My name is Emma Smale and I have lived in Bideford all of my life. My working career has involved working in the banking and marketing sector until more recently working in the healthcare industry. 

 

Health and well-being is something I have always had a passion for and I started attending Pilates classes 20 years ago as I was struggling with lower back pain. I could not believe how much better I felt after a just a few classes, not only physically but also I felt mentally much stronger.

 

In July 2011 my husband and I became parents to our first little girl. I practiced Pilates throughout my pregnancy which helped me to stay active during pregnancy as well as helped me to recover postnatally.  

Sadly it became clear very quickly after our daughter was born that I would not be able to return to work after my maternity leave. Unfortunately she was born with a rare life limiting condition and had extremely complex needs, requiring 24 hour care.

 

Life was a real challenge and a bit of a whirlwind over the next few years as we were blessed with welcoming another 2 beautiful little girls, whilst also struggling to cope with the death of our eldest daughter shortly before her 5th birthday. I found exercise, health and nutrition became a focus for me and in particular I have felt so many benefits from practicing Mindfulness alongside my Pilates. I am also a keen runner and enjoy spending time exploring the Devon coast and countryside.

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I decided to follow my passion for Pilates and in August 2016 and I completed a level 3 Diploma in Teaching Mat Pilates. I have been teaching since 2017, went on to set up Discover Pilates in 2018 and have not looked back. I absolutely love teaching and seeing the difference it makes to my clients physical and mental well-being.