Eva Paoli – yoga & Pilates teacher, owner of be:well studio

Nearly everyone has a story of what they did before becoming a yoga teacher. I spent my 20s working in publishing, and loved it – the creative people, the deadlines, messing about with words… Then I had children, moved out of London, and life took a completely different direction. Alongside rearing small humans, I spent my 30s doing training courses.

First, I trained in a few massage therapies. I loved learning something new, and as part of the training you not only give but also receive a lot of massages. Next, I trained in baby massage and baby yoga and ran classes in Bicester, which was, well, delightful. The classes gave parents and babies precious bonding time, and a chance to socialise. Babies are amazing, and new mums are frequently exhausted and overwhelmed, so it felt like a really special thing to offer.

In the process of training to run baby classes, I also reconnected with my own yoga practice. I stumbled into Tracy Gaillie’s wonderful class at the local community centre, and my life changed forever. Focusing on breath and movement for an hour and a half made me feel like a different person and Tracy was an absolute inspiration.

I qualified as a yoga teacher in 2012, but the training course habit has lived on. I’ve studied children’s yoga, yin yoga (levels one, two and three), antenatal and postnatal yoga, yoga therapy foundations, meditation, menopause yoga, and finally… APPI Clinical Pilates, a style of Pilates that was developed by physiotherapists, emphasizing evidence-based techniques adapted from original Pilates for rehabilitation and injury prevention.

A lot of people seem to be either in one camp or the other, as if Pilates and yoga are sworn rivals. They’re not. They’re both great ways to move your body, and they can both make you feel stronger, more flexible, and most important of all, better. So I hope to see you on the mat, one way or another. Pilates, yoga, yin yoga… Try it all, and find out how it makes you feel.

Immi Wynn – yoga & Pilates teacher

My love for yoga began at Loughborough University, when I had to leave competitive athletics due to injury. My passion for nature and movement has always been a big part of my life. After my injury, I explored new ways of moving and discovered the stillness and space that yoga could bring to both body and mind. I completed my 200-hour teacher training in Bali and later trained in yin yoga, developing a practice that continues to support me both on and off the mat.

Alongside yoga, I’m also a qualified mat and reformer Pilates teacher. Pilates allows me to bring together my interest in controlled movement and building strength, so that my students feel capable and empowered in their bodies.

In my spare time, you’ll usually find me outdoors – trail running, surfing, spending time with animals – or playing guitar and enjoying good food!

In my teaching, I aim to create a warm and welcoming space where movement, strength, and connection come together in a soulful, intentional way. My classes are designed to help you slow down, build strength, and find balance in a way that feels both nourishing and enjoyable – supporting you both on and off the mat.

Ghyslaine ‘Chizzy’ Rogers – Pilates teacher

Hi, my name’s Chizzy, and I’m a Classical Pilates teacher and hairdresser. I also have two children and lots of pets, so I’m always on the go!

I first discovered Pilates over 20 years ago, when I started attending a class to improve my posture, which had suffered from years of hairdressing. If it wasn’t for Pilates, I probably would’ve given up hairdressing a long time ago, but it’s kept me going all these years.

I’m trained in mat-based Pilates, which is really accessible to beginners, and I’ve taught people of all ages and fitness levels – my oldest client’s in his 90s.

I love the way that Pilates helps you to tune into your body, have a good workout, and take an hour to yourself. I always call it an MOT for your body. Feeling good from inside out, top to toe, is the best thing we can do for ourselves.