Our Story
Welcome to P.I.LATES, where our story is rooted in a deep passion for wellness and a commitment to helping individuals achieve their health goals. Founded by Pip Barker and Isla Thomson, experienced Pilates practitioners and instructors, P.I.LATES was born out of a desire to provide a welcoming and nurturing space for people to transform their bodies and minds through the practice of Pilates. Our journey began with Pip and Isla's shared belief in the power of Pilates to improve strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. With a foundation in classical Pilates techniques combined with contemporary approaches, we offer a holistic and personalised approach to each individual's fitness journey. At P.I.LATES, we foster a sense of community, forming lasting connections with our clients and creating a supportive environment that encourages growth and self-discovery. Our dedicated team is here to guide you on your path to a healthier, happier you. Join us at P.I.LATES and become a part of our story today.
Meet The Team
Pip barker
Founder & Teacher
Pip Barker is a skilled and passionate Pilates teacher , who's lifelong commitment and holistic approach to movement has helped clients to reach their long term goals. As a co-creator of our studio P.I.LATES, her strong and calm manner helps individuals to transform their bodies and achieve optimal wellness through the practice of Pilates. With a love interest of anatomy and a keen eye for technique, Pip provides personalised guidance to clients of all levels, ensuring correct alignment to maximise the benefits of each session. With a warm and encouraging approach, Pip creates a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to reach their fitness goals. Pip is a keen runner, hiker, enjoys anything outdoors and is a self professed free spirit. Join Pip at P.I.LATES and embark on a transformative journey to a healthier and stronger you. Get strengthened and lengthened building your best self with Pip.
Isla Thomson
Founder & Teacher
At P.I.LATES, Isla is dedicated to Inspiring a healthy relationship with exercise for all. With a background in professional dance, her classes are classically structured with a contemporary twist, in turn creating the perfect combination of strength, mobility, and balance. Isla's happiest moments are spent forming friendships and connections with clients, making their well-being a priority. Amidst the chaos of life, Isla finds solace in Pilates, using movement as an expression of emotion. Each class is tailored to individuals, ensuring comfort and offering alternatives. Isla encourages listening to your body while gently motivating you to reach your full potential. Having turned her hobby into a career, Isla provides a safe space at P.I.LATES to exercise, unwind, and usually have a sing song. Join her and experience her passion and infectious energy firsthand.
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Evelyn Cribbin
Level 3 Mat Pilates Teacher
Evelyn Cribbin is an accomplished Pilates teacher with expertise in advanced yoga styles, including Jivamukti, Vinyasa, Mandala, and Yin Yoga. Her classes are designed to inspire and challenge individuals, guiding them to discover their true selves and cultivate appreciation for their own capabilities.
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Fontaine Chapman
Reformer Pilates Teacher
Fontaine is a former Team GB badminton player, ranking number 1 in England and top 50 in the world. After retiring from professional sport in 2018,
Fontaine became a qualified PT and fitness instructor, working with well known brands and in some of London’s most popular gyms and studios. Fontaine recently moved to Cheltenham and when she’s not running around after her two year old, she teaches online classes, is an athlete mentor for the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and is training to become pre and post natal qualified.
Lorna Pike
Level 3 Mat Pilates & Reformer Teacher
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Lorna, our powerhouse Pilates instructor who likes to bring the glitz and glamour of her theatrical and dance background to her classes. By day, she crunches numbers as an accountant, but by night, she is all about building strong bodies, minds and connections through the power of movement ( and a little bit of house music). Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, Lorna's classes are designed to challenge and inspire you to reach your full potential. Expect to feel empowered and energised through Lorna’s dynamic classes.
Lisa Cooper
Classical Mat & Reformer Pilates
Lisa is a passionate, accomplished and highly skilled pilates practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the field. Lisa originally studied and practiced through SwissBody pilates whilst living in Geneva Switzerland, a methodology renowned for its emphasis on precision, alignment, control, breath and efficiency of movement. Her classes focus on developing core strength, flexibility, balance, and mind-body awareness through a classical flow of exercises.
Lisa thoroughly enjoys horse riding, skiing and spending time outdoors, reaping the benefits that Pilates has brought in her own practice, to her other hobbies and interests. She looks forward to sharing her love of pilates with you.
Jen Smith
Level 3 Mat Pilates Teacher
​After recovering from a broken and dislocated collarbone at the start of the pandemic, Jen found that her normal movement routine no longer supported her body. Jen rediscovered her joy for Pilates; kind movement that protected her body post injury but still challenged her and built some serious strength. Jen wanted to share the amazing benefits with others, so trained and qualified in 2022, left her full time office role and hasn’t looked back since. Jen is an upbeat and positive person, and you’ll experience this energy in her classes! Jen is also pre and post-natal qualified.