At Elite Pilates, we are so lucky to get to work with not only our amazing clients, but also with our incredible team of instructors. All of our instructors here at Elite are talented, dedicated and play a huge part in creating such a special atmosphere in all of our studios. Because we appreciate all of the hard work and passion that our teachers put in to each and every class, we want you to get to know them a little better too! You may already know our lovely Jess Horgan from class, but if you, like us, are a little nosey, you’ll love hearing all about Jess’ own pilates journey here!
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Jess, a foodie, nutrition nerd and Pilates instructor. I love all things wellness-related, be it sports, mindfulness or healthy treats. My love for keeping busy has led me to completing a BSc in Nutritional Sciences, diploma in nutritional therapy, national qualification in exercise and health studies.. alongside all of my Pilates qualifications! You could say that I like to take on new challenges quite often!
How long have you been working with Elite?
I’ve been teaching Pilates for years but I am working with Elite for just over 2 years now.. and still love it as much as I did back then.
How did you start teaching pilates?
Having suffered with a back injury for quite a while, I was after discovering how Pilates could help me improve my posture, core strength and flexibility. When I qualified as a personal trainer, I had fallen in love with Pilates so much that I decided to specialise in mat Pilates teaching. One thing led to another and I kept adding more qualifications, now being certified in mat, reformer, barre and prenatal.
What would you say is your favourite thing about working at Elite Pilates?
It’s true when they say “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”. Teaching at Elite Pilates never feels like work, it’s a hobby that I love, which also happens to be my job. The whole of Team Elite make working here a great experience as everyone is passionate about what they do, and that is something thats definitely required in the job. Getting to meet so many people who I can help form their love of Pilates is a huge benefit also, after teaching a class, it’s as if I have absorbed all of their energy and I leave on a high.
Why did you choose pilates as a career?
I didn’t really choose Pilates as a career, it just sort of found me instead. I have also been into exercise and healthy eating, so having studied about the human body for four years in university, gave me a great foundation to start my Pilates career. I am still a passionate nutritionist, which luckily for me works hand in hand with my Pilates journey.
What 3 words would you say describe you?
Motivated, energetic and caring.
What 3 words would you say describe Elite Pilates
Dedicated, professional and friendly.
What would you say are your top 3 passions and why?
Firstly, I think Pilates has to be mentioned, my passion for that has just multiplied for the past number of years. The benefits of Pilates are amazing and I will always be grateful for how it improved my body and also gave me a career that I love. Secondly, nutrition and healthy eating. I’m all about balance, you’ll find me with a pizza one night and at the farmers market with a salad and raw treats the next day. I believe that everything you eat should be enjoyed, and for that reason, I’m all for the 80:20 rule and no diets. Lastly, I’m passionate about learning and I’m a huge advocate for continued education and professional development. I believe that the more you learn, the less you know.. and therefore I’m constantly looking to better myself and learn from others.
When you’re not in studio, how do you spend your time?
When I’m not at the studio teaching or doing my own workout, I’m still practicing what I preach. I go to the gym for a resistance session or a spin class, out walking or as I previously mentioned.. at the farmers market. I still continue to have at least one course on the go at a time, be it online or in the evening, I love keeping my mind active and progressing my skills. It’s important for me that I keep on top of the latest research in nutrition, and to discover new Pilates moves and techniques. I also love to bake, mainly substituting healthy ingredients into my favourite recipes, especially something sweet to have with a mid-morning coffee!
What advice would you give to anyone looking to give pilates a go?
As we say in Elite, Pilates is for every body. Everyone can benefit from Pilates, and I would highly recommend trying a couple of classes to really get into it and see the benefits for yourself.