, obtaining her BA(hons) in Dance and Drama. She has 9 years of dance teaching under her belt. After discovering Pilates 3 years ago, Alannah has enjoyed teaching and training ever since. Heidi holds a Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Mat-Based Pilates and takes weekly classes for Pilates Scotland at One Spa at The Sheraton Grand Hotel and our community classes in Leith, Edinburgh.

Last summer, Alannah traveled to Greece with ‘Healthy Options’, where she led their Pilates offering and taught Barre classes. Alannah loves teaching with Pilates Scotland and is grateful to be part of the team.

David Palencia

David graduated as a Primary School Teacher and specialised in Physical Education at the University of Alicante. His love for Physical Activity, Healthy Lifestyle and Education have led him to combine his full-time job as a Teacher with the Pilates and Fitness world.

He completed his training as a Pilates Level 3 Instructor with Drummond Health and Fitness Education Academy in 2016 and has been enjoying teaching fitness classes ever since.

“A few years ago, I started doing Pilates after suffering a neck injury. I wish I had started before and not after the injury. Now I can’t stop. Pilates is my medicine!”

Sue Morgan

Sue discovered Pilates during her career as a professional dancer and has never looked back! She very quickly began to notice the many benefits of Pilates and this filled her with the desire to make the transition from participant to instructor.

She has been teaching Pilates since 2005 and loves how inclusive it is. She feels very passionately that one size does not fit all and that all levels and abilities can be catered for by adapting the movements so that they are beneficial and achievable for everyone. The emphasis of Sue’s sessions is on slow and controlled movements, whilst incorporating the correct breathing technique. This ensures that the focus is on both the body and mind, leaving you feeling calm and centred at the end of every session.

Caroline Donaldson

Caroline comes from a background in early years education and supporting children with additional support needs, then diversified into teaching yoga for both children and adults.

In 2006 she attained her qualification in Hatha Yoga, which she has been teaching ever since. She always felt that the combination of yoga and Pilates would compliment each other perfectly, so gained her mat based Pilates qualification shortly after.

In Caroline’s free time she loves hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing in all seasons and she also recently completed a trek to Everest Base Camp. Caroline feels that Yoga and Pilates in unison have improved her strength, flexibility and stamina. Her classes explore these goals and other priorities identified by individuals within the groups. She is delighted to be a part of the Pilates Scotland team.

Katie Bennett

Katie is a certified level 3 mat Pilates Teacher having graduated with Drummond Education and teaches in various locations around Edinburgh. Katie has been in the fitness industry since 2012 starting off as a gym instructor and then spending many years working for a local project that enables people with mental heath issues to access physical activity. Katie also holds a qualification in exercise after stroke and delivered exercise after stroke circuit classes for Edinburgh Leisure. Katie regularly delivers low level exercise classes designed for people with health issues and returning to exercise.

Katie has a background in social care and coupled with her knowledge and experience of working with people with many different health issues allows her to deliver Pilates classes that are safe, effective and inclusive. Katie is passionate about the Pilates method, teaching with a classical style whilst incorporating up to date knowledge to ensure her classes are varied and progressive.

Katie is a regular cyclist and can often be found in West Lothian tackling the “Bathgate Alps”. She also enjoys walking, reading and photography.

Magda Hryniewicz

Magda has fallen in love with Pilates while working as a Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer in the local gym. She has got great passion for spreading the joy of Pilates. As she says: ‘’Pilates is for everybody as it is extremely adaptable: whether you are young or mature, short or tall, skinny or curvy, very flexible or not, able to move freely or having some limitations in your joints.’’

During her classes Magda focuses on mindful movements, however not forgetting about the fun and challenging parts of exercising. She likes to create a safe environment, free from any judgement, allowing the participants to have ‘me time’.

Magda loves to attend the Reformer Pilates classes in her free time and is hoping to teach Reformer Pilates one day. She always keeps herself active by going for long walks, hiking, dancing or travelling.

Kelly Hannen

Kelly was a ballet dancer for 15 years and started her journey in Pilates after having her first child. She could see how the precise, controlled movements in ballet translated well into Pilates and it quickly became her passion when she could see the benefits of improved posture, core strength and lower stress levels. As a busy mum of two and working in an office spending extended periods sitting in front of a computer, she recognised that her own physical fitness and mental well-being were as important as ever. Whilst Pilates started out as a hobby she now has over 12 years of experience, holds a Level 3 Diploma in instructing mat-based Pilates and has been teaching for over 2 years.

“I know how difficult it is to find time for ourselves in the midst of a busy life but the feeling that follows a session of Pilates is amazing and I want everyone to experience that. It caters for all ages and levels of ability, develops body awareness and provides opportunities for progress and challenge. The connection between mind and body is so powerful, it takes you right into the moment.”

Kelly leads our classes at Float in Bathgate and corporate classes in HSBC.

Tom Spry

Tom retired after a career in the IT industry in 2010. Much of his spare time was spent in swimming and running, and also in 10k half and full marathons. He first decided to become a swimming instructor gaining his level 2 qualification, taking swimming lessons for a number of years. He was a member of a gym and was attending Pilates and yoga classes every week. He soon realised after an evening Pilates class that the next morning’s run was often stronger, quicker and he felt better. Tom decided to do a Pilates instructor course, and in 2016 he gained his level 3 certificate.

Currently, he takes Pilates classes most days of the week. He also takes a mobility class for senior or disabled people. He loves sharing his passion for fitness, health and wellbeing, regardless of age or ability, helping individuals gain their goals and help improve their quality of life.

Angela McGregor

Angela retired early from a professional career in 2016 and has been a group fitness instructor for the last 20 years. She teaches various studio and pool-based classes and is a qualified Exercise Referral instructor working with people who have underlying medical conditions encouraging them to become more active and raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity.

In 2022 she decided to add another string to her bow and now holds a Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Mat Based Pilates. She believes that Pilates ticks all the boxes to feeling healthier, happier and stronger and has the perfect blend of movements to improve posture, balance and co-ordination for all abilities through controlled exercises and correct breathing for a complete mind and body experience. She likes to explain the purpose of an exercise and the benefits it can bring.

Angela is delighted to be part of the Pilates Scotland team.

Nancy Ogunro Bruce

Nancy is a practising Sports Therapist, Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor from Edinburgh. She has a keen interest in bodywork, core strength and flexibility, using all the modalities gained over the past 6 years since gaining her level 3 Mat Based Pilates Certification to better help her clients meet their fitness and well being goals.

She started practising Pilates 20 years ago. After a suggestion to try it out, regular practice helped improve her posture and alignment so much she never looked back and it inspired her to change careers. Pilates remains as the reason she is an active part of the wellness and fitness industry today. It continues to inspire her to keep going and improve her practice, nothing pleases her more than using the skills she has learned to help others to discover their strength and control through Pilates.

Nancy delivers a weekly class for Pilates Scotland at Norton House Hotel & Spa on Monday evenings.

Daire Guiller

Daire (pronounced Dara) has been in the health and fitness industry for over 12 years. She has a Level 4 National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies & Personal Training and a further Level 3 qualification in Matwork Pilates, including pre and postnatal clients.

She has always been the sporty kind, but when chronic pain hit her due to a couple of health issues, Pilates helped her reconnect to, and learn so much about her body. Pilates gave her an outlet when her body needed kindness and a lower impact form of movement.

Daire recognises that everyone’s reasons and motivations for attending classes differ, and she aims to create an inclusive space, teaching perhaps a slower, but well-paced class, where you can truly explore your movement. There is an emphasis on the mind-body connection which helps us to be more present in our bodies and our movement.

In her spare time, she plays basketball, loves finding new walks with her wife and dog, and also spending time in her garden tending to her three little pet ducks.

Aoife Kane

Aoife graduated with a BA in Dance & Drama from Performing Arts Studio Scotland in 2021. During her studies she completed her QQi Level 3 Mat Pilates with the EnergyWise Academy. Since then, Aoife has travelled to Costa Rica, working with Circo Fantazztico as an aerial instructor, worked as a Pilates & Barre fitness instructor in Healthy Options, an exclusive health resort in Vassiliki, Greece and has undergone her 500hr YTT in Rishikesh, India.

Incorporating her knowledge of dance and yoga, her classes create a practice focused on strength, elongation and alignment. She is a firm believer that movement creates movement and aims to make you feel better than you did when you entered the room.

Aoife loves being a part of the Pilates Scotland team and thoroughly enjoys leading her weekly classes in One spa on a Tuesday evening.

Emma Slater

Emma is a Pilates matwork teacher,and was certified by the Pilates Foundation, after completing teacher training at Vanessa Smith Pilates in Glasgow. She is passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of movement and aims to share her knowledge in fun and safe classes. Movement is a big part of her life. Being a professional dancer led her to becoming a Pilates teacher. Emma started Pilates early in her dance training, continuing to practice throughout her professional training and into her career.

As she found Pilates so valuable to herself, in 2021 she embarked on a Pilates Foundation teacher training course, and qualified in June 2022. She loves working with clients towards their individual goals and helping them find confidence and joy in movement through the Pilates method. She teaches regularly for Pilates Scotland at One Spa.

In her spare time, she loves going for walks and runs in nature, listening to podcasts and spending quality time with family and friends.

Deirdre Watt

Deirdre found her way in to Pilates after a career in public service. A desire to work with people and to focus on experiences that enhance self care, health and fitness drew her to Pilates. Deirdre loves engaging with clients to support them to discover their capability, challenge themselves and achieve their goals.

Deirdre became passionate about Pilates when she learned just how accessible it is as a form of exercise. Deirdre believes that Pilates can offer a highly rewarding and challenging fitness experience for people at all ability and fitness levels. The best part of working as an instructor for Deirdre is the chance to adapt and modify moves and programmes to make the experience accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for all.