About Karen
"Karen will guide you towards your best in every class"
About Me
Hello, my name is Karen & I run weekly Pilates classes in the beautiful village of Balcombe, Sussex.
I love to help people feel better in their bodies, move well, stand tall & reduce their aches & pains. It's my goal to share the many benefits of Pilates with my clients no matter their age, experience or fitness levels & teach them how to stay strong, avoid injuries & prevent or manage wear-&-tear in their joints.
Qualified Body Control Pilates® Teacher, Back4Good® Practitioner & Advanced Buff Bones® Instructor
Having qualified with the highly respected Body Control Pilates®, I am privileged to be teaching a form of exercise with a proven track record & one that is so often recommended by physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors & podiatrists.
I am also an Advanced Buff Bones® Instructor excited to bring this holistic US Bone & Joint Health programme to Balcombe.
More than 10 years on from my initial training with Body Control Pilates® I now have many tools under my belt to help you achieve your fitness goals, manage chronic conditions & restore that inner strength that Pilates is so famous for.
By joining a class or working with me in our 1:1 sessions you can take that first step to feeling empowered with knowledge about your body & equipped with skills for enhancing your mobility & wellbeing.
Teaching Intelligent Exercise & Nourishing Movement Since 2014
My story
Teaching Movement, Building Confidence
Teaching has been a consistent thread throughout my adult life.
My journey began with training as a Dance Teacher with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. Having studied Ballet, Tap, Modern, and Jazz throughout my childhood and teenage years, it was a joy to pass on that knowledge—and love of dance—to others in fun, accessible ways. This early experience deepened my appreciation for the teaching of movement and sparked a lasting fascination with anatomy—especially how to train the body safely and effectively to prevent injury.
Degrees in Psychology and Occupational Psychology further shaped my understanding of how people think, learn and grow. This led naturally into a career in HR and Change Management, where I specialised in designing and delivering training programmes on selection, assessment and recruitment methodologies. I found real satisfaction in helping others build practical skills that they could apply immediately and especially enjoyed making complex ideas easy to grasp and remember.
As the physical demands of city work took their toll, I turned to Pilates to relieve aches and restore balance. What began as a way to support my own health soon evolved into a deeper passion. Pilates not only transformed my strength, mobility and body awareness—it also reignited my love for movement and teaching.
After a career break to look after my two young children, I was ready for a new chapter. Drawing together all my previous experience, training as a Pilates teacher felt like a natural fit. In 2013, I qualified as a Level 3 Matwork teacher with the highly respected Body Control Pilates® and have been a proud member of the Body Control Pilates Association (BCPA) ever since.
Qualified Body Control Pilates® Teacher
I am a Registered Society for the Pilates Method Teacher, I hold a current CPR certificate and regularly pursue professional development to keep my teaching aligned with the latest research and best practices.
Since qualifying in 2014, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge through a range of specialist courses and qualifications with Body Control Pilates® and Active IQ, including:
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Pilates for Low Back Pain (Back4Good® Practitioner)
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Pilates for Bone Health (Level 3 Active IQ)
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Pilates for Older Adults (Level 3 Active IQ)
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Pre- & Postnatal Pilates (Level 3 Active IQ)
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Exercise Strategies for Diastasis Recti
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Hypopressives for Pilates Teachers
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Pilates and the Menopause
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Pilates and Hypermobility
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Musculoskeletal Disorders and How Pilates Can Help
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Precision of Movement
Additionally, I’ve trained with other movement education providers:
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Licensed Buff Bones® Instructor (since 2018)
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Advanced Buff Bones® Instructor (since 2024)
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Gait Happens - Gait Foundations,
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Gait Happens - Managing Bunions
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Gait Happens - Sole Switch Pro
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Of-Course Online Pilates Courses in:
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Functional Anatomy & Biomechanics
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Shoulder Stabilisation
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Hip Stability
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Lower Abdominal Activation
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Knee Stability
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Safe Sacroiliac Joint Training
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Academic Background
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BSc (Hons) Psychology (First Class) – University of Birmingham
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MSc Occupational Psychology – City University, London
My Approach to Pilates
I’ve been practising Pilates for over 30 years, alongside people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Throughout this time, I’ve seen just how adaptable and transformative the method can be. I love how Pilates meets you where you are—whether you're recovering from injury, looking to build strength, or simply hoping to move more freely. A few well-executed movements can have a profound impact on how you stand, walk, and feel in everyday life.
In my classes, I aim to teach in a clear, encouraging, and creative way. I introduce new movement skills step by step, building confidence and competence through clear explanations, demonstrations, and plenty of practice. My goal is to help you take what you learn in class into your daily routine—to move better, feel better, and live more fully.
No matter your age, background, or fitness level, I hope my classes help you move with ease, feel more at home in your body, and continue enjoying the activities you love—for as long as possible.
