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 performs with Ceyda Tanc Dance and MANA DANCE, and teaches dance fitness, strength, and Barre. Fascinated by the connection between dance and Pilates, she found the anatomy and precision of the Pilates method deeply inspiring. Colette completed her STOTT Reformer Pilates training, adding it to her repertoire to further explore movement, alignment, and body awareness.
Her classes are dynamic, flowing, and empowering — leaving you feeling strong, balanced, and energised.
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, Jen creates a welcoming and inclusive space in every class. Her Pilates journey began over 15 years ago after a herniated disc led her to the practice. Since then, she has explored both classical and contemporary styles, completing her STOTT Pilates teacher training in Brighton in 2018. Jen is also trained in pre- and postnatal Pilates, fascia-focused movement, and Reformer Pilates through the Lisa Bradshaw Academy.
Regina
Originally from Galway, Ireland, Regina discovered Reformer Pilates three years ago while recovering from C-PTSD and instantly felt more connected, confident, and strong in her body. With a background in dance, theatre, and cheerleading, she loves creating dynamic classes that balance strength, flow, and a well-deserved stretch.
She completed her STOTT Pilates training at YMCA London in 2024 and began teaching with Pilates@BN1 in February. Regina also supports the BN1 community and social media, drawing on her experience in marketing and the arts.
Jenny
Jenny’s love of Pilates began while working as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, where she saw how Pilates could support rehabilitation and prevent injuries in a gym setting. Inspired to deepen her understanding of anatomy and movement, she retrained as a Physiotherapist and spent over 15 years as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist while continuing to enjoy the benefits of Pilates. After the Covid pandemic, Jenny decided to move away from the clinical setting and become a full-time Pilates instructor. Drawing on her experience delivering exercise classes and working as a clinician, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a sense of fun to every session. Jenny continues to expand her skills under the mentorship of Alan Herdman and, as a lifelong gym enthusiast, still loves practising Pilates and lifting weights in her spare time.
