Pilates Brought Me Back To Myself
I first came to Pilates during my first pregnancy – it was a brilliant way to stay mobile and ease the usual aches and pains. But I truly got hooked after having my twins. My body felt like it had been through a battle: I had a five-finger-wide diastasis recti (severe tummy muscle separation), my strength had disappeared, and I didn’t feel like “me” anymore. Pilates was the first thing that made me feel both safe and strong. It wasn’t just movement, it was reconnection. The more I practised, the more I realised it was so much more than exercise; it was a complete reset. That feeling is what got me hooked.
Discovering Pilates Made Me Want To Bring It To Others
I was at a crossroads, contemplating a return to TV producing, which had been my career for 12 years. At the time, I had three children under three and lockdown had just hit. Pilates became my lifeline, both physically and mentally. The lightbulb moment came when I realised that if it could transform me so profoundly, I wanted to dedicate myself to helping other women find that same strength and empowerment.
I’m Stronger & Fitter Now In My 40s
Pilates has changed everything for me. My body feels stronger and fitter now, in my forties, than it ever did in my twenties. But more than that, Pilates has completely shifted my mindset. I stopped trying to get back to who I was pre-kids and instead embraced becoming my 2.0 self – stronger, more resilient, more confident. It filters into daily life too: I move with more awareness, my posture is better, and I’ve built the kind of strength that makes everyday tasks feel effortless.
My Kind of Pilates Isn’t Gentle – Its A Proper Workout
Recovering from diastasis recti was one of my biggest challenges, and it made me passionate about teaching from a place of empathy and understanding. It showed me how powerful intelligent movement can be when done consistently. A big lightbulb moment was realising that Pilates doesn’t have to be “gentle”. It can be fiery, sweaty, and strength-building while still rooted in control and precision. That’s what shaped my whole method. The endless possibilities and its power to transform. Pilates is a system, but it’s also so adaptable. I love layering in resistance, tempo changes, and sequencing that makes it feel fresh every single time. And the excitement really comes from my clients and the feedback I get from members; seeing them progress, get stronger, and surprise themselves never gets old.
I Teach What “Pilates 2.0”
It’s strength-based, dynamic, and progressive. I take the foundations of classical Pilates and layer in heavier weights, resistance bands, tempo shifts, and modern training principles. It’s about building real strength and resilience while keeping all the precision and control that makes Pilates so effective. I like to think of it as Pilates, supercharged. There is a big misconception that Pilates is either “easy” or just about flexibility. Another is that all Pilates is the same, when in reality every instructor has a different style. You might try one class and think it’s not for you, then find another and absolutely love it. Done well, it’s one of the most challenging and effective forms of training out there. And it’s not just for women, men benefit hugely from it too.
If Your Transitioning Through Life – Try Pilates
I love working with people at transitional stages – postnatal clients, those training for an event (like a marathon or a big sporting challenge), or anyone who feels a bit “lost” in their fitness journey. Probably because I’ve been there myself. Helping someone rebuild from the ground up and then watching them flourish is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Pilates Should Be A Go To For Those Experiencing Back Pain
Pilates is exceptional for posture and back health because it targets the deep stabilising muscles that most workouts overlook. When you strengthen those muscles, particularly through the core, you create a solid foundation for the whole body. That’s why Pilates is so transformative: when the core is strong, every movement becomes stronger, safer, and more efficient. It’s not just about standing taller; it’s about building balance, alignment, and resilience so your body can move well and stay injury- and pain-free in daily life.
I’m Excited For The Future
On 17th November, I’m launching a brand-new postnatal series that I’ve been working on for some time. I cannot wait to offer mums a safe, effective way to rebuild themselves – just as I did. Looking further ahead into the new year, I’m developing a comprehensive diastasis recti series designed to guide women step by step through their rehab journey. This is a true passion project for me, born out of my own recovery, and I’m determined to make sure more women feel supported, informed, and empowered no matter how long it’s been since they had children.
You can find more about Sam and her Pilates here: https://wimbledon.samdevillepilates.com/
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