Meet: Our Pilates instructor

Marina Huxley

Our Pilates instructor Marina talks staying in touch – with ourselves, our bodies, and nature.

You leave feeling taller, stronger and more energised.

Where did Pilates start for you?

For years, I worked as a PA in music law in London. Sitting at a desk hunched over a computer took its toll on my body, and a physio suggested I try Pilates. I was hooked from the first class. Pilates became a part of my life and I trained to become a teacher.

What does Pilates do?

It strengthens the deep core muscles that support your spine, to maintain good posture and avoid back pain. It teaches you to move with control and awareness, recruiting the correct muscles. It improves flexibility, co-ordination and balance. And it’s for everyone – you don’t have to be flexible, or a fitness fanatic.

We’re so busy, we don’t notice always the little warning signs our bodies give us – or we ignore them.

How does practising Pilates make you feel?

In a class we work the whole body, from top to toe. You leave feeling taller, stronger and more energised. You can forget about everything outside the studio and focus on yourself for an hour. On your body and your mind; your breath and your movement.

We need to pause, tune in and pay more attention.

How important is nurturing that connection to our bodies?

Extremely. We place huge demands on them. We’re so busy, we don’t notice always the little warning signs our bodies give us – or we ignore them. We need to pause, tune in and pay more attention. We need to start showing our bodies some love.

What do you do when you need to get away from it all?

I spend time with my husband. I go for walks with my beautiful bulldog, Ronnie. I go to the beach or up to the coastal path and look at the ocean. I go for coffee and cake. I cook with produce from our allotment. I read. I do Pilates! I try to make sure I get out in nature every day. It slows me down and gives me perspective. It makes me a better teacher, definitely.

Active breaks

Marina Huxley leads our ocean-facing Pilates Active Breaks.

Building core strength and boosting energy, these two-day breaks offer a mix of pre-breakfast energiser classes, designed to mobilise the body from head to toe; a selection of focused workshops, including core stability/ abdominals, healthy hips, toned arms and shoulders, spine extension, and a focus on feet; free afternoons; and gentle classes to end the day and prepare for a peaceful night’s sleep. Suitable for beginners and experienced Pilates practitioners alike.

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More Marina

"Teaching at Watergate Bay is a real highlight. I can't think of a better location to do Pilates - listening to the sounds of the seagulls and the waves is so calming, and the view is unbeatable! My aim is to help you improve and refine your Pilates practice, or if you're a complete beginner, to give you the best possible introduction to this incredible method of exercise. I want you to leave feeling relaxed, lengthened and above all, happy and rested."

Pilates active break

Active Breaks

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Introduction to Pilates

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