How did you get into Pilates?
A mentor's friend was looking to train up an enthusiastic young girl – that was me (I had no idea what it was, it wasn't cool back then). They thought I was a good fit with my background in gymnastics. It came very naturally to me. I was already in the fitness industry. Pilates gave me x-ray vision and helped me correct poor biomechanics with my clients outside the Pilates studio.

Why do you love Pilates?
I love that it works. I love how it connects the mind and body through breath, reduces stress & tension, as well as being a great strength workout. It's a gentle and sustainable approach to wellness that will give you a more vitalized quality of life. It is precious time well spent.

Why did you become an instructor?
Because it was the only thing I wanted to do with all my heart, I love how I can combine my natural physical talents with my deep desire to connect with people through teaching. I care about people; I want to show them how capable and magnificent they are, even when they can't see it. I can!

What makes your class special?
Experience. I have been teaching for over 10+ years. There is nothing I haven't seen in class. I am onto all your little tricks. I love combining modern exercise science principles into authentic Reformer Pilates classes for maximum results.

Why do you love teaching at Align Pilates?
COMMUNITY! We have created a warm, welcoming culture I am proud to be a part of. When new people come to class, the regular members help welcome them. It's genuinely unique and warms my heart.

Do you prefer fitness or technical classes?
Technical! The technique is THE most effective way to maximize your workouts, performance & health. There is no point in going fast with sloppy posture and unstable joints on a Reformer—controlled movements will recruit more muscle fibers deepening the work.

Why is Pilates your passion?
It makes people happy! It aligns with my values within the fitness industry, and I have witnessed it transform lives as it enhanced mine as a competitive athlete. So I want to share it with the world!

What makes your class sweaty?
Effective form. An Effective range of motion. Effective resistance. Effective duration. Effective tempo. Effective transitions, and my favorite – Effective sequencing.

What makes your class unique?
My analogies. I like to educate my students on healthy biomechanics in an understandable way for the everyday person. Then they can take this anywhere and everywhere - this enhances their lives. Once students understand healthy alignment, you can push them harder, which is great fun for me.

What are 3 x things people might not know about you?
1 – I was the Australian PRO bikini bodybuilder & competed on a world stage in Dubai, placing top 5 & I stopped because I wanted to be a good role model for younger girls I taught. So promoting diet culture didn’t feel right to me.
2 – I was a massive rebel in my adolescence and got into all sorts of trouble. Fitness and the people I meet in the industry put me on the right path.
3 - I love a physical challenge! I once completed a 1/2 Ironman and hiked to Mt Everest Basecamp in search of my wall. I found it in Pilates with side-lying leg circles.

Why did you open Align? 
It was a dream of mine since I discovered Pilates. I knew one day I would go back to NZ and open a studio to share it with my community to enrich their lives. When I moved to Queenstown there was no Reformer Pilates studio and I couldn't teach - I felt like a part of me was missing so Align was born!