Hi, I’m Jo-Anne! I began my Pilates journey in 2009 as a client. As an individual working in the
corporate world, I had spent years struggling with poor posture, chronic lower back and shoulder pain. So I started Pilates in the hope that it would help alleviate my pain and discomfort. I was amazed at the difference Pilates started to make after just a few sessions. I found I was becoming pain free and more importantly, my body was gaining strength and flexibility. Needless to say, it didn’t take long before I became a total convert.
When my corporate career took an unexpected turn some years later, the opportunity presented itself for me to indulge in my love of Pilates further. I decided to take the leap and pursue a teacher training certification. It took me a bit of time, but I eventually attained my Polestar Pilates Comprehensive/Rehab certification in 2017, and subsequently became a qualified Polestar Pilates Mentor in 2023.
I have since left the corporate workforce and these days I teach Pilates full time. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, and from all walks of life. I do have a soft spot for individuals who are deskbound, and who may be facing the same problems I once did. Helping them overcome their issues with pain, and watching them become stronger and more mobile brings me great joy. It reminds me everyday that I love what I do! Being a relatively active person, I also enjoy working with individuals who play sports or have other recreational interests such as hiking, skiing, etc and who may want to up their game or build stronger body awareness to minimise injuries through Pilates.
As a Polestar Mentor, I work with trainees who are on their own journey to becoming certified Pilates instructors. Through individual or small group sessions, I provide guidance on teacher training curriculum, and assist trainees in developing an understanding of theory, exercise mastery and teaching skills.
In my free time, I love hanging out with my 2 dogs, Rafa & Jojo, and my 2 cats, Blu & Duffy, while happily pottering around my home and garden. I have a never-ending list of home improvement projects which I enjoy working on, but I also have the attention span of a 5-year old so getting through them is a lifelong aspiration 😀
Qualifications
- Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Full Studio Equipment/Rehabilitation
- Polestar Pilates Mentor
- Core Align Level 1, Balanced Body USA
- Pilates Adaptations for Scoliosis Supporting the Teaching of Schroth Method, Schroth NYC
and Stolze Therapies USA.