Planks, Playlists and of course, Pilates
What was your journey to becoming a Pilates instructor?
I started my career as a professional dancer travelling all over Europe touring with artists and working on TV. After professionally dancing for 10 years I accidentally fell into the fashion and retail industry and became a creative manager but hugely missed the fitness and performing world. I eventually found Frame and found my love and passion again for fitness and teaching. Discovering Reformer Pilates at Frame truly changed my outlook of what I thought exercise should be. And so, I completed the Reformer Instructor training with the Frame Academy. It has become by far the most rewarding job I have done.
I love Pilates because…
It is the ultimate form of exercise to strengthen, lengthen and tone the body. It’s also an invaluable tool to assist during rehabilitation. You get the best of both worlds as you can also still get a sweat on during a dynamic class.
Describe your teaching style in 3 words
Upbeat, Challenging, Fierce
Best feedback/review you’ve ever received
“Amanda is a fantastic instructor. She gives great technique corrections so that you’re getting the best workout possible and has an epic playlist.”
What’s your go-to Reformer move and WHY?
I love a good old classic plank and on the reformer there are so many challenging variations you can do. Holding a plank on the reformer is so much more intense than being stationery on the mat.
I probably will add at least 3 into my classes as the hold can be so intense trying to find the stability and control within that core. It is the most enjoyable move to teach as there are endless ways to shake and tremor those abs and I LOVE adding a hold and pulse.
What do you get up to when you’re not teaching Pilates?
Honestly??…..Besides eating crisps and watching the entire franchise of the Real Housewives, I also teach Barre which I thoroughly enjoy as I love to create banging beat playlists to help get you through that burn. Anything Disco, Techno and House is my jam. Check out my current class playlist HERE
The one thing you wish people knew about Pilates…
What this form of exercise does to your body. By strengthening, lengthening and toning, it also helps gain the confidence in the body to move with great freedom and fluidity and to help cope with the demands of daily life with an emphasis on how you feel rather than how you look. It’s a winner in my eyes!
Besides from your fabulous self - who are your favourite Frame Pilates teachers and why?
I would have to say the fantastic Ben Stott.
Ben’s creativity is just endless. When you think there are no more moves he delivers an entire encyclopaedia that is always challenging. You will always leave his class with a huge smile.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“If you can’t love yourself how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else” RuPaul : )
Want to find out more about Amanda? Follow her @ammartin_pilatesbarre
Catch her at Shoreditch on Monday evenings and Thursday mornings. BOOK NOW