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
Hi, I’m Rachel—a fully qualified Pilates instructor in both equipment and mat work, trained through the Physiotherapy and Pilates Rehabilitation Centre in affiliation with Alan Herdman Pilates, one of the world’s leading Pilates training providers.
Movement has always been a part of who I am. From running county-level cross-country as a child to rock climbing and snowboarding around the world as an adult, staying active has been my way of feeling connected, strong, and alive.
After the birth of my two children, I found myself trying to navigate recovery, motherhood, and my identity as someone who thrives on movement, that’s when I discovered Pilates.
But life has a way of shifting course. About ten years ago, I became seriously ill and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis—a diagnosis that brought pain, fear, and a profound shift in both my body and mind.
Life.
What began as postnatal rehabilitation quickly became a lifeline—not only helping me manage RA flares, pain, and stiffness, but also leaving me feeling stronger, more energised, and calmer than I had in years. Pilates helped me reconnect with myself during a time when I felt most disconnected.
Inspired by the profound impact Pilates had on my own healing, I retrained and began a new chapter as a teacher. Today, I help others reconnect with their bodies, build strength, and feel empowered—especially those facing physical challenges or navigating major life transitions.
I know how overwhelming it can feel to be disconnected from your body. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and capable—because healing and strength are possible, no matter where you're starting from.
Grow.
Alongside this work, I also have the privilege of working closely with athletes across a range of sports—from runners, triathletes, and footballers to golfers and rugby players, including Bristol’s Premiership Rugby team and Senior Academy. I collaborate with team physiotherapists to deliver targeted injury rehabilitation and design Pilates programs that support performance, recovery, and resilience.
Whether it’s pre-season conditioning, injury prevention, or restorative work before game day, my goal is always the same: to help every athlete move better, feel stronger, and stay injury-free.
Pilates has been life-changing for me. It took me from facing lifelong disability to running 10km races, strength training, and Olympic weightlifting. It’s helped me rebuild both physically and mentally—and that transformation is what I bring to every session.
With a degree in Applied Biological Sciences and advanced training from the Physiotherapy and Pilates Rehabilitation Centre, I blend scientific knowledge with lived experience to create personalised, effective programs that meet you exactly where you are.