About Joanna
I first discovered Pilates while seeking recovery from a minor sports injury. I joined local Pilates class and was amazed by both the physical benefits and the improved sense of well-being that I felt. Consequently, I chose to study Pilates method as well as the philosophy behind it.
I am originally from Bydgoszcz, Poland and after moving to the UK I worked in London as the architectural lighting designer, teaching Pilates in the evenings for the Greenwich Pilates Studios. In 2015, following the birth of my son, together with my new family I moved to Whitstable in Kent and started a new life with Pilates at the centre.
I run a small equipment-based studio in Whitstable; teach mat-work based classes in Herne Bay and Chilham; reformer sessions for Canterbury Pilates as well as teach regular private clients. I regularly attend workshops and courses, gaining new qualifications and furthering my studies in Pilates, Movement Education and, more recently, in Slings Myofascial Training. This keeps me up to date with any new information within the industry and just as importantly keeps my classes fresh and interesting for my clients.
I am particularly interested in functional anatomy (fascia and biomechanics) and this informs my teaching practice. My classes are structured not only to give my clients exceptional Pilates experience, but also to teach them about their body and its natural movements. You will be amazed to discover how much comfort and ease can be gained by finding your breath and alignment and by rebalancing your fascial tension lines within your body.
I take great care in understanding your history, your injuries and limitations while working with you to develop a stronger healthy body that is waiting to emerge.
Accreditations & Qualifications
Body Control Pilates was founded in London, UK in 1996 by Lynne Robinson.
The same year BCP launched the world’s first curriculum-based matwork teacher training course and in 2005 become the first specialist training provider to gain recognition against the UK government-backed national standard for Pilates (known as ‘Level 3”).
Today BCP is widely recognised as the benchmark for high quality, safe and effective teaching. BCP is Europe’s largest professional Pilates organisation and works to a code of practice overseeing teaching standards and professional ethics.
Qualifications
Level 3 Matwork Certificate July 2011
Level 3 Pre and Postnatal Pilates Programme – November 2015
Level 3 Reformer/Equipment – November 2015
Courses Attended
- Pilates with the Band – October 2011
- Small Ball and Toning Circle – October 2011
- Intermediate Matwork – January 2012
- Endurolates – March 2012
- Pilates on the Ball – April 2012
- Standing Pilates – June 2012
- Advanced Matwork – June 2013
- Foot and Ankle Problems – January 2014
- Level 4 – Movement – April 2014
- Level 4 – Adaptations – April 2014
- Spine Corrector and Pilates Arc – October 2015
- Pilates and Scoliosis – November 2015
- Low Back Pain (LEVEL 4) – February 2016
- Cadillac 1 – February 2017
Art of Motion (AoM) was founded in 2004 in Berne, Switzerland by Karin and Monika Gurtner. AoM offers two main Curriculums: Contemporary Pilates and Slings Myofascial Training (SMT), incorporating Anatomy Trains in Motion.
The SMT curriculum is an advanced course for certified movement teachers and bodyworkers. The SMT is fascia focused training aiming for structural integration, functionality and inside-out wellbeing through conscious movement.
The SMT focuses on health promoting qualities of the myofascial system that positively influence the postural balance, optimises resilience and movement ease.
Qualifications
Certification – March 2017
Slings Myofascial Training Foundation Education
Diploma – September 2018
Certified as Slings Myofascial Training Practitioner
Courses Attended
- Anatomy Trains in Motion – October 2016
- Slings Essential – Fascia in Motion – March 2017
- Slings in Motion I – March 2017
- Slings in Motion II – April 2018
- Slings in Motion III – April 2018
- Slings Certification – September 2018
Buff Bones (BB) was founded by Rebecah Rotstein in 2009 in New York, USA.
BB is a medically endorsed exercise system of movement for bone and joint health.
The system combines bone-strengthening and balance techniques along with Pilates, functional movement, strength training and therapeutic exercise.
The system is adaptable for varying levels of fitness and is designed to help those with bone and joint concerns, including issues like osteoporosis and arthritis.
Qualification
Buff Bones Instructor – June 2018
Other Courses Attended
- Valentin – Pilates for Men – September 2015
- Madeline Black – Mat Strengthening – July 2016
- Cara Reeser – Freeing up your Neck and Shoulders: A Pilates Movement Intensive – June 2017
- Madeline Black and James D’Silva – Centre Off Centre – September 2018
- James Earls – Born to Walk – March 2019
- Lisa Bradshaw – Springboard ONE – June 2019