Instructors
Bengu
Bengu, the founder of Pilates@BN1, discovered Pilates while looking for relief from shoulder and back pain caused by cervical kyphosis. Experiencing the benefits first-hand sparked a passion that led her to become a certified STOTT Pilates® instructor, drawn to the method’s focus on alignment and mindful movement.
She has trained with renowned Merrithew™ master and lead instructor trainers across Canada and the USA, continuously refining her skills to offer thoughtful, high-quality sessions. With years of experience both practising and teaching, Bengu brings a deep understanding and a supportive approach to every class.
She offers specialised support for a wide range of needs, including pre/post-natal care, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and tailored athletic conditioning. Her warm, personalised style creates a space where clients feel supported, challenged, and empowered—where movement really makes a difference.
Leyla
Leyla, a multi-talented professional – pharmacist, dancer, and certified Pilates expert. Her journey into Pilates began as a dancer, enhancing her grace and alignment. But it was an injury that changed her path, leading her to become a Pilates teacher. Trained by Sandro Alves, a direct disciple of Joseph Pilates, Leyla earned her comprehensive Pilates certification. She’s also specialized in Pilates Suspensus, prenatal Pilates, Pilates for seniors, and spinal health. Leyla’s passion for Pilates shines in her 1:1 and group classes, making her a valued member of the Pilates@BN1 team. Pilates isn’t just her work; it’s her lifestyle.
Steffi
Certified in Pilates, Yoga, and Personal Training with a degree in Sport, Physical Education, and Coaching Science, Steffi – a former track athlete – discovered her passion for anatomy and mindful movement post a serious sports injury. Her classes embody a holistic approach, emphasizing alignment and precision. Steffi encourages clients to have fun and find joy in movement, ensuring they leave feeling more confident and uplifted. Her motivation lies in witnessing clients benefit from Pilates, driving her continual skillset expansion.
Niamh
Niamh’s journey into Pilates began as a means of rehabilitating her body following a serious back injury, where she experienced a remarkable reduction in pain. This transformative experience sparked her passion for teaching. Drawing from her background in dance, Niamh’s teaching emphasizes alignment, fluidity, and strength. She completed her reformer training with STOTT Pilates, known for its meticulous attention to detail. Niamh’s love for flexibility training shines through in her classes, ensuring a nourishing stretch at the end to leave you feeling your best.
Colette
Colette is a professional dancer trained at the UK’s leading contemporary dance conservatoire, NSCD. She dances with Ceyda Tanc Dance and MANA DANCE and also coaches dance fitness, strength, and Barre classes.
Her Barre classes offer an upbeat, full-body workout, combining classical ballet and dance training to target small muscle groups. The sessions blend toning exercises with cardio, flowing seamlessly with high repetitions to build strength and flexibility.
Niki Georgiou
Niki possesses specialized training in the renowned APPI Pilates method, meticulously crafted by physiotherapists and widely implemented in healthcare facilities worldwide, particularly in rehabilitation settings.
In addition to her role as a Sports Massage Therapist, Niki embraced a new opportunity as a Physiotherapy Assistant in the esteemed Musculoskeletal Department at Imperial College Hospital London. In this capacity, she adeptly taught Pilates-based exercises to both individuals and groups, playing an integral role in their comprehensive rehabilitation programs. It was during this period that Niki discovered her passion for guiding others through exercise and subsequently pursued formal Pilates Instructor training.
By seamlessly integrating her background as a Massage Therapist, Physiotherapy Assistant, and Pilates Instructor, Niki offers a distinctive repertoire of skills tailored to support you throughout your personal rehabilitation journey.
Kate
Kate discovered Pilates during her recovery from an injury and was captivated by its ability to build strength and mobility in a mindful way. Her deep interest in the body’s physical and mental connections led her to train with the London Pilates Academy, where she earned certifications in mat and reformer Pilates.
With over 10 years of nursing experience, including specialising in osteoporosis care, Kate brings a holistic and dynamic approach to her classes. She focuses on enhancing balance, mobility, and overall wellbeing for her clients.
Julie
Julie began her Pilates journey through a passion for fitness, first qualifying as a Level 2 Gym Instructor before becoming a STOTT Reformer Pilates Instructor. She’s now expanding her skills with mat training. Inspired by the way Reformer Pilates improved her posture and mind-body connection, Julie is dedicated to helping others feel strong and confident through mindful movement.
Jen
With a firm belief that movement is for everyone, I aim to create a welcoming, inclusive space in every class. My journey began over 15 years ago after a herniated disc led me to Pilates. Since then, I’ve explored both classical and contemporary styles, eventually completing my STOTT Pilates teacher training in Brighton in 2018. I’m also trained in pre- and postnatal Pilates, fascia-focused movement, and Reformer Pilates through Lisa Bradshaw Academy. Expect mindful movement, great playlists, and a fun, open atmosphere where your feedback is always welcome.
Giuseppe
Born in Pompei, Giuseppe’s journey to becoming a Pilates teacher is one of resilience and transformation. After a road bike accident that led to eight surgeries and left him with injuries on 75% of his body, he turned to Pilates as part of his recovery. Through dedication and practice, he not only regained strength and mobility but also found a passion for helping others move and feel better. Now, as a Pilates teacher, Giuseppe brings his firsthand experience and deep understanding of the body to his teaching, guiding clients toward strength, stability, and confidence in their movement.
