About Lesley and Breathe with Love

My journey with Pilates started in 2003 after a ski-ing injury. 

To assist my rehabilitation my  Physiotherapist used a range of Pilates moves which made me realise how much strength I could acquire from just some simple Pilates moves.  

For many years I'd been working in the Fitness Industry as a Swimming & Aquarobics Instructor, and Fitness Trainer, which involved a lot of high intensity, high impact working out and my own personal workouts including running & swimming, all of which took their toll on my body physically, mentally and emotionally, ending each day feeling drained and exhausted.

I was so impressed with how Pilates helped my recovery from my various injuries. My mind and body had been transformed and I wanted to share the Power of Pilates with others. 

I love how it is a practice that can benefit anyone, no matter what their age, their previous ability or existing medical conditions.   

The Power of Pilates is transformational, it benefits our Strength, Stability, Balance and Mobility & Flexibility, our whole body and mind is transformed !

I use the principles of Pilates that Joseph Pilates originally taught and still form the basis of Pilates movements. 

These are: Awareness, Breath, Balance, Concentration, Centring, Control, Precision, and Flow and apply to both the Body and the Mind.

Pilates is a practice that can benefit everyone whatever their age or ability and is equally good for both men and women.

My Pilates training is extensive and includes:

Women's wellness specialist instructor, and this includes the following modalities:

~ pelvic health function and diastasis recti

~ pilates for midlife and beyond, including peri and post-menopause,

- Osteoporosis, which affects men and women 

- Osteoarthritis, affects both men and women

~ Pilates for pre-and post-natal clients

~ understanding Fascia & Myofascial Release

~ pink ribbon Pilates for breast cancer patients.

More recently, I expanded my practice and trained as a Yoga Instructor and an Advanced Breathwork and Meditation Facilitator, including functional breathing to enhance lifestyle and well-being, and also for treating and dealing with anxiety, stress and trauma.

Breathwork has been life-changing for me. 

All aspects of my life have been transformed. 

During the pandemic our lives were turned upside down and  we all had to change the way in which lived and worked overnight. 

Breathwork & Meditation  allowed me to sit with the fear that was all around,

 cope with the ever changing, uncertain environment around me and all around the world,

whilst maintaining a sense of calm, acceptance and gratitude for all the positive aspects of my life, however simple they may be. 

On a daily basis Breathwork has impacted me, my improved energy levels and how I am able to move through each day with ease, how I sleep, my asthma has massively improved, my immunity to all the coughs, colds and bugs so easily passed around, how I view life and deal with stress, anxiety, overwhelm and all the challenges that life throws at us. 

Taking just a few minutes at regular intervals throughout the day to take some long, slow, deep breaths, it can be whilst we're waiting for the kettle to boil making a cuppa, or pausing whilst at the computer to rest our eyes or even whilst sitting in the seemingly endless traffic jams. Doing this calms the mind, calms the body, and has allowed me to navigate each day with more ease.  

I wake up each morning, excited for the day ahead of me!

 My daily Breathwork and Meditation practice, no matter whether it's just 10 minutes or longer if possible, gives me an awareness of how I am feeling in my body and mind, allows me to overcome feelings of stress, anxiety, panic, overwhelm, feelings and sensations that affect us all.  Breathwork helps me to deal with the challenges that I encounter in my life.

My  Breathwork training includes:

Instructor with Yogalap: Pranayama based,  focussing on our body, mind, breath, movement, using the knowledge the Yogis had thousands of years ago and bringing it into the way we live today.  

The Academy of Breath: Advanced Breathwork Facilitator which includes Trauma Informed Training, Somatic Therapy, Yoga Nidra and so much more. 

My study continues as my thirst for knowledge about Breathwork expands, I am currently studying the Biomechanics and Biochemistry of Breathing. Our breath is something that we all do throughout each day, each of us taking thousands of breaths each day, every day of our life, yet research shows approximately 90% of us breathe incorrectly!   

I am currently completing my L4 yoga diploma.

The meaning of Yoga is Union or Connection of the Body & Mind. 

 Yoga is a continual journey of our individual self awareness, personal development & transformation on our journey through life.

The practices of Yoga, Pilates and Breathwork compliment each other perfectly. 

I  am continuously undertaking other education and professional development to allow me to be the best instructor I can be for my clients.

It was said to me recently that Pilates and Breathwork are the gifts I deserved and I really think this is so true.  

Over the years, I have used Pilates, Yoga, Breathwork and Meditation to support me and aid me in my rehabilitation from several injuries and  surgeries. 

Most recently in January 2023, I underwent a total left hip replacement. 

Previously I have had arthroscopies to both knees, rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder, and various other repetitive strain injuries.  

Pilates has been transformational  in my recovery and it is my passion and intention that I can help others in their transformation. 

Don't just take my word for it - hear what my clients have to say about their experience with my classes. 

From improved posture to increased strength and flexibility, my clients have seen incredible results from their Pilates practise. Read their inspiring stories and see how Pilates can transform your body and your life....

"Lesley is passionate in her teaching. I have been attending her classes for over 10 years, and I cannot speak highly enough about her teaching. Every class is different, so much variety, we use an assortment of aids: blocks, loops, and bands, balls and rings. Every move is talked through by Lesley:  exactly how to do the move and how it will work us. Lesley has the ability to remember what each of us has undergone in terms of injuries or surgery and adapts the moves to suit each individual. Lesley finishes with a relaxing Breathwork and meditation, what a beautiful way to end the class!"   LB

"I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that we are really so pleased that you have kept on with the classes since lockdown, but also that you make them so interesting and different each week. I realise how much effort you go to in order to do this and so a big thank you for all your hard work!" PH

"I love Lesley's enthusiasm and knowledge. She keeps Pilates fun and varied, I wouldn't be without her. I look forward to her classes every week."  CS

"Another brilliant Pilates class, thank you, Lesley, I'm feeling so supported and stretched now and especially finishing with the breathing and meditation helps me deal with a stressful week!   ED

"I've had a number of Pilates instructors over the years and Lesley is the best ! She is precise in her instruction, the exercises flow well and always provide a good challenging workout. Lesley is positive and enthusiastic and I look forward to her classes."   JM    

"hello Lesley, what an enjoyable class this morning. I love the band work, you work us so hard yet we love it! You are looking good and more restored to yourself after your hip replacement."  PH

Lesley's breathwork sessions always leave me feeling calm and relaxed. After the Wednesday class it's a lovely way to sink into sleep. I initially started classes just to see what it was like and now after 3 sessions plus the breath work after each Pilates session,  I do breathing exercises every day, especially when I feel stressed.  It's so worth fitting it into a busy schedule!  " PH

Pilates, Breath and Meditation & Yoga  are a personal practice, and I believe  should be tailored to an individual's unique needs and preferences.

When teaching all my classes/sessions, I offer a range of modifications, progressions to find the approach that suits and works best for you.

My classes, whether: Pilates, Breathwork, Meditation, or Yoga, are varied and challenging both physically and mentally to give you a fulfilling practice.

I am dedicated to helping you understand what your body and mind needs, and is capable of. 

This helps and enables our continued personal development, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My classes are a calm, welcoming, fun space, designed to help you relax and focus on your practise. 

At Breathe with Love, I believe in a holistic approach to Breathing and Movement, combining Physical and Mental wellbeing. 

My classes are designed to help you build Physical, Mental  & Emotional strength, flexibility and resilience, reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life.