lisa mint
TO BOOK A SESSION PLEASE CALL 01983 766222 OR EMAIL HERE
I am a former professional dancer turned Pilates instructor who is dedicated to improving the body with movement through the Pilates method. With over 15 years teaching experience. I am passionate about helping clients understand their bodies and believe it is the mind/body connection that makes this method so powerful. Pilates is for everybody and everyone is welcome!
My passion and curiosity for movement began at an early age with extensive dance training in classical ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance. This lead to further training at dance and performing arts College, where I furthered my studies in dance, choreography, drama and performance technique. It was at Dance College where I discovered contemporary dance and the Martha Graham technique which is very much influenced by Joseph Pilates.
After successfully completing my Diploma in dance and performing arts, I went on to pursue a career in Dance for many years travelling globally throughout my career. My professional dance experience includes theatre, cabaret and circus as well as teaching dance for schools and dance studios.
After settling with my family on the Isle of Wight, I continued to work in the dance world and was invited to teach dance at the Chrissie Acland, West Wight ballet school. I enjoyed teaching and choreographing routines for shows and competitions working with young dancers. I also taught street /contemporary dance at West Wight sport centre and youth club teaching young dancers and adults new to dance.
It was a natural progression into the Pilates world. I began my Pilates journey in 2002 and found my way into Pilates teacher training. I was very lucky to be selected onto a Pilates apprenticeship program at the Pilates Precision studio, Ryde, affiliated with Pilates International (Sampson Pilates) - and trained under the expert guidance of studio owner and principal teacher Nova Cairns.
I intensively studied and practiced for 2 years. This provided me with an opportunity to gain experience in a professional Pilates studio. It was a transformative experience and one I am forever grateful for. As a dancer I was very mobile which had resulted in hip pain but practicing the exercises everyday helped me to heal and to feel better, more balanced and connected to my body. I felt the power of Pilates in my own mind and body and was therefore compelled to share my passion with others.
In 2004 I qualified to teach Pilates Matwork level 3. I continued to work alongside my mentor for 2 years. It was here that I really developed my own eye on how to see the body and movement. I believe that Pilates is not just a mechanical exercise regime but a journey of self discovery. You learn skills that reflect in everything you do, increasing a heightened physical and mental wellbeing.
Throughout my teaching career I have worked with individuals from all walks of life and gained extensive experience working with a wide range of clients seeking general body conditioning, rehabilitation/injury prevention, students just beginning their movement practice to high level athletes, tennis players and dancers. Pilates has given me the skills to work with all ages and abilities. I specialise in helping clients address faulty movement patterns that can result in pain and encourage them to explore new patterns to create freedom in the body. I offer bespoke 1:1 sessions and have a variety of loyal clients. I love connecting with each individual and meeting their specific needs and making sure they leave the studio feeling better than when they walked in. I enjoy the challenge of helping people build skills to reach their goals no matter how big or small and love seeing my clients faces light up when they can do something they couldn’t do before or when they find their way out of pain and limitation to moving with ease and confidence is really rewarding.
I believe my study of dance has influenced me hugely as a teacher. I like to create warmth and support and a sense of connection in my classes. I encourage clients to learn and grow supporting each other along the way and help them to achieve their goals together. My classes are creative, supportive and educational and above all enjoyable. Your body and mind are challenged in a safe and positive environment.
I am committed to delivering the most current and informed Pilates education and continue to study and develop my knowledge and skills. My love for Pilates continues to grow and understanding the body is a lifetime pursuit. I am currently continuing my education with teacher training on the Pilates reformer 1 course with Body Control Pilates in Bloomsbury, London.
My mission is to share my passion and understanding of Pilates to inspire others to realise their own potential so that they can live their lives to the fullest!
Two rules to live by:
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Live life to the full
- Inspire others
Interests:
I love to spend time with my family walking in nature or by the sea. My own wellbeing journey led me to delve deep into health and nutrition to support myself and my family’s wellness. I also practiced yoga for many years studying the Iyengar yoga. I enjoy reading, listening to music and dancing!
Qualifications:
Pilates Level 3 with Pilates international London
I.S.T.D Dance
I.D.T.A Dance
Ballet – Tap – Modern & Contemporary Dance
Diploma in Dance
Classes I teach:
All Pilates classes at The Island Wellness Club & Spa
Private coaching:
Private Pilates lesson (60 minutes) – £35 (£30 members)
Private Pilates course of 6 (60 minutes) – £175 (£150 members)