Holly Murray Owner and Teacher Trainer
Holly discovered Pilates in Seattle USA in early 2000, and along with a small handful of others was amongst the first in the UK to offer the full 360 approach that Pilates naturally is after completing her training with Romana Kryzanowska in 2003.
In 2009 Holly launched the first UK teacher Training for the Pilates Method. Pi, and the Pi Teacher Training is now internationally recognised as a fully comprehensive training centre for The Method of Joseph Pilates.
Holly has fought hard against the whims of the fitness industry and stayed true to her belief in the healing process of The Method and its ability to re-educate the body and remind it of the care-free movement of youth. Trusting in the client’s own ability to return to wholeness.
Holly is also part of the alumni for the Flow Genome Project, and one of the first to be recognised as a UK mentor for accessing Flow. She has worked with both giants in Flow Science, Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal. Flow is a state in which higher performance is accessed, and available to all. In flow we experience greater, creativity, problem solving increased learning capacity. See our Mind Gym for more information.
With years of teaching experience and a long-term self-practice, Holly recognised the work of Gabor Mate is found in the Pilates Method. Gabor’s approach ‘the body holds the score’ is a deep return to wholeness, looking at the hidden drivers that keep us from reaching our true potential.
‘Never has a day gone by when I have not been grateful for the Method and the steadying foundation it has provided in my life. Through its process and my own natural journey, I see Pilates in its full potential is a Return to Life.’
If you would like a private 1:1 with Holly, please email the studio: theconservatory@pistudios.co.uk
Sophia More Teacher & Teacher Trainer
Sophia More, is a seasoned Pilates practitioner herself and a long term teacher at Pi Studios. With over 15 years of immersion in the Pilates world. Sophia's journey began as a personal quest for both strength and flexibility after children. Little did she know, it would blossom into a lifelong passion and a calling to share the power of Pilates with others.
Firstly, she trained under the expert guidance of Holly Murray at Pi Studios, Sophia embraced the Classical Pilates method wholeheartedly. For her, it wasn't just about exercising; it was about embodying a philosophy of movement that enriches the body, mind and spirit. Sophia's commitment to the authentic principles set forth by Joseph Pilates himself is unwavering. She believes that when Pilates is practiced with dedication and consistency, profound changes ripple through the body, unlocking its true potential.
As a teacher, Sophia has perfected a keen insight and personalised attention. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, Sophia's approach meets you where you are, gently pushing you beyond your limits to achieve newfound strength, flexibility and vitality.
Sophia knows that Pilates is a never-ending process, she continually hones her craft through advanced training and workshops with a diverse array of Pilates luminaries.
This dedication to ongoing learning has elevated her to the prestigious role of Teacher Trainer at Pi Studios.
As a Teacher Trainer, Sophia is committed to nurturing the next generation of Pilates teachers. Through her guidance, aspiring teachers not only master the technical aspects of Classical Pilates but also cultivate the confidence and intuition necessary to inspire their own students.
In Sophia, you'll find more than just a Pilates teacher; you'll find a mentor, a confidant, and a true practitioner of the Pilates tradition.
Sophia has trained with Bob Liekens, Javier Perez Pont, Brooke Siler, Kathi Ross Nash, Chris Robinson, Javier Valezquez, Sonje Majo, Miguel Silva, Gloria Gasperi, Siri Galliano, Benjamin Degenhardt, Lori Coleman Brown, Marjorie Oron.
Max Lobatto Teacher
From an early age, Max has practised martial arts and discovered Pilates to help him regain his strength and rehabilitate after an injury required surgery. He soon realised that Pilates not only helped him restore balance and strength in his body, but also created great focus in the mind. As a result, Max decided to embark on his own Pilates certification journey.
Now a Pilates instructor, Max works extensively with athletes from a wide range of sports using Pilates to help them restore, rehabilitate and strengthen their bodies. His broad experience includes a 5 year spell with Brighton & Hove Albion football club.
Nasia Grimani Teacher & Teacher Trainer
Nasia's first experience of The Pilates Method was 11 years ago, when she was still a Physiotherapy student. She was a volleyball athlete and in the town where she was for her studies, there wasn’t a team to continue her sport which led her to start Pilates. As a sporty child, from a young age she tried lots of sports like gymnastics, volleyball, running track, handball, kick boxing, yoga so it was impossible for her not to understand the benefits of Pilates. The strictness, the respect to the human body and the concentration required in the method, working the mind and the body with such harmony was the reason pushing her to follow her first Pilates training, in 2014.
Since then, her journey to the art of teaching The Pilates Method has begun. Recently, she completed the second full comprehensive training program as a Classical Pilates teacher. Her love for being able to move without limits and her willingness to help others with any way she can, makes her thirsty to share her knowledge with her students. To help them discover their bodies, their capabilities, their strengths and weaknesses and evolve physically and mentally.
Leila Daaboul Teacher
Growing up I was not particularly sporty or active, and it was not until I found Pilates that I truly understand the transformative power of movement. Both mentally and physically. As an instructor I hope you leave every session with me, feeling even 1% better than when you came into it. Using The Pilates Method as a tool, and working alongside your own personal goals, my sessions aim to enhance your mobility, strength, and balance to result in an improved quality of life.
I strongly believe that there is no one ‘Pilates body’, and by showing up as my most authentic self as a teacher, strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
Harrison Collett Teacher
Having climbed for many years, Harrison came to Pilates as a way to find more three-dimensionality and balance in his body. After an ankle injury resulted in the need for rehabilitation, he soon grew passionate about the way the method can inform all walks of life. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Harrison’s twin backgrounds as athlete and artist meet in his work, and he is eager to encourage greater awareness of the mind-body connection through his classes.
Willemien Schurer Teacher
I am a strong believer in the importance of purposeful movement for mental and physical health. I love guiding clients in their Pilates journey to find their internal ‘push and pulls’, creating strong and confident bodies with great posture! I am happiest when challenging clients with their best work, be it with healthy clients or clients recovering from injury.
Participation in sports was ingrained since childhood, and still make regular practice of running, S&C, tennis, hiking and skiing. I discovered Pilates as the only method to keep myself together pain-free after breaking my spine as a child, and more recently found it integral pre/post-surgical with knee surgery. I have a great eye on technique and alignment, making sure the body is challenged in a safe and functional way.
I originally trained as a health economist with LSE, but found the years of sitting unmanageable for my spine. I found such happiness and freedom from Pilates teaching, first at contemporary Cobham Pilates under Lisa Bradshaw, and subsequently retrained with the classical Pilates method under Sheri Bercowitz. I love all the tools both methods have given me to provide best possible service to all my clients regardless their physical condition or age!
Lily Wickens SM director and Mat Teacher
Lily’s journey with movement began at a young age, where she trained as a professional dancer and went on to spend a number of years performing. It was through this dedication to movement she developed a passion for Pilates.
After training as a Pilates instructor at Pi Academy, Lily honed her skills in helping others connect with and engage their muscles on a deeper level. Her sessions are designed to leave you feeling lengthened, strengthened, and more flexible, all while achieving a sense of mental clarity.
Lily's expertise and passion for movement will help you unlock your full potential and achieve your goals
Cialann Mckeating Teacher
Like so many people, for years I struggled to find the right balance between exercise and "wellness". I wanted to find something that felt good for my body, rather than punishing. Pilates was my answer to this. An exercise that requires complete mind and body connection and that challenges my strength and control in ways I hadn't known possible.
I began the Equinox Pilates Full Comprehensive Course during my maternity leave and very quickly knew I had made the best decision. I would love to be able to help you find this connection, to challenge you in new ways and to help you achieve your personal desired goals.
My sessions aim to improve your overall strength, mobility, flexibility and stamina. My practice is my daily meditation. I hope I can give that same feeling to you and that you will leave my class feeling stronger and more connected to your body.
Ashley Van Dyk Teacher
Ashley has over 10 years’ experience in both classical and rehabilitation Pilates. She discovered and immediately fell in love with Joseph Pilates' method of movement when an instructor trainer asked her to act as the student in a demonstration. The centring, concentration and breath control changed her perception of exercise and 2007 saw her begin her certification programme. Ashley has furthered her education with pre- and post-natal Pilates, Yoga and Gait Therapy.
Through Pilates, Ashley has found her true mind and body connection and strives to help others find their proper body alignment.
Becky Uden Teacher
Becky first discovered Pilates when struggling to recover from a snowboarding accident in 2008. As an active and ambitious Londoner, she set out to regain her strength and mobility so that she could start moving her body with ease again.
But that’s not all it did. As well as accelerating her immediate recovery, Becky also uncovered the emotional and spiritual transformation of introducing Pilates into her everyday life. The new sense of clarity was so empowering that it saw Becky wave goodbye to her digital media office job and embark on a journey to share her passion with people across London and beyond.
Today, Becky is a fully-certified instructor with a community of passionate clients ranging from 80 years of age, through to young professionals, prenatal and postnatal. She enjoys working with clients on a one to one and small group basis, personalising sessions to their specific individual needs. She strongly believes Pilates is for everyone, and that everyone can experience the transformational powers of the method.
Zhana Leeson Teacher
Practising Pilates for over a decade, Zhana was originally introduced to The Method after experiencing pain from a herniated disc.
She was quickly hooked and it became her retreat from London life. However, it wasn't until she relocated to Amsterdam that she certified as a Pilates teacher.
Life has brought her back to London where she continues to teach, share her passion, and further her knowledge of both classical and contemporary Pilates.
Ella McKay Mat Teacher
Ella’s journey with movement began at a young age, as a professional dancer with the Northern Ballet, then achieving a First Class Hons degree in Musical Theatre. As a professional performer, connecting the body and mind, to achieve a state of wellbeing, created a love for Pilates and Ella’s passion flourished. Ella trained at Pi Studios and encourages clients to focus on understanding how their own body works, in correlation with each movement, whilst focusing the mind. Ella strives to create a studio space to be a place where nothing else matters. Her sessions are designed to allow you to leave the studio with a stronger mind, increased flexibility and the best version of yourself. Ella’s, encouragement, positivity and determination will allow you to achieve your goals within holistic surroundings.
Terry Smith Teacher and Studio Manager
Terry believes that Pilates offers individuals a way to explore their own bodies within movement and flow. He not only embraces the change that the method makes physically, but the way it encourages individual creativity and gives the tools to deal with the everyday unplanned and unexpected.
Since qualifying as a Pilates instructor, Terry has worked with clients and their rehabilitation, and extensively worked with athletes, dancers, artists and actors, to improve control, balance and strength.
As a cyclist he is particularly interested in exploring how Pilates can improve physical and mental endurance in professional cycling and other sports. His background as a musician and artist continue to inform the choices he makes in his classes. Expect a creative and fun workout!
Olivia Nixon Teacher
After suffering from a debilitating prolapsed disc Olivia found Pilates seemed to be the only exercise that didn’t seem to aggravate the injury. She chose to take matters in her own hands and train as a Pilates instructor at Pi Academy. Pilates gave Olivia a chance to heal, strengthen and above all it’s brought the joy of movement back into her life. She is also a strong believer In Pilates building personal confidence. Outside of Pilates Olivia works as an actress, writer and comic and has found that focusing on The Method, breath and movement gives her time to centre physically and more importantly, mentally - which in this 21st century is far too rare! Pilates allows you to be in the now. Olivia's comic tendencies guarantee you’re also never short of a smile and a laugh in class.
Hayley Williams Teacher
I have been practicing Pilates for my entire adult life, and I have personally witnessed its incredible impact on the body. I received my training from Holly Murray at Pi Studio and have since continued to develop my skills through workshops, classes, and private sessions with some of the world's leading instructors.
As an instructor, I am committed to creating customised sessions for each of my clients, regardless of their experience level. My primary focus is to help you set and achieve your goals and improve your overall quality of life. During our sessions, we will use a combination of classical apparatus such as the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair, among others, to help you improve flexibility, balance, strength, and toning, ultimately nourishing and supporting the foundation of your body that you rely on every day.
I strongly believe that Pilates is a discipline for everyone, and I am dedicated to sharing its benefits with my clients.
Luke Cook Teacher
I’ve taught Pilates since 2005, and during that time I’ve worked with dancers, swimmers, artists, CEO’s, professionals, stay-at-home parents, and retirees.
Many of them came to me because they wanted to fix injured backs, weak abs, bad knees, stiff necks or tight hamstrings. The Pilates system can almost always be helpful—and sometimes life-changing.
Using the Pilates apparatus, I help people improve their flexibility, strength and control. The lessons I teach are progressively more challenging based on what you have achieved in your last session. If you have a specific goal—we can focus on that until we find a solution.
Looking forward to seeing you for a workout!
Percevale Perks Teacher
Percy’s journey with classical Pilates began over 20 years ago during his dance training and subsequent career as a professional ballet dancer in Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Pilates was essential in enhancing Percy’s ballet technique and aiding his recovery from back and leg injuries throughout his career.
Trained in the classical Pilates method at Pi Studio, Percy’s teaching integrates a deep understanding of the body and movement, enriched by his extensive background in dance.
Percy enjoys working with individuals of all levels and ages, focusing on strength, mobility, and precision. His true passion is helping people discover the joy of movement.
Outside the studio, Percy enjoys weight lifting, cycling, and meditation.
Tala Barot Teacher
Since childhood I have always been a swimmer and a long distance runner. It wasn’t until my third child my swim coach told me I needed to improve my back by attending Reformer Pilates classes. I never looked back! As a Pilates client I evolved further in Pilates and became a certified teacher with Balance Body in Dubai. After recently relocating back to the UK and teaching Reformer Pilates in Buckinghamshire, I took time out and did a workshop in Dubai under Gloria Gasperi, Jay Grimes and Sandy Shimoda, which deepened my practice and work further into Classical Pilates.
My goal is to make clients feel connected within themselves and leave knowing Pilates does change the mind and body. Pilates is an education to the body through and through. We all need it. We all need to understand it. Outside of Pilates, I still continue with my swimming and running.
Nicola Desay Teacher
After years of chasing high-intensity gym classes and burning out, Nichola found Pilates—a practice that transformed her approach to fitness. Initially drawn to its physical benefits, her passion deepened during her Classical Mat Certification, where she discovered the profound mind-body connection.
Pursuing the Full Comprehensive course, Nichola realised that Pilates is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. Pilates has strengthened her body, improved mobility, and minimised injury, and she’s committed to helping her clients achieve the same.
In her sessions, Nichola creates empowering, balanced workouts that challenge and inspire, helping clients build confidence and strength for everyday life.
John Smelt Teacher Triathlon Coach
I have been a competitive road and track cyclist and a GB middle distance triathlete. In addition to teaching Pilates, I am a triathlon coach. Pilates has been key for me in the last 20 years, helping to offset training overload, frequent travel and office life.
I specialise in athletes looking to integrate Pilates into their training. Elite athletes increasingly use Pilates to both aid performance and reduce injury. Pilates requires a little time and money, but it’s much less expensive than remedial physio or missing races through injury.
My teaching aims to give clients a clear understanding of Pilates, so they develop a repertoire that can make them self-sufficient in the future.
I trained with Holly Murray at Pi Studios and never stop learning. Pilates is a life skill that helps develop better control and understanding of the body and I hope to still be practising long after my competitive days have finished.