Who we are

Shelley Smith

Founder of The Pilates Workshop

Expert pilates teacher, Back4Good Practitioner, Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner

For over 24 years Shelley has dedicated herself to teaching Pilates & the study of biomechanics. Her passion for Pilates led her to study how conditions can affect the body especially neurological conditions, cancers & chemo, joint conditions (Hyermobility, Osteoarthritis) and the affects of sports injuries.  Shelley has helped many of people improve their lives and reach their goals through pilates.  Shelley has also mentored many Body Control Pilates students through their training and is known in the Beds, Bucks and Herts area for her work & dedication.

Certified Body Control Pilates Teacher

Qualified to teach Pilates Matwork, Pilates Reformer & Pilates equipment

Amanda Pountney

I have over 20 years experience as a teacher and have gained “Master Teacher” certification with the Body Control Pilates™ Association, Europe’s leading professional body for teachers and a REPs Level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor – Lower Back Pain and a Back Care Professional. I am qualified to advanced level on the Pilates Reformer and Cadillac.

Throughout my career I have worked with a diverse range of clients, both within a class environment and privately, from athletes to individuals suffering with chronic pain and injuries. I am passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and enhancing their well-being.

In addition I am a dedicated Body Control educator and mentor and I have helped train numerous Student Teachers, passing on my knowledge and expertise to the next generation of teachers.

I am committed to providing my clients with a safe, effective and enjoyable Pilates experience no matter what background and level and truly believe in the role Pilates plays in improving both physical and mental health.

My continual drive to be the best teacher I can means that I regularly attend courses and workshops to expand my knowledge and ultimately give you the best Pilates experience- I hope to see you in class soon!

Paula Hart

I qualified with Body Control Pilates in 2001. Previously a Paramedic in London for 8 years. After developing back and neck problems, to the extent that they affected my sleep and daily activities. I decided to try Pilates as all the other treatments had not helped me. I was amazed how much it helped me and this inspired me to train to teach Pilates to help people in the same way as it did for me.

I have been teaching now for 22 years and I have loved, and still do, being able to pass on my knowledge of Pilates to my clients and improve their quality of life too. I am trained to an Advanced level in matwork and on the Reformer. I am also trained on the Cadillac, Chair and Barrel, small equipment.

I have attended specialist courses in Pilates for Pregnancy, Breast cancer and Hypermobility.

REPs Level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor – Lower Back Pain and a Back Care Professional.

My studio is based in St Albans and offers the latest equipment in a environment designed to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Kate Byrne

I found Pilates in my mid-thirties, and my only regret is that I didn’t find it earlier!!! I had spent many years sitting at a desk with a stressful job, so was very tight in the shoulders and suffered with neck, lower back and hip pain. I felt like I needed to be put on a rack! That wasn’t an option, so I started doing Pilates! I immediately loved everything about it, and could feel and see the benefits very quickly.

I trained in London with The Body Control Pilates Association in 2009 to become a teacher. I feel like I have finally found the perfect vocation for me, as I originally started off my career in my early twenties as a middle school PE teacher, so I now feel like I have put the two things together.I love every minute of teaching Pilates, and feel blessed that I have such a wonderful job, working alongside some wonderful teachers, and teaching lovely clients. I really enjoy helping clients feel better in their own bodies, and also helping them to understand how to take Pilates into everyday life.

If you want to reduce your aches and pains, learn to relax and breathe more, increase muscle tone, improve core strength and posture, and generally feel better about yourself, start Pilates. It’s the best!

Qualified to teach Pilates Matwork, Pilates Reformer & Pilates equipment