About Sam
"I’ve spent the last 20 years in love with helping others find their strength."
Since starting in the fitness industry, I’ve spent the last 20 years in love with helping others find their strength. I'm the owner of Firefly Pilates in Potters Bar, as well as an artist and full time single mama. Join me, a Certified Balanced Body Pilates Instructor, for a mind body experience, full of positive encouragement.
It all began for me as a teen, living in South Africa. I used to enjoy weekly Callanetics classes at the village hall. The teacher was so inspiring and the movements felt so good on my spine, especially after slouching at a school desk. I decided to teach exercise when I was “grown up”. My parents thought better and encouraged me into Graphic Design as I happen to have a flare for art.
How It All Began...
MY journey OF DISCOVERING pilates
After 4 years of studying Art in Durban and working a year in the industry my call for teaching exercise hadn’t gone. I let go of the design world, moved to London in the early 2000’s and studied Personal Training, Nutrition, Injury Rehabilitation and Sports Massage.
In 2005, I was first Introduced to Mat Pilates. From then I was hooked as it resonated with the Callanetics classes I had done as a teen. I did course after course, studying more and more about Pilates and realised how much it was helping my clients to move away from injuries and pain. Pilates changes lives and it means so much to me to be a part of helping that to happen.
I believe in continuous education, as it brings so many benefits to my clients, and to my own teaching. I am dedicated to my Practice and I embody the principles of Pilates through every client session.
Over the years, I have welcomed and grown a wonderful community of clients at my beautiful studio, offering a focused and inclusive environment. I make sure everyone gets the workout they need, so that everyone walks back into their world feeling like a star! You are welcome too. See you soon!
My Accreditations
I'm Passionate about continuous education
Certifications & Courses
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Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor
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Balanced Body: Movement Principles, Mat, Reformer, Wunda Chair, Pilates Arc, Ladder Barrel
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Premier International Certified in: Personal Training, Sports Massage, Nutrition, Injury Rehabilitation
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Virgin Active Certified: BOSU, Kettlebells, Rowing, Spin
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Richdales Institute Certified: Hot Stone Massage
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Fletcher Pilates: Towel Work, Spine Corrector, Ballet Barre, Fletcher Floorwork
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Les Mills International Body Balance classes Tai Chi, Pilates and yoga
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CETI Certified: Exercise for Cancer patients
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The Fitness Circle Certified: exercise with children ages 5-18
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First Aid Certified for children and adults
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Insured for Public liability and Massage through FIT PRO and Insure 4 Sport
Workshops
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Bodyline LA: Trapese/ Cadillac, Pilates with men, Pilates for the elderly, Pilates for Athletes, Osteoporosis, Jumpboard, Train your Eye, Pregnancy.
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Sonje Mayo: Scoliosis, Traditional Mat
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Rael Isacowitz: Back Care
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Jay Grimes: Classical Pilates, fine tuning Reformer
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Victoria Torriw-Capan: Important skills for seniors
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Courtney Miller: Reformer group formatting
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Kings College London: Dissection laboratory Anatomy study
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Dr. Tarek Adra: Hacking lower back pain
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Brent Anderson, Polestar Pilates: Pelvic Floor health, Scoliosis, Pilates for children, Hip and back pain
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Madelaine Black: Pilates for Scoliosis
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Sue Hitzmann, Melt Method: Fascia release for the whole body
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Cherry Baker: Pilates for spinal conditions
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Stephanie Glickman: Pilates for hips and shoulders
How I Live A Beautifully Balanced Life
Well, Most of the time
Life is busy. It throws curve balls sometimes too, but I prioritise 3 Pilates workouts a week for myself, and walk regularly. As a result my body feels strong and fit and I feel in control of it all.
When I ‘m not in The Studio, I’m rocking up life with my daughter. We especially enjoy having fun with our awesome Russian Blue cat, Max. He’s really the reason clients come to the Studio! Grace and I enjoy travelling, cooking, crafting, gardening and finding new places to sample meals out and about.
I believe in moderation and balance, and despite hitting the Menopause wall, I have managed to find equilibrium with a healthy weight. See my Blog for more details about living a beautifully balanced life.
As a result of cancer in 2023 I had surgery. And for further cancer prevention I had more surgery in 2025. In both cases, pre-surgery Pilates and post-surgery Pilates, helped me recover swiftly. I hope this to be an inspiration to you too. Looking after ourselves needs to be a priority. So schedule in your Pilates classes today.
