About Me
Hi, I'm Laura
Founder of Thrive Pilates
I discovered Pilates after years of struggling with hypermobility and recurring joint dislocations (I've lost count of how many). I became afraid of movement, lost trust in my body, gained weight, and felt like my world was shrinking.
Pilates was the turning point. It helped me rebuild strength and stability in my joints — and most importantly, regain confidence. I gained a deeper connection with my body by slowing down, focussing on breathing, and tuning in as I moved through the exercises. For the first time in years I felt free in my body again. That confidence gave me the courage to join a gym and start weight training (which complements Pilates beautifully — and vice versa). As I reconnected with my body and discovered the joy of movement, I also began to work on my relationship with food.
Since then, I’ve lost over 7.5 stone by nourishing my body with good nutrition — still with the occasional treat of course! For me, it’s all about creating a balanced, sustainable, enjoyable lifestyle, not one based on restriction or deprivation.
Pilates changed my life! It's the catalyst which transformed me from merely surviving to truly thriving (hence the name!).
When I had an opportunity last year to move away from my corporate job in HR, I decided to train as a Pilates teacher to help others move better, feel better, and thrive. 💚 In January 2025 I opened the doors to Thrive Pilates, and we've been steadily growing our friendly, welcoming community ever since.
"Laura is a fantastic teacher. She is attuned to everyone's needs and instils confidence with her gentle corrections and suggestions." - Becky, Group Class Client
Clients I love to work with
I'm really passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies and rediscover the joy of movement. It's so rewarding seeing when a movement 'clicks' with a client, when they've created new neuromuscular connections, and are better aware of and more in tune with their own body.
I especially love working with people who are new to exercise, or have hypermobility. For years I was overweight, unfit, and too afraid to try any exercise. I didn't feel like I belonged in a gym or exercise class. I've tried really hard to create a welcoming and inclusive space at Thrive Pilates where everyone can feel safe to be themselves and move in a way that's right for them.
"Taking Pilates classes with Laura have been wonderful! She creates such a welcoming and friendly environment that I felt completely at ease, despite being a beginner." - Tilly, Group Class Client
It's so rewarding seeing the impact Pilates can has on peoples lives - hearing how it's helping with mental wellbeing, when clients tell me they are are feeling more mobile and experiencing less pain, better able to carry out day-to-day activities, feeling more steady on their feet, and when they tell me they are saying 'yes' more.
"Laura is always very welcoming, friendly, positive and cheerful. She encourages you to make progress at your own pace, according to your own ability, which is particularly welcome for those who are non-sporty like me." - Bethan, Group Class Client
What I'm doing when I'm not teaching
When I’m not teaching or doing Pilates for myself, you’ll probably find me doing one of my many hobbies:
🌿 In the garden
🐕 Out walking with my dog
🧶 Getting stuck into a creative project
💪 Weight training or learning calisthenics at the gym
🎮 Gaming or playing board games
📚 Curled up with a book, or at a book club
☕ Having coffee with friends
A couple of fun facts about me
🫒I grew up on an Olive farm in South Africa, where we had a pet ostrich called Juliette (honestly!)
🦄I love funky socks, leggings with personality, and t-shirts with attitude. I love it when my clients rock up in their favourite outfit, proud, and safe to let their personality shine through.
"Laura brings a wonderful mix of specialist knowledge and gentle encouragement, with a dose of humour and fun thrown in!" - Nicky, Group Class Client
Qualifications
Level 3 Body Control Pilates Qualified Matwork Pilates Teacher
Level 3 Developing Pilates Programmes for Bone Health (Osteopenia/Osteoporosis)
Ready to Thrive?
If you've ever felt unsure about movement, out of place in traditional gyms, or disconnected from your body - Thrive Pilates was made for you.
Join our welcoming community and start feeling stronger, energised, more stable, and more confident, one class at a time.
👉 Book your first class now
👉 Learn about our group classes
👉 Get in touch with any questions
👉 Book in for your FREE 20 minute Discovery Call
I can’t wait to welcome you!