We sat down with Francesca, physiotherapist and Pilates instructor based in Norfolk, to talk movement, mindset and the magic of rolling out your mat.
Tell us a bit about yourself — how did your fitness journey begin?
My journey to fitness began a bit later in life. I spent my school years doing my best to avoid exercise — I grew up with hip dysplasia and, following a lot of corrective surgery, had no confidence in my body when it came to movement.
Going to university felt like a fresh start. I began exploring different types of exercise and have done all sorts since: CrossFit, yoga, HIIT, hiking, and of course, Pilates. Becoming a physiotherapist was a natural extension of that — I wanted to help people who might be in a similar situation to the one I had been in.
Pilates became a real love during an extremely stressful period at work. The high-intensity sessions that had been working for me suddenly made everything feel worse — but Pilates gave me calm in the chaos, whilst still delivering those vital exercise endorphins.
What drew you to make movement such a big part of your life and career?
Having limitations for a significant part of my life gave me a much greater appreciation for what the body can do. That experience developed into a genuine passion — both for my own movement practice and for helping others find theirs.
How would you describe your approach to teaching?
I would say I am a movement optimist. I love empowering people to move their bodies and to build real trust with themselves as they develop and get stronger. Education is a big part of it too — I find that when people understand their bodies better, everything shifts.
What does your own practice look like day to day?
Each day is different, which is something I genuinely love about Pilates — it is flexible enough to support whatever your day looks like. Sometimes it is a slow flow and stretch, sometimes a more focused warm-up before the gym. I follow YouTube workouts occasionally, but more often than not I just roll out my Amp mat and do what feels right in the moment.
What are your go-to Amp products, and how do they support your practice?
My mat — I am not only obsessed with the aesthetic, but the feel and how it supports me during my practice. The Amp Flow Yoga Mat (£65) stays put, looks calm in the space and genuinely makes me want to show up.
I also love the Amp Pilates Ring (£20) — it gives such a burn. That targeted resistance through the inner thighs and arms is unlike anything else in a matwork session.
How do you keep movement consistent when life gets busy?
Aren't we always trying to strike that balance?! My best advice: schedule it in the same way you would a meeting. Treating it as a fixed commitment rather than something you will fit in if time allows makes it so much easier to actually do.
What is one common misconception you see around Pilates?
Pilates has grown so much in popularity recently — and I am absolutely here for it — but with more coverage comes more misconceptions. The big one I come across is that Pilates means reformer, and that reformer is somehow harder or more advanced than matwork. I love the reformer, but you can absolutely get an incredible, challenging, well-rounded workout on a mat with no equipment at all. The Amp Resistance Band Set (£28) and Pilates Ring (£20) are great examples of how a little resistance goes a long way without any machinery needed.
Quick-fire round — morning or evening workouts? Go-to song? One word to describe your workout vibe?
Morning for gym workouts, evening for Pilates. Anything with a good beat in the gym — beach club vibes for Pilates. Workout vibe: fun.
Where can we find you?
I teach at a beautiful studio in Norfolk. You can find me on Instagram at @flow.with.francesca.
Inspired to start your own mat practice? Explore the Amp Flow Yoga Mat (£65) and the Amp Pilates Ring (£20) — two of Francesca's go-to tools for everyday home movement.