Hannah has always had an interest in dance and movement (Thai Chi, Yoga) and has been practising Pilates since 2012. After getting a degree in Psychology, she then went on to train to be an Occupational Therapist. Going on to work for 7 years as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS providing physical rehabilitation therapy to adults with complex health needs, including those with neurological, orthopaedic, and cardiac conditions. Hannah discovered Pilates after having 2 children and found it enabled her to regain her physical strength and fitness, and is now a qualified Pilates instructor having completed Level 3 Matwork training with Body Control Pilates.

Hannah, what sparked your interest in Pilates?

After having children I’d heard pilates was good for strengthening core muscles and your pelvic floor. I knew that’s exactly what I needed at that point. I got that and so much more. It helped me become more aware of my body and how I move and to feel more confident. It helped me get stronger and move better. Pilates made me feel fitter, stronger and happier. So much so I decided to become a teacher.

Favourite Pilates exercise? I love a roll over, but I particularly like an open leg rocker as I remember how impossible it felt when I first tried it and now it’s a movement I enjoy. All that said there’s nothing better than a roll down in the morning!

Best moment as a Pilates teacher? There are many! Especially when I see my class moving so beautifully after coming regularly to lessons week on week. You really can see such a difference in how people move. I also love it when clients tell me they have noticed a significant change in how they feel or move due to doing pilates.

What do you love about your job? I love working with so many different people. I love teaching a form of exercise that is accessible to all and teaching people ways to move better and more mindfully.

How would your colleagues at Mycore describe you? I hope they’d say kind, fun and up for it! They might say I’m not so good at having photos taken!

What did you want to be when you grew up? A choreographer.

Superpower you'd like to have? I think to be able to teleport. So I can see my family and friends that live further away more easily and more often.

Three things on your Bucket list? 1) To climb Ben Nevis 2) Helicopter ride in Rio 3) To learn to horse ride well enough to be a cowgirl.

Celeb you'd choose to be stuck on a desert island with? Bear Grylls - he knows how to survive!

Favourite places in Hitchin? You can’t beat a meal at Los Reyes, I love running around Oughton Head Nature Reserve and walking around Pegsdon Hills.

Your life motto? Be nice, enjoy the simple things, be outdoors in the countryside as much as possible and keep moving!

Thanks Hannah!

Book here to join Hannah at her Mycore mat classes on Tuesdays at 9.30am, or Wednesdays at 7.30pm

Teacher Feature - Hannah