Get to know me - behind Pilates with Hols

I thought it apt my first entry be a little introduction to who I am as Pilates with Hols and beyond.

---

What's your favourite thing about Pilates?

For me it's all about how Pilates takes a holistic approach - it's not just about physical results, but the positive mental change it can have in your life. It's definitely a time where I can step out of the world for a second and just be present in my body.

When you're not doing Pilates, how do you like to spend your time?

A few years back, during the pandemic, I went back to a hobby I started when I was around 11 - playing piano. Since then it's something I try to incorporate into my week - taking time out to stop, not think and just play - it's funny how muscle memory works!

What are you currently reading?

When I was in London last, my friend and I visited The Notting Hill Book Shop and I picked up The Poetry Pharmacy by William Sieghart. It's a lovely collection of poems selected by Sieghart to bring comfort to however you may be feeling - so far I'm loving The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry - the remedy for when I'm feeling any kind of anxiety.

What's something you love about teaching Pilates?

I love seeing how people change (even a bit) from the time they walk into class to when they leave. It's seeing that smile on someone's face or noticing how much calmer they feel, or how much stronger they are in their body.

Is there a song or album which has just been on repeat?

Gracie Abrams - The Secret of Us! Her deluxe version has just dropped and I've had That's So True on repeat - I find her songwriting so relatable and each song is perfect for singing in the shower!

Your favourite food and drink?

Nothing has ever compared to my Mum's homemade lasagne - it really is up there! It's such a comfort meal that I could eat all year round. Paired with a glass of red - you just can't beat it! If I'm out for drinks though and it's a cocktail-sorta evening, it's gotta be a Margarita - I'm a big lime (and tequila) fan!

What's one affirmation that you've been using lately?

I've had this quote as my phone background for a while - "If you can't control it, why the fuck are you freaking out?" Just love how it gets right to the point!

Your favourite time of day?

Dusk - I love the evenings when the sky is clear and the sun is setting and you get all the beautiful mix of orange, red and pink colours in the sky.

Where's my happy place?

I have a few - the first is waking up on holiday somewhere warm, jumping in the pool and drying off in the sunshine. Another would be cosying up on the couch during an Autumn day and binge watching a new series (or Gilmore Girls... again). The last one is listening to live music, whether that be at a festival or a concert - it's a real form of escapism for me and it's amazing being part of crowd of people all in the same place for the same reason - the Eras Tour was a highlight this year!

What's one thing you're excited about that's coming up in 2025?

I cannot wait to see where Pilates with Hols will go - having started in September of this year, it'll be exciting to see where I will be in September of 2025! On another note I've been learning a bit of Italian on Duolingo for an upcoming trip to Italy - a streak of 48 so far! I'm hoping to understand a little more by the time I go, but particularly looking forward to practicing some Pilates in the Tuscan sun and seeking out some authentic Italian cuisine!