Clare Axon-Saunders - Founder & Head of Teacher Training
My Pilates journey started almost 20 years ago when I took a Pilates class to improve my horse riding and unexpectedly fell in love with the Method. After becoming hooked on the benefits of Pilates – increased strength and flexibility, but more importantly, an improvement in my horse riding – I underwent contemporary Pilates training through a Stott teacher. After finding some big holes in the Stott method, I turned to Classical Pilates and found that it connected all the missing pieces, further deepening my knowledge and understanding of Pilates. I have completed courses with Clare Dunphy-Hemani and take classes with other classical instructors. My personal preference is to train with other teachers from the Jay Grimes lineage.
I am always striving to learn more, both about the Method and the best training practices. I have completed additional Anatomy, Reformer and Mat training in evidence-based Pilates with Breathe Education, integrating the latest scientific insights with traditional Pilates principles. This unique blend makes me possibly the only authentic, evidence-based Pilates teacher in the UK, offering an unparalleled depth of instruction. I continue to further my knowledge of evidence-based teaching with Adam McAtee.
After teaching thousands of classes, I possess an eye for detail, ensuring classes are both challenging and progressive. I pride myself on supporting you throughout your Pilates journey. Expect my sessions to be filled with laughter (and the occasional F-bomb), as working hard should always be enjoyable as well. I think it is my caring manner combined with my teaching style and many years of experience, which keep my classes a popular choice.
I am always very happy to work closely alongside leading Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and other healthcare professionals. This ensures clients with ongoing health conditions receive the most comprehensive and integrated support possible, fostering holistic well-being.
More recently, I developed my own Teacher Training Program. This is a 600 hour, 14 month fully comprehensive training course. I started this as I was so disheartened with the outdated information that is widely being taught by almost all other training bodies. My course teaches the full Pilates Method but with the latest Evidence Based principles. This is my passion and I believe everybody has the right to up to date information. I thoroughly enjoy teaching my apprentices, watching them grow as teachers and supporting their journey throughout. Michaela, Richard and Vicky all completed their training with me.
I have recently been interviewed by We Are Harpenden – you can read my interview here
I also wrote an article for InPiste about the benefits of combining Pilates with Ski Training. Read the full article here
Beyond the studio, I find balance with my two horses and three dogs. I am also a passionate enthusiast of Calisthenics – a demanding form of body-weight training – and a regular at music festivals. I fully believe in working hard and playing hard!
You can find me teaching classes in our Luton Hoo Studio on Mondays and Thursdays!
Natalia Ribas says:
“This is a one of a kind Pilates Studio. I have been having Pilates lessons with Clare for more than 12 years and her knowledge and expertise is first class in the sector. The new studio is located in a beautiful setting and has excellent, brand new equipment. Clare and her fantastic team of instructors make the whole experience highly personalised through a wide variety of exercises and the use of the different pieces of equipment. They ensure you achieve your goals, from becoming stronger to developing a thorough understanding of how your body works at its best. Both my physical and mental health have improved greatly thanks to the regular classes and through different periods of my life, especially after having had my two children and recovering from severe diastasis recti. I highly recommend the Pilates Barns and I cannot wait to continue improving my practice in this new wonderful studio.”
