Julia Edwards – I qualified as a B Physio Hons form Birmingham University in 1994 and am registered with the Health Professions Council. I have over 13 years of experience in the NHS, and have specialised in working with patients with musculoskeletal problems. I have helped set up chronic back pain programs and worked on Warwick University’s recent back pain trial (2008). I have a strong interest in sports injury and the movement control involved following on from my background in dance, fitness and Pilates. I qualified as an Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Matwork Instructor in 2004. I love the way Pilates offers a way in for people who are not used to exercising, and the results they can achieve.

Melanie Cook – I qualified from University of Brighton in 2008 with BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy and am registered with the CSP, HPC and APPI. My interest in Pilates began two years ago (2009) when I started to attend classes and then felt I wanted to teach others as the benefits and changes I gained from Pilates, which are fantastic. I qualified as an APPI Matwork Level Three Instructor in May 2011, having completed all three matwork levels and completing examinations. I love how Pilates is so open to everyone at any level and I have seen Pilates ‘work’ with a variety of people with different physical conditions. I still look forward to learning more with the APPI throughout my career.

I currently work as a Senior Physiotherapist in a private hospital working mainly with people with neurological conditions. I have worked in outpatients and inpatients, seeing a varied caseload so I feel I have well rounded knowledge of many conditions, and also have an interest in hydrotherapy.

I have recently moved to Leamington Spa (July 2011) from the South East so am still finding my way around! So any useful information from any of my class attendees would be very welcome! I am looking forward to working in a new area and meeting lots of new people as well as promoting the benefits of Pilates.

Deborah Thomas – I qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2000, and as a Modified Pilates Instructor in 2004. I have gained experience in various fields, including Orthopedics, Sports injuries, Rheumatic disease, and Womens’ Health.

I have personally benefited from practicing Pilates regularly, and have used this type of exercise with a variety of clients including: People who have had back and neck pain, undergone hip replacements, abdominal surgery, suffer from high blood pressure, and incontinence problems, as well as people who live with MS and ME.

My goal is to provide an enjoyable, safe and inspiring exercise experience for the mind and body, enabling everyone to exercise at their own level of ability.

David Jones – Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in physiotherapy from Coventry University in 2008, I have a great passion for Pilates and exercise in general. I find it can help to create a strong and supple body and is invaluable in my daytime job delivering intensive rehabilitation programmes for people with persistent pain.

The right exercise can be life changing, as I have personally experienced from changing career from a deskbound engineer to a physically active physiotherapist. My mechanical understanding aids my physiotherapy and Pilates practice and I have a straight forward approach when working with groups of people or one to one.

My aim is to empower people to reach their physical health goals through enjoyable and rewarding exercise at a level appropriate for them.

Caitriona Newham – I trained at the University of Hertfordshire and qualified as a physiotherapist in 2007 with BSc Honours. I am registered with the Health Professions Council and am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. I have trained with The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates institute (APPI) in London where I qualified to teach Pilates.

I currently work for the NHS as a Senior Physiotherapist where I specialise in outpatient physiotherapy working with patients with musculoskeletal problems.

My main area of interest is physical fitness and helping people with lower back pain. I aim to make my Pilates class a fun and rewarding experience where everyone can reach their own personal goals of fitness and flexibility.