The Pilates and Wellbeing Project - Napier South

A very shy person growing up in a family of 4 wonderful brothers!

Earliest memory of making a major decision was just before 13yrs old when deciding on a High School. My mum gave me a choice! If you continue with your Catholic education (at that stage I wanted to be a “nun” – holy moly) you give up your Ballet and Tap classes. Or go to a state school (it was Colenso) and you can continue with your dance – eeeeeeeeeeek. That was the start of my goals and seeing the vision of my future. A Dance Teacher it would be. Thanks mum!  

 Just before I turned 16 my dance teacher passed away and her husband rang my mum to ask if I would continue teaching the pupils another eeeeeeek I had assisted her but never taught or choreographed!!

I accepted the challenge! And indeed it was very challenging . And new goals transpired. l became a dance judge in my 20s dance examiner at 30yrs old continued this for 17yrs around New Zealand. Loved it!

A friend invited me to an aerobic class I just loved that as well a new passion emerged, before I knew it I was invited to train as a Fitness & Aerobic Instructor. I introduced a more gentler aerobic class for the not so fit!

After 2yrs I needed to spread my wings and I opened my own aerobic business called The Taradale Aerobic Centre. Trained my own staff who were amazing passionate instructors. Teaching kids fitness up to the Seniors 60+ I was passionate about it. Aerobic Judging ensured around the country. I loved that tooooo.

3 years on, at a fitness convention in Fiji a light bulb moment ignited. I had decided for my next venture I would open a  personal training studio. Small group personal  training. Two years on I did!!  I had sold the aerobics centre and set about creating and developing 1 to 1 Fitness Studio. Highly popular with The business, professionals along with many school teachers. All times were by appointment only. The oldest client I have ever trained was 96yrs old (that’s not a miss print!), so don’t ever tell me you are toooo old for exercise. You can if you want! Change your perspective and beliefs. 

4yrs on and becoming joint winner of NEW Zealand Fitness Leader of the year. I suffered burn out sold my business  and went grape picking and pruning for a season. Had great fun indeed. 

However my passion for dance and Fitness never left me, I just needed a little break. I commenced teaching again and before too long had opened Dance Express Ltd. It is run by a collective group of passionate dance teachers.  18 years ago I developed a passion for Pilates and opened Pilates in Focus Ltd.

My clients are as passionate as well and have been attending for many many  years. They can’t live without it!!  Its just An amazing form of exercise. My oldest client is 87yrs young. They inspire me indeed.!!

 Whilst coaching/teaching I became interested in how we think how we feel and how our beliefs and perspective can change if we want them too. I commenced a psychology  degree however this stays unfinished!!! In my spare time I have been studying and have attained Life Coach……….. Leadership……… and Mindfulness  Practitioners  Certificates and completed an Emotional Intelligence Course. That lead me into my new business adventure.