This September, we’re excited to introduce Jo, a Pilates instructor based in Mallorca whose journey into fitness and wellness has taken her from superyachts to her very own garden studio.
Can you tell us a little about your journey into fitness and wellness?
I have always been an active person, I worked in a gym reception when I was in my early 20s. This introduced me to group classes and I would do 4-5 classes per week. I especially enjoyed the Body Pump and Cardio Combat classes. I would work out in the gym too and swim regularly, and just loved being part of that fitness community.
An opportunity popped up for some travel and turned into a 13 year long career for me. I became a Chief Stewardess on Private Superyachts. This is an incredibly active job role and beats sitting at a desk every time! Yachting led me to the beautiful island of Mallorca where I live now. I met my partner Alex and we started a family here.
I found Pilates during COVID. Pretty much instantly I realised there was an opportunity for me there and I looked into courses. I was recommended the fantastic Choreography2go. I completed my Level 3 Mat Pilates certificate and have been teaching ever since.
What type of movement do you specialise in?
I teach Mat Pilates. I love to use mainly classical moves with a bit of inspiration from the contemporary world too.
What inspired you to start this path later in life?
As I turned 40, I realised how important it was to look after myself, not just for now, but for the future. I started focusing more on my nutrition and training so I could stay strong and independent for years to come.
What does your workout routine look like these days?
I wanted to be grounded after so many years of travel and to find a sense of community. I also take a lot of pleasure in helping others improve their bodies. My classes serve as a safe place to move and then hang out with friends afterwards, which I love to provide. Job satisfaction levels are very high for me!
What does your typical teaching schedule look like?
I teach between three and six classes a week in my garden studio. Living in Mallorca allows me to teach outdoors all year round, which I absolutely adore.
What are your go-to movement styles right now—are you into slow flows, sculpting Pilates, energising barre, or something else?
At the moment, I am into strong, energising sequences.
What are your go-to Amp Wellbeing products?
"The wrist and ankle weights are a non-negotiable in all of my classes now. The girls all head straight for them without fail. They add a level of intensity and strength work that I believe makes a huge difference over time. I need to order more actually!"
How do Amp products support your practice?
I love the loop bands as they are such a lightweight and versatile prop to add resistance for a workout, great for travelling too.
How do you make health and movement a consistent part of your life—especially on busy days?
Taking bite-sized workouts and stretches is how I roll! Being an instructor is such a bonus because I have a huge library of moves in my head and can just pick an area to work, whether that’s standing in my kitchen, stretching in the shower, or rolling out the mat for a quick plank sequence.
Any non-negotiables in your wellness routine?
I like to try and get my 10,000 steps in. It’s so simple, but a great indicator of how active I have been. I don’t set high expectations of myself, I just like to enjoy exercise and be active in general.
What’s one common misconception you see in your area of expertise?
I would love for more men to be interested in taking part. I’m not sure what the stigma is, but I’d love to teach more men and help them with their goals too. So I’d say the common misconception is that Pilates is for girls.
What advice would you give someone just starting out or returning to movement?
No matter your background, shape, size or ability, it’s always a good idea to work through the beginner moves. Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re easier—there’s no shame in taking it down a level and working towards more challenging moves.
"Pilates is all about control and precision, so finding this before you advance is imperative."
Share a simple tip that could help someone feel more confident in their fitness journey.
If you are nervous to join a group for the first time, don’t be! It’s very difficult to spend any time worrying about other people while taking part in a class—everyone is more focused on their own movement. Anxieties soon disappear once you get going. We all share personal goals and want to improve; the general feeling is positive and non-judging. If anything, it’s great to be in a group so we can lift each other up and celebrate goals together.
Where can we find you?
I teach from my garden studio in Consell, Mallorca.
Find me on instagram @jo_pilates for daily workout ideas you can do from home!