My name is Anna and I'm from Auckland in New Zealand. I live in Stoke Newington, London with my husband, Sam, and two small children, Nell and Alexander. I am a lawyer in a commercial insurance company.
Hi, Anna! Tell me more about what makes you tick.
Pilates (PBB of course) is the closest thing I have to a hobby these days. The routine of doing two classes every week (anything on top is a bonus) has kept me fit, sane and motivated while navigating life with kids. I also returned to tennis lessons last year after a 15+ year hiatus, which has been both fun and humbling.
I love collecting art, lamps, chairs, mirrors and rugs. Filling and decorating our London home brings me so much pleasure on a daily basis. Now I'm forever moving pieces around; seeing an old piece in a new spot always gives me a new appreciation for it.
And what sparks the most joy in your life?
Spending quality time with my kids and husband on holiday. Time in the sun by the ocean always leaves me feeling so contented and calm.
A dinner (or phone call) with close friends is an absolute tonic for me: no problem is too big with their advice and support.
Visiting family and friends in New Zealand
Being inspired by beautiful interiors, design and art. A peruse through the stores on Pimlico Road is about my perfect London day.
What are you go-to healthy daily habits?
1. Make the bed – a tidy life means a tidy mind.
2. Coffee – daily ritual that brings me happiness.
3. Movement and fresh air – whether it's a short walk, Pilates or a stretch, I will always feel better for it.
How long have you been doing Pilates By Bel?
I started doing PBB live classes in 2020 during the Covid lockdowns, when home workouts and baking were all we could do. I must admit I was initially intimidated by how hard the classes were (and spent a lot of time huffing and puffing on the floor with my camera off). Since then I have had two pregnancies and PBB has seen me through postpartum with my first; I loved the relaxed style of the live Mums and Bubs classes, and the convenience of the online classes when I got a spare moment to move while my daughter napped.
I have more recently been a private client of Annabel's. This level of personalisation has been amazing for my progression and discipline and has enabled me to keep moving consistently throughout my second pregnancy (right up to 40 weeks).
How has Pilates By Bel impacted you?
PBB has strengthened, toned and lengthened my body and has given me confidence, particularly postpartum, when I really couldn't have felt more out of touch with, and uncomfortable in, my own body. It has allowed me to exercise in a way that feels targeted and thoughtful for where my body is at (especially when running or high intensity workouts have felt inappropriate or out of reach). Most importantly, being consistent with PBB has brought me mental clarity and satisfaction that has, without a doubt, been critical to my recovery from postnatal anxiety and depression after my first baby.
Fave PBB exercises?
I love a squat / lunge set for a heart raiser, a (not-to-be-underestimated) clam / leg lift set for targeted glute and thigh toning. You can't beat PBB Toned Arms sets for extremely efficient (5 mins!) and effective toning of shoulders and upper arms!
Fave PBB classes?
At the moment it's prenatal and soon will be postnatal to rebuild my core and pelvic floor.
Advice to anyone unsure but online Pilates?
Go for it! A PBB subscription is perfect either to supplement your existing exercise regimen or if you are starting from basics in Pilates. Having such a huge range of classes accessible on-demand makes consistent exercise achievable. For me, being consistent has accelerated my results and given me a continued drive to come back for more!
To join the Pilates By Bel movement, start your free trial here. For more info about Pilates By Bel, head to pilatesbybel.com.
