Originally from Naples, I grew up in the warmth of a loving community. My upbringing was fuelled by good, healthy Italian food, a passion for dance and an entrepreneurial spirit.

I spent my teens studying dance at a professional academy in Naples, before moving to London to enrol in a master’s degree in communications. I quickly fell in love with the city & made it my home, completing my studies alongside teaching, performing, and auditioning for dance shows.

But then, a freak accident changed the course of my life.

During a performance, my partner slipped and fell, leaving me in immense pain and unable to move my neck. The diagnosis: two cervical slipped discs. Inoperable.

However, that injury wasn’t the end of my story. In fact, it was the start of a whole new chapter; because it was on my journey to recovery that I discovered the magical transformative powers of Pilates!

I tried Pilates at the suggestion of my doctor, and immediately felt a connection with my body which I’d only previously felt while dancing. With every session, I grew in strength and confidence – I knew that I had to share this beautiful discipline with others.

I soon qualified as an instructor with Stott Pilates. Drawing on my broad range of experience, I developed my own creative style of teaching, incorporating different techniques from dance and fitness to yoga and mindfulness meditation. With my unique approach, I went on to become one of London’s most sought-after Pilates instructors, teaching at the biggest studios from Core Collective to Bodyism, before establishing my own studio, where I now work 1 to 1 with private clients.

In 2019, I grew my business to incorporate a fully online studio, so that I could stay connected with my international clients while building a community of like-minded people around the world. Meanwhile, I trained to become a qualified nutrition health coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, so that I could offer my clients a truly holistic, 360° approach to health and wellness.

For me, SHAPES is more than just an online fitness studio; it’s a lifestyle philosophy. I believe that through the miracles Pilates provides the body, combined with good nutrition and mindfulness, we can all discover the best versions of ourselves. That’s why am passionate about helping you combine these practices holistically from a place of love and support.

Health is a journey, and I would be honoured to walk this path by your side, helping you to fall in love with your shapes inside and out.

Paola X