About the Founder 

Hi, I’m Maddie. Movement has been a part of my life from an early age. I began dancing at three and later trained professionally in Dance and Musical Theatre, graduating from Bird College with First Class Honours. Alongside my dance training, I discovered Pilates at age 11, and it quickly became the perfect complement - helping me build strength, control, and a deeper understanding of my body. Since then, I’ve gone on to gain my mat and reformer Pilates certifications with HFE, as well as teaching experience across both dance and Pilates. I love how the two disciplines complement one another: dance brings artistry and expression, while Pilates offers alignment, awareness, and strength. As an instructor, my focus is on helping people feel confident, strong, and connected in their bodies. I aim to create classes that are supportive, challenging, and enjoyable, where technique and wellbeing go hand in hand.

In and amongst many sports and fitness activities, Pilates increasingly become my go-to practice to remediate the mild scoliosis in my spine. I fell in love with the method and principles and trained to become an instructor in 2015 so I could help others discover the benefits of mindful movement. I tailor my classes to the participants needs and always offer adjustments, modifications, adaptations and progressions or regressions as appropriate.  When asked ‘why practice Pilates?’ I say it creates a strong foundation for all physical activity and makes you better at everything you do in day to day life (even the ironing!). I help to address ineffective movement patterns, reduce imbalances and poor posture by teaching you how to create stability in your spine, shoulders and pelvis using controlled, flowing movement originating from the centre of the body with a focus on breathing, alignment, and precision. I am certified in a range of pilates-based disciplines with qualifications gained at accredited training schools, in pilates mat work, reformer pilates, exercise for pre and post-natal clients, older adults, and corrective exercise. I also tutor instructors through their L3 pilates mat work NVQ and provide training for reformer group classes. In my personal time I enjoy the challenge of strength and resistance training which balances well with pilates.

Hi I’m Zoe. Pilates, sport and how the body moves and works has always been my passion. I started Pilates over ten years ago due to occasional back pain but also to support my own training, keeping a strong core and body. I soon fell in love and qualified myself in mat work Pilates, then went onto do my reformer training with Stott Pilates. Alongside Pilates I am a Sports massage therapist, also qualified in medical acupuncture, dry needling, dry cupping and advanced acupuncture for women’s health. You will find me on the reformer, training for my next Hybrid competition or walking my two naughty sausage dogs.

Hi, I’m Lou – your Mat & Reformer Pilates instructor I have over 25 years’ experience teaching PE and dance, along with A-level Anatomy & Physiology. Sport and physical activity have been part of my life for many years. I’m fascinated by the human body, its strength, adaptability and incredible ability to rehabilitate itself, and by the intelligence and beauty of the human form in movement. I discovered Pilates around 10 years ago following a herniated disc, using it as part of my rehabilitation, and I completely fell in love with the method. Pilates not only rebuilt my core strength, but also reconnected mind, movement and breath, leaving me feeling strong, balanced and invigorated after every class. Alongside teaching Pilates, I’m a qualified sports massage therapist and run a small practice from home ‘Reset & Relax’. I also volunteer at endurance events and charity challenges by providing pre/post massage and sports taping. This summer these included the ‘Britannia Run’, where I worked with runners completing Land’s End to John O’Groats; ‘Le Cure’, supporting 72 cyclists in the French Alps to raise funds for The Royal Marsden and the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Giving back through charity work has become a core part of what I believe in and how I support people through movement.

Hi I'm Sue, and thrilled to have joined the team of instructors at The Forge! After living in Australia for the past 30 years, I returned to live in the UK late last year to care for family. I discovered Pilates when it became part of my rehab from breast cancer. The more I learnt and practiced, the more I wanted to know and share the benefits with others. So I trained and qualified to teach Mat and Reformer around fourteen years ago. I continued my Pilates education and went on to take a Diploma in Professional Pilates Instruction. My classes are designed to suit all participants, with different options offered to suit all levels of experience and ability. As well as offering variety and fun! In my spare time I like to be outside, walking the South Downs or Stand Up Paddling Boarding when its warm enough. Looking forward to meeting you.