Our Practitioners

Christine North-Minchella

(BSc (Hons), Cert Ed, Dip PT, Advanced Pilates & Fitness Practitioner and Back Care Specialist)

Christine has a long and distinguished career in the health and fitness industry and has been fundamental in developing exercise programmes throughout the UK and abroad. She worked for the YMCA Training & Development for over 15 years as a Senior Development Officer, tutor and assessor and for the RSA (now OCR) as an External Verifier.

Her passion for fitness and education led her to set up Professional Fitness and Education with the sole aim of providing quality training courses in the North of England.

She was awarded Centre of Excellence Status by the YMCA in 2000 and in 2006 the Exceptional Achievement Award for her contribution to the health and fitness industry.

Her passion and dedication to teaching, coupled with her sense of humour, have led to her being a much sought after teacher, tutor, assessor, and lecturer.

Christine has lived in Menston for over 30 years and has ensured that her business is an integral part of village life. Extending her role in the local community she is Chair of the Menston Business Association.

The Studio - Anne Latham

Anne Latham

(Pilates Practitioner)

Anne works part-time as a dental surgeon and developed her passion for Pilates from personal experience due to work related postural problems. Having taught dentistry at the university she has transferred those skills for ongoing education to her role as a Pilates practitioner, combined with her personal enthusiasm for exercise in any form.

Having taught freelance private classes and in health clubs, Anne really enjoys the small class experience in her work here at The Studio.

The Studio - Julie Reynolds

Julie Reynolds

(Pilates Practitioner)

Julie has over 30 years’ experience within the fitness industry and at present works as a freelance Pilates and rehabilitation instructor in private health clubs, as well as assisting physiotherapists. She also runs her own successful private classes.

Her years of teaching have been varied and include teaching gym based personal training and rehabilitation Pilates, training with Professional Fitness & Education to obtain her qualifications.

The Studio - Freya Pinto

Freya Pinto

(Pilates Practitioner)

Freya qualified from the Modern Pilates course in early 2022. She's been practicing herself for over 10 years, initially beginning to help treat chronic lower back pain and continuing when she realised she loved everything about it! Freya used to work for charities both nationally and internationally but took the plunge to change careers following the Covid 19 pandemic and reassessing her life and career goals. Her classes will physically challenge you in a safe way and she hopes you also find some benefit from them mentally by using Pilates as a form of meditation.

The Studio - Rebecca

Rebecca Parker (née North)

(Advanced Pilates Practitioner)

Becky works within the NHS as a Senior Anaesthetic Associate as well as working here at The Studio as a fitness and Pilates Teacher. She is qualified in all areas of Clinical Pilates.

Becky is our Senior Practitioner as well as our Mummy Fit teacher and she loves supporting mums in a post and antenatal capacity. Becky is highly motivated and keeps up with the latest research and attends workshops regularly. She is also a Tutor and Assessor for Professional Fitness and Education, Modern Pilates and YMCA Awards.

Angie Booth

(Pilates Practitioner)

Angie first encountered Pilates 10 years ago following a riding accident. Physiotherapy helped during her recovery and it was at this point that Pilates was recommended. She joined a weekly class and practised at home, and in time her injury improved. She was hooked and has never looked back. Angie really believes in the benefits of Pilates.

She decided to become a Pilates instructor and completed the YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates with Modern Pilates in 2018. Subsequently she has completed add-on courses including Progressive Matwork, Diagnostic Spinal Conditions, Diagnostic Shoulder Conditions and Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Her preference is to teach small groups or on a one-to-one basis. She finds teaching so rewarding and loves to see clients reap the benefits. She intends to continue developing her knowledge and sharing the ‘Power of Pilates’.

The Studio - Jill Stewart

Jill Stewart

(Pilates & Yoga Practitioner)

Jill has worked in the Health and Fitness Industry for over 25 years, both in Leeds and overseas, having spent 5 years working in New Zealand and Australia.

She began by taking a gym instructor qualification and has continuously developed her knowledge through a number of different fitness disciplines including Pilates. She gained a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Leisure Management. Jill has recently been working in Community Based Health programmes in the NHS in Leeds.

Steve Kelly

(Personal Trainer)

Steve is as enthusiastic about getting people active, as he is about being active himself. He puts people through their paces in a class environment or on a one-to-one basis in our studio.

Steve works with people of all ages and abilities to help them achieve their goals, be it weight loss, better health, or even running a marathon. He makes activities varied and fun, but also challenging to achieve personal goals. Having been involved in the fitness industry for over 30 years, Steve is highly motivated, keeping up with the latest research and regularly attends courses and workshops.

Helen Smith

(Pilates Practitioner)

Helen has combined a full-time career in HR with teaching various fitness disciplines since 1993. She began practising Pilates in 2000 and qualified as an instructor in 2005. She is also an ITEC qualified massage practitioner and aromatherapist with an interest in clinical aromatherapy.

She is keen to support busy people who want to learn the principles of Pilates so they can be incorporated into everyday life. Helen enjoys teaching matwork and Mummy Fit in the small group classes at The Studio, in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Studio - Emma Bramley

Emma Bramley

(Pilates Practitioner)

Emma enjoys teaching small groups at home and at The Studio. Her passion for Pilates began almost 20 years ago when a physio suggested it could help with chronic back pain. She is a qualified primary school teacher who understands how the mental and physical demands of the job can affect our body. “Pilates has been the best and most cost effective long term solution and now I have the pleasure of sharing my knowledge and helping others. I love teaching Pilates.”