My name is Charlie Perry and I’m originally from the beautiful Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, but have made London my home for the last 10 years. I currently live in Kew, South-West London with my partner Sam and our two young boys, Leo and Rocco, who keep life very busy!
I’m a facialist and big advocate for holistic skincare and wellness. I’m passionate about holistic skincare, women’s health and wellbeing, and overall health and longevity. I share a lot about the benefits of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, science-backed techniques like facial massage, treatments for skin rejuvenation, and accessible self-care practices.
So happy to have you here, Charlie! Tell us a little about your hobbies and interests.
My spare time is mostly spent with our children and staying active, which I love. We make it a priority to get outdoors and connect with nature as often as possible, and we’re fortunate to live in a part of London where that’s easy to do.
I’ve recently rediscovered my love for reading fiction before bed after a bit of a hiatus and am totally hooked!
I’m also passionate about finding small, meaningful ways to weave wellness and emotional wellbeing into our daily lives after navigating a few postpartum challenges – so my non-fiction pile is also quite large!
What sparks the most joy in your life?
Spending time with my family, especially my boys, is my greatest joy. Seeing them explore what they love and find happiness in the little moments is so special.
Moving away from a corporate role five years ago to work on my own business has also been such a rewarding journey. It’s a privilege to create a space where women can take a moment for themselves, feel good about their skin and find calm in the busyness of everyday life.
What are your go-to healthy habits?
1. Starting my mornings with lemon & ginger tea, followed by a protein-rich breakfast to balance hormones and energy levels has made a huge difference to how I feel.
2. A quick facial massage with my morning cleanse to de-puff the face. It means I can take a quiet moment for myself, go through a few affirmations and set the tone for the day.
3. Prioritising movement through Pilates, strength and lots of walking. I feel like a brisk walk outside is the antidote to pretty much anything.
How long have you been a Pilates By Bel member?
I’ve been doing Pilates By Bel since July 2020, right in the middle of lockdown when Bel was offering Zoom classes and recording them for those that missed them (me!). I was on maternity leave with my first child, who’s now five! At the time, I was in desperate need of support for my core, as I was dealing with persistent diastasis recti and wanted to rebuild my overall strength.
I’ve since had a second child, and PBB has been the one consistent exercise I’ve enjoyed, and seen results from, over the last five years.
What impact has Pilates had on you?
Pilates has been absolutely transformative for me, both as a mother and as a facialist.
After having two very large babies within two years, my body went through significant changes. Regaining strength and alignment became essential not only for my physical recovery but also for my overall wellbeing.
Pilates helped me rebuild my core from the inside out, drastically improving my posture and the way I carry myself daily. I went from waking up with horrendous back pain and persistent sciatica to being completely pain-free – it’s difficult to imagine my life without it.
As a facialist, Pilates has also been a game changer for my work. I spend hours leaning over clients, which places a lot of strain on my upper body. Proper alignment and core strength have been crucial in preventing neck and back issues.
Fave PBB exercises?
I love the core-focussed sequences, especially anything that targets deep abdominal muscles without straining my body.
I particularly like Bel's triset sequences for a challenge, and the glute bridge variations with bands are a favourite of mine. They always leave my legs and core feeling strong.
I also enjoy PBB exercises that focus on posture and upper body mobility. The gentle stretching and mobility flows are perfect after a long day of leaning over my treatment table or carrying toddlers.
Go-to PBB class?
I’m really excited about the new strength-focussed classes!
As women, incorporating strength training is so important – not just for building muscle but for supporting healthy ageing. I’ve been incorporating strength via other apps so being able to have Pilates and strength all under one roof is perfect. I also have osteoporosis in my family, so I feel like I’m investing in my future (and skin) – it can boost collagen production, improve bone density, and help us maintain long-term mobility so it’s win-win.
I also tend to gravitate towards full body Pilates classes around the 20-30 minutes but that said, I’m a bit lazy when it comes to choosing what to do. I tend to just follow the weekly schedule. I need to be told what to do when it comes to exercise, and I trust Bel implicitly to guide me through exactly what my body needs.
What is your advice to anyone unsure about at-home Pilates?
Just start! The beauty of an online subscription is that you can move at your own pace, in the comfort of your home, and fit it into your life no matter how busy things get.
I’m more often than not doing Bel’s classes in my PJs before the boys wake up or while dinner cooks. Bel makes it easy to feel supported and guided with her expertise, even through a screen.
It’s an investment in your strength, mobility and overall wellbeing that you’ll never regret.
For me, it’s been invaluable not only for recovery but also for sustaining my energy and alignment in my day-to-day work as a facialist and mother of two very busy boys.
To join the Pilates By Bel movement, start your free trial here. For more info about Pilates By Bel, head to pilatesbybel.com.
