Tutor: Rachel Garwood-Gowers
Rachel spent most of her career working in education and leading large teams in colleges and universities. The pandemic caused her to reassess her priorities as she felt worn out with the long hours and back-to-back meetings. Her mental and physical health were suffering, and she decided it was time to make some changes.
She gave up her job and bought a campervan to set off on a 3,000 mile journey with her dog Edmund. The trip was an incredible experience. It taught her how to find joy in the simple things, how to overcome problems, and how, even in her 50s, she could take on new challenges.
When Rachel returned, she decided to turn her passion into her life, by training to become a Pilates Instructor. She wants people to experience that feeling of stepping away from the world, and dedicating some time for themselves, like she had on her journey. As well as Pilates classes Rachel knew she also wanted to start developing Retreats where there was more time to focus on the mind and body connection and where new experiences and memories could be made.
She now teaches upwards of 150 people per week and loves to get feedback from clients on what Pilates has done for their bodies, their outlook and their improved mental health.