About
Embodied Pilates is a home studio based in the beautiful village of Frenchay, South Gloucestershire.
At Embodied Pilates, every body is truly welcome. We honour and celebrate diversity in all its forms—body size, age, gender identity, race, ability, and lived experience. This is a space where you can show up as your full self, without judgment or expectation.
We embrace all body types, including larger bodies, and stay rooted in the core principles of Pilates. But more than anything, this practice is about tuning in—listening deeply to your body, moving with intention, and cultivating strength from the inside out.
Pilates is a whole-body approach that gently strengthens you from deep within.
As we move together, you may begin to notice:
A stronger connection to your core and glutes
Improved coordination and balance
Greater ease and range of motion in your joints
Increased strength and flexibility
Support for bone health and density
A reduced risk of injury through mindful, sustainable movement
And a deeper sense of awareness, presence, and care in your relationship with your body
This isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about creating a compassionate relationship with your body—one that feels empowering, nourishing, and grounded in who you are.
Meet Rachel
Rachel is a fully qualified Pilates instructor in both equipment and mat work, having completed extensive training through the Physiotherapy and Pilates Rehabilitation Centre, in affiliation with Alan Herdman Pilates—one of the world’s leading Pilates training providers.
She has always led an active lifestyle. From competing in county-level cross-country as a child to rock climbing and snowboarding around the world as an adult, movement has been a constant in her life.
After the birth of her two children, Rachel found it challenging to balance motherhood with recovery and her passion for staying active. That’s when she discovered Pilates. The postnatal classes were transformative—leaving her feeling stronger, more energized, and calmer. Inspired by the profound impact Pilates had on her own life, Rachel chose to retrain and begin a new chapter as a Pilates teacher, helping others reconnect with their bodies and feel empowered through movement.
Life.
Around ten years ago, Rachel became seriously ill and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis—a life-changing and deeply challenging experience. It was a time filled with uncertainty, fear, and a profound shift in both body and mind.
Pilates became a lifeline in her rehabilitation. It played a vital role in her recovery and has since become essential in helping her manage ongoing flares, pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges.
Rachel knows firsthand how overwhelming a diagnosis can be, and how it can affect every part of your life—from physical health to emotional well-being. Her lived experience brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to her teaching, especially when supporting others on their own healing journeys.
Adapt.
Rachel combines her personal experience with a deep understanding of the human body—drawing on her degree in Biological Sciences as well as her comprehensive training with the Physiotherapy and Pilates Rehabilitation Centre. This unique blend of scientific knowledge and movement expertise allows her to design highly effective, personalized Pilates programs that meet each client where they are. Her goal is always to support and empower individuals throughout their movement journey with care, clarity, and compassion.