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Meet Mav, founder of SoulPowerPilates

May 14, 2019

I am originally from South Africa and moved to the United Kingdom in 2003 to pursue love and my career in Investor Relations. In one of my roles the CEO persuaded me to join him in running the Sydney marathon. Having never run in my life before, and wanting to ensure I succeeded in the challenge, I kick started my training programme 12 months in advance of the September 2011 deadline. I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into and after suffering from shin splints and other injuries I enlisted the help of a personal trainer. This big athletic muscly man, who I relied on to get me fit and strong, suggested I start practising Pilates to complement my exercise regime. I was not convinced and it took some gentle encouragement before I relented and joined a Pilates studio near my office. And that was it – love at first practise!

I had danced (ballet, tap and modern dance) throughout my school years and so felt an immediate connection with Pilates. Regular one-to-one and class tuition, with an incredible and patient teacher who knew her stuff, helped me understand the benefits of combining breathing, control and mind body connection to address muscle imbalances. This in turn improved my running performance, helped me rehabilitate quickly from small injuries and provided the movement and alignment my body craved after many years of a desk-bound job.

I progressed from Mat to Reformer classes and I’ve been a dedicated Pilates student ever since with hundreds of classes under my belt. During one of my career breaks I took a diploma in physical training and I enjoyed this so much that I signed up for a STOTT Mat Pilates course at One KX in London. I was learning and teaching part-time and increasingly felt the need to dedicate all my time to hone my craft.

After a successful 20-year career in Investor Relations, mostly in the City of London, a mid-life opportunity arose which allowed me to share my love of Pilates and continue with my studies. It also gave me back ownership of my time, allowed me to be next to the ocean and in nature and to be part of a community where I can make a difference. I am now concentrating my professional focus entirely on training others in the Pilates-based method of exercise teaching one-to-one and small groups at Florblanca Pilates in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and continuing my own education at Merrithew training centres around the world.

I love what I do, I love that I work with an international community and most of all, I love seeing others fall in love with Pilates.

Please do get in touch with me if you would like to know more about the studio, about Pilates or about this slice of paradise that is fast becoming a new home.

PS The Investor Relations career lasted much longer than the love however the love developed into a great friendship 😉

Mav is a certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor and holds an Activ IQ Level 3 Diploma in Fitness and Personal Training, Health and Physical Education. She enjoys teaching one-to-one, duos and small group classes. She is a personable, patient, hands-on and fun teacher who encourages clients to connect with their bodies, move with precision and control and also share a few laughs.

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