Meet the instructor

My name is Emma Sylvester, and I’m proud to be the founder of Total Pilates, a friendly, family-run business that has been helping people move, feel and live better since 2018. My passion is making Pilates accessible to everyone, creating welcoming classes in a supportive environment. As a qualified Level 3 Pilates Instructor, trained in both matwork and reformer Pilates through APPI (Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Instructor). I am also Level 3 CIMSPA/REPS trained in Yoga, GP Exercise Referral and personal trainer. I have been teaching Pilates for nearly 20 years. 

In my younger years, I was a semi professional athlete and was ranked no1 in the UK for 800m and then went on to graduate as qualified Sports Therapist. Finally, I started my first full time job working at Coventry PCT Hospital within the Physiotherapy team. There I delivered the back pain, knee/hip arthritis programs and other rehabilitation classes. I worked in this sector for over five years, before moving into the leisure industry. 

A little about me outside of Pilates, I’m a wife, a mum and a busy family person, so I know just how important it is to find a little time for yourself amongst the busyness of everyday life! When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family, making memories together and enjoying life’s little adventures. I’m a big believer in finding a healthy balance between looking after ourselves, spending time with the people we love and making time for the things that make us happy.

I’m also a big animal lover, and life at home is kept entertaining by our two Dalmatians! Family is a huge part of who I am, and I think that warmth and sense of community naturally carries through into Total Pilates. For me, Pilates is about so much more than exercise. It’s about feeling good in yourself, building confidence, connecting with others and taking a little time out of your busy day to focus on you.

My Pilates classes have a personal touch and everyone that attends is so welcoming. So whatever the level, if you are struggling with back pain, stress or anxiety or just want to tone up, then these classes are for you.