My journey began in 2007 when I was first introduced to Pilates by a physiotherapist due to suffering form stress induced neck and shoulder pain. After attending classes for many years my love for Pilates grew stronger due to the positive effect that it had on my mind and body.

I took up Pilates classes with Gayle Lazarus (BCP Trained, Cape Town). Little did I know this was the perfect preparation for my future career.

After studying Fashion Design, I began working in the clothing industry in 2004, working as a designer, business owner, merchandiser and buyer. In 2015, I realized my passion for fashion had come to an end and completed my training as a Body Control Pilates instructor. In 2016, I moved into Pilates as a full time Instructor, completing my exam in November 2016. 

During my training, I had the privilege of meeting Jacquie Sunley from Purple Pilates. Under her supervision, I began instructing while I completed my training. Jacquie is still a mentor in my life and I'm thankful that she continues to share her wealth of knowledge with me.

In November 2016, I began instructing at Integrated Consciousness Bodyworks (ICB) Studios in Greenside, Johannesburg, working with Studio Owner, Shannon Betts. Working with Shannon was  an amazing experience, as we both share a deep passion for Pilates.

In March 2017, I began instructing at Flex Pilates Sandton. Today, my Pilates journey has gone full circle as I am now Pilates Studio Owner of my pride and joy, COCO Pilates.

Learning is key as a Pilates instructor. I love the journey that I am on. I am meeting the most amazing people and believe that I am making a difference in their lives. The best way to serve their needs as their instructor is to continue growing my knowledge and staying up to date with latest Pilates developments. My vision is to work with clients on their individual needs and offer personalzsed attention, supporting clients in their holistic health journey.

I am passionate about adding value to people’s lives through Pilates.

You don’t have to live in pain or fear, there are many solutions to living a healthy life and I would like to guide you on this journey.

Thus far, I have completed the following Pilates courses and workshops:

BCP Mat Work

BCP Reformer

Basic CPR for Adults

Shoulder Girdle Workshop – Jacquie Sunley

Short Pole Workshop – Lindsay Mitchell

Fascial Lines and Movement – Mandy Williams and Mattie Holme

The Hip Joint and Psoas Major – Jacqui Sunley

Classical Mat – Sam Armstrong

Pilates and Hypnosis – Shaldon Fitzgerald

Pilates for Cancer – Jacquie Sunley

Integrated Consciousness – Eugene Botha

Low Pressure Fitness Intro – Shirley Boersse

THE METHOD - BODY CONTROL PILATES

Since 1996, Body Control Pilates has been at the forefront of the international growth in Pilates. We pioneered the development of group mat work Pilates by creating innovative training programmes for teachers that ensured that, for the first time since Joseph Pilates developed his method almost 90 years ago, almost everyone would have access to the benefits that Pilates offers.

Today, Body Control Pilates is widely seen as a benchmark for safe and effective teaching of the highest quality, with teachers working in more than 40 countries. It is Europe’s largest professional Pilates organisation with well over 1,400 teaching members and all of our certified teachers have, at a minimum, completed a comprehensive training course in Body Control Pilates mat work (Level 3).

They work to a Code of Practice governing teaching standards, professional ethics and continuing education. This ensures that teachers continue to build their own skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis.

I am BASI qualified Pilates Instructor. I believe in Mat Pilates as it took me on a whole other adventure in my career of Pilates. Reformer and Mat combined – well I hit the jackpot. It took most of my life to find, I can tell you it has changed my life completely. I have a bright future in Pilates, helping other’s and continuing to do the work to help myself.

I take absolute pride in all my efforts in life. This extends from teaching and nurturing newborn babies - 6 year olds at Montessori preschools to looking after children and teens of all ages in hospitals throughout my community service with CHOC. I am an absolutely devoted Pilates Instructor because I love making people feel good about themselves. I love re-creating, re-educating and re-connecting people and all elements of life.

As a child I was very sickly. I have asthma and I suffer from an autoimmune disease called Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia was not known well a few years ago, luckily, since I was diagnosed with it at the age of 12, it has become more recognized in the eyes of the medical world and is being treated as best as possible. It is such a debilitating disease to suffer from and with it comes so many more negative ‘side-effects’ along the way.

I can understand and relate to how difficult it feels and is to carry on everyday as if nothing were wrong,because I have been there, and I will always have this disease, yet I have luckily learned to manage it. It took years and it still affects me greatly! But it is more than manageable now, and I can live life everyday pain free! Because of these illnesses, I was forced to stop all my beautiful activities I did as a young child. I took absolute pride in being one of the best Ballerina’s in my class with distinctions, all my colours and ribbons on my skirt as an Irish/River Dancer, a gymnastic lover, and a young yet sophisticated Ballroom dancer.

Movement is in my soul and I’m thrilled to have it in my life again through pilates as a career. I have 3 children with 4 legs. I know, you should’ve seen my face when I found out! I love animals, to the moon, the stars, the sun, each grain of sand and all the way back again. I love the gift of life and I think we are so lucky to have it, so why not live it to the best of our capabilities! Helping others sets my soul alight, and I am just a positive, some say ‘full-of-beans’ kind of woman. I am very enthusiastic and positive to take you on your Pilates Journey.

I have always been a sporty individual, participating in school sports from grade 1 all the way through to Matric, however it was in University where I found myself feeling sluggish due to less movement and not playing as much sport. I started attending reformer Pilates classes in 2020 right before we went into lockdown and I was hooked! Unfortunately with gyms having to shut down during that time I had to resort to doing at-home workouts but continued with the Pilates exercises, finding modifications for the reformer movements to do at home. When restrictions started lifting I attended more in-person classes and truly fell in love and I knew I wanted to obtain my qualifications so that I could teach people and have them fall in love with the practice as much as I have.

Being a Pilates instructor is an extraordinary journey fueled by passion and purpose. As an instructor, the joy of guiding and empowering individuals on their path to physical and mental well-being is incomparable. Sharing the principles of Pilates and witnessing the transformative impact it has on people's lives brings me immense fulfillment. The gratification derived from witnessing progress, newfound strength, flexibility and enhanced mindfulness is immeasurable. Embracing the art of movement and inspiring others to embrace it too creates a ripple effect of positivity that extends beyond the studio. As a Pilates instructor, the passion for this practice drives me to continuously learn, grow, and evolve in order to provide the best guidance possible.

Qualifications:

BASI Pilates Comprehensive Trainer Certificate.

BASI Pilates for injuries and pathologies.

BASI Pilates for pregnancy and beyond.

I discovered Pilates in 2011 while researching ways to mange chronic back pain. Upon realizing the benefits of Pilates not only for the body but also for the mind, I decided to learn in depth what Pilates is about. So my journey started through BASI Pilates, with my first certificate course in 2014 I have not stopped learning about Pilates since then. Even after qualifying I have continued to attend workshops and to do research to further enhance my knowledge.

I am passionate about movement, fitness and the aesthetic benefits that fitness has on one’s form. My goal is to deliver high quality, challenging workouts focusing on the sweaty, sweet combination of form, flow and fun.

Courses I have completed are Intensive and Advanced Matwork, Reformer, Total Barre and also Pre- and Post- Natal Training.

I teach the STOTT method - a modern approach to Pilates which leaves you with a holistic mind-body experience.

I started attending reformer and mat pilates classes as a university student in London over ten years ago. Since then I’ve taken classes in Hong Kong, Thailand, USA, Spain and South Africa. My love of pilates drove me to do my teacher training through STOTT at The Movement Lab in Cape Town.  The thing I like about the STOTT repertoire is the ability to work in neutral spine and the emphasis on adaptability to each body.

Body neutrality is a key tenant of my classes. You won’t hear me speaking about summer bodies or weight loss but you will hear me speaking about becoming more strong, more flexible and more functional in your body. My focus is on moving your body and pushing yourself rather than what your body looks like. I love seeing people progress with their pilates practice and them being able to do more advanced moves. 

I am learning about neurodiversity and want to ensure that my classes are accessible for everyone. To accommodate neurodiverse people my classes have soft music, dim light or natural light and if you ask I’ll ensure you can use the same reformer for each class with me. I’m also open to feedback and personalisation so don’t hesitate to reach out and have a chat with me.

I enjoy getting your heart rate up and working up a sweat in my classes. My style is very much contemporary pilates incorporating some STOTT basics. I travel regularly and always take mat and reformer classes in new cities and try to incorporate new pilates styles into my classes. My goal is for my students to never be bored and for my classes to be varied. I am always willing to get feedback and love co-creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.

As a client at COCO I always felt welcomed at every stage of my Pilates journey, and now taking on the role of an instructor I am so grateful to Clarisa for the inclusive space she has created for the team and all her clients to flourish in.

I find it rewarding to witness the growth unfold in every one of my clients as they push their limits and strength while having lots of fun.

Moms have an extra special place in my heart and I love guiding them through the transformative journey of pregnancy and beyond. As a mom of 2 myself, I wish to bring a unique blend of expertise and empathy to my pre- and postnatal classes.

I hope my dedication to helping you build strength, flexibility and confidence to embrace your journey, shines through in every session.