meet the team
Meet our team of friendly and qualified teachers at our clapham studio
chiara Boswell
FOUNDER - Classical Pilates Teacher & Sports Therapist
Ever since joining gymnastics classes in my vibrant home city Naples at the age of four, human movement, strength, and mobility have been at the centre of my world.
This lifelong fascination with the human body and movement saw me qualify as a Sports Therapist back in 2012.
But it was after discovering the magic of classical Pilates and its unique body-awakening powers that I became obsessed. I completed my Advanced Classical Teacher Training in 2015 at the world-renowned Pilates Center (BO Colorado).
Dubbed the ‘Harvard of Pilates’, this rigorous 950-hour training programme stays true to the fundamentals developed by Joseph Pilates a century ago. This has given me the tools, skillset and practice to to be able to teach any body, from the most sedentary to the most active, and everybody in between.
Since then, I’ve trained elite runners, rugby teams, injury-hit athletes, and professional dancers from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. I also specialise in helping pregnant women and new mothers.
Pilates is not just for highly active gym-goers and athletes, but busy sedentary professionals, and anyone worn out by chronic pains, niggling discomforts, and any type of physical suffering.
My style is encouraging, energetic and unjudgmental.
My classes are truly for everyone.
ALESSIA BONELLI
Classical Pilates Teacher & Sports Psychologist (Undergrad)
My name is Alessia, a London-based Pilates practitioner.
With a background in ballet, swimming, and weightlifting, I discovered the transformative power of Pilates about 10 years ago.
Since then, I have been completely captivated by the Classical Pilates method, which focuses on the mind-body connection, breath, and flow.
And I have used Pilates as a form of self-discovery. Getting to know my body through movement to such details is absolutely what I wish everybody would experience.
I aim to guide and inspire individuals in their transformative journeys, fostering a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Additionally, I am pursuing a degree in Sport Psychology and coaching which I believe will give me the tools to support individuals in reaching their full potential on and off the field.
I believe in nurturing a positive mindset, developing resilience, and achieving personal growth through physical activity.
Larissa O’Brien
Classical and Contemporary Pilates Teacher - Rehab Specialist
With a background in ballet and contemporary dance I have been teaching Pilates and other movement modalities for over 25 years.
I first discovered Pilates as a way of rehabilitating a back injury I sustained through dance in my early 20s. The Pilates method not only assisted my full recovery but gave me a greater understanding of my own movement practice which intern gave me a more efficient, stronger and less injury prone body.
I hold a Bachelor of dance from the University of Melbourne and performed professionally as a contemporary dancer for several years before becoming a Pilates instructor.
I originally certified with the Australian Pilates method association and have since graduated from ‘The Pilates Center’s’ Advanced teacher training program and Masters program. I am also a post graduate of the Kathy grant Heritage training and a certified yoga instructor.
In 2017 I had the privilege of becoming
a licenced teacher trainer for ‘The Pilates Center’ which allows me to advise and examine their Pilates trainees.
‘The Pilates Center’s’ teacher training program is one of the most respected and comprehensive programs worldwide and has been referred to as the ‘Harvard of Pilates teacher training’.
I am fascinated by anatomy, biomechanics and the study of movement and through the method of Pilates I am eager to share the insights and understanding I have learned over the years with others. I love working closely with clients to help them achieve their movement goals and also find it extremely rewarding to explore the work in more depth with teachers and trainees.
Daniela Costanza
Classical and Contemporary Pilates Teacher - Rehab Specialist
I have been teaching Pilates for over ten years.
My experience covers both one to one and group sessions in mat work and apparatus and I have been training dancers, athletes and special populations such as pregnant, elderly, children.
I aim for a strong client-centric approach in which each participant develops their own understanding of the techniques involved and so put these into their daily activities outside of the teaching sessions, in order to improve body and posture. I love creating an environment that is relaxing, fun and within which clients feel safe and confident to learn and explore their movement further.
Beside Pilates, I'm training in Feldenkrais and I am currently attending a master program in Occupational Therapy.
This new journey has had a big impact in my teaching style as well as improved my knowledge in human anatomy, physiology as well as how to approach the rehabilitation and physical movement on the mental health side as well. I developed a holistic approach to teach as well a strong observation.
Keziah Breslin
Classical Pilates Teacher - Pre and Post-Natal Specialist
I'm Keziah, a Pilates teacher with a dance background and a love for movement.
I find joy in Pilates because, let's be honest, it involves a lot of lying down! After exploring various forms of Pilates, I've come back to
Classical Pilates for its structured and dynamic nature. I believe in its system-based approach, which safely challenges bodies and brings positive changes to all aspects of life. My clients also experience this transformation.
I hold advanced certifications in both Classical Pilates and Contemporary Pilates.
With comprehensive training, I can teach mat, reformer, and all classical Pilates studio equipment. Additionally, I have pursued further education in pilates for spinal surgeries. I'm a registered Senior Yoga teacher with the Yoga Alliance, a GYROTONIC® method instructor, and a specialist in Pre and Postnatal Pilates. However, I enjoy teaching people of all ages, from athletes and dancers to those new to Pilates.
The connection between the body and mind fascinates me. Through my diverse training experiences around the world, including London, New York, India, Thailand, and South Africa, I have explored various movement modalities. I've had the privilege of learning from incredible teachers. My studies have expanded to Thai Yoga Massage and a diploma in biodynamic anatomy and physiology at the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy. I constantly seek knowledge and delve into the intricacies of the body and biodynamic movement.
Despite a lifelong aversion to running, I challenged myself to give it a try and completed my first half marathon this year. If you're interested in discussing running shoes or running belts, I'm all ears!
Robbie Boswell
FOUNDER & CFO- Former Professional Rugby Player
Like many, I thought of Pilates as mat sessions my mum used to do in the local town hall. I knew it was “a bit like Yoga” and tended to be for middle-aged women.
But since meeting Chiara, I’ve discovered a whole new world.
I was a lifelong rugby player, representing Scotland at age-grade level. I thought I was doing everything to be strong, but I was plagued by injuries after smashing into people every week.
Through classical Pilates I have come through a dislocated ankle and torn ligaments – I really had to build from scratch, learning how to walk, run and move properly again.
Endless physio sessions helped a little, but the effects soon wore off.
It was through Pilates that I rediscovered fluid movement and really awoke to my body for the first time. I rebuilt from the hidden weaknesses and tightnesses that came from being unable to walk for so long.
The tower has been fundamental to regaining my strength and power. At first I was sceptical, thinking these bizarre medieval torture instruments could not possibly be of any real benefit.
But once the effects took hold in my body I was convinced.
The idea of Pilates as being “for women” is outdated and simply wrong. Many of my ex rugby colleagues are healing from chronic injuries through this movement system.
Despite the frustration I didn’t discover Pilates when I was younger, I’m delighted to be able to share its life-changing benefits with others.