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Pilates, Walking and Retreat Experiences for Health and Wellbeing

Helping people move well, reconnect with nature and enhance wellbeing through Pilates, walking and retreat experiences.

My approach is informed by years of Pilates teaching, walking practice, and research into wellbeing, nature and connection to place.Through Pilates, walking experiences, retreats, and independent research, I explore the relationship between movement, wellbeing, nature, and cultural landscapes. My work combines embodied movement such as Pilates with restorative experiences in natural and cultural environments.

Explore Fitness Excel

Pilates Classes, Workshops & Mindful Movement

Improve strength, mobility, posture and co-ordination through classes and workshops.

Walking Experiences

Discover the benefits of walking, nature and connection both on day walks in the Malvern Hills and on longer Pilgrimage journey retreats

Retreats

Immersive experiences in Inspiring Places

Book before 15th June and received at 10% discount on the Pathways to Wellbeing Retreat 13-18th August 2026 on Isle of Iona, Scotland

Limited spaces for this bespoke, tailored small group retreat. We had an amazing adventure on this retreat and will be running this again for Summer 2026, read some of the feedback from our clients for 2025.

“Loved the Pilates exercises – nice & gentle but It felt beneficial and the talks and walks were great! Such a lovely location”.

“Beautiful location & journey to get there…..lovely way to reflect & unwind”.

“This was a really lovely course delivered in a very friendly manner”.

“Very peaceful, I felt totally relaxed”

“It was interesting to hear the talks on pilgrimage walking and wellbeing”.

“I came away with a greater understanding of Pilates exercises and the individual attention was invaluable”.

Renew your Spirit and Body on Iona

Join our inspiring Pilgrimage talks, mindful Pilates and guided scenic walks.

A Retreat on Iona from 22-27 October 2025

Experience tranquility on Iona – Your perfect getaway destination

Experience the transformative power in Iona’s blue and green spaces this Autumn. As the vibrant colours of fall change the landscape, embarking on this retreat invites you to reflect, renew, and embrace the beauty of change, making way for new growth.

This retreat offers a unique opportunity to shed old patterns and welcome new beginnings. Through inspiring talks, walks, Pilates and mindful practices, you’ll find a deeper connection to nature and yourself. Join me this autumn and let the serene beauty of Iona guide you on a path of personal transformation and renewal.

This is a retreat open to anyone interested in walking, wellbeing and Pilates with options to explore the historical Abbey and surrounding areas.

Mind-Body Pilates Book

A practical illustrated Pilates guide featuring over 60 exercises for home and outdoor Pilates workouts. Visit shop for more information.

Combine a Walking Camino with Pilates – Two of my favourites are listed below: Portuguese Camino – 7 day walk starting in the seaside town of Baiona. A great walk for those looking for an easier route, with less hills. Wander along the beach, swim in the ocean, try local cuisine. You will follow the trail to Vigo, walk through towns such as Redondela, Pondevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padron before reaching the final destination Santiago where you can get your ‘Pilgrim Certificate’.

Coastal Walk & Pilates – Portugal-Spain

This guided camino will start in Vigo where our group will meet. Our local guide Lisa will meet you to discuss the itinerary and you will meet other members. Enjoy your free time to explore Vigo before your walking which starts the following day.

Day 01: Arrival by your own to Vigo.
Day 02: Vigo-Redondela (16 km)
You will climb to the top of Enxertade and soon you will reach the village of Redondela, where you will start a new ascent to O Viso, with a privileged view over the estuary.
Day 03: Redondela-Pontevedra (19,5 km)
You will cross the historic Roman bridge over the Verdugo River and ascend to A Canicouva along beautiful cobblestone roads. In Pontevedra you can discover its impressive historic centre, full of small squares.
Day 04: Pontevedra-Caldas de Reis (21,1 km).
After leaving the bridge of O Burgo you will start a route along local roads along the Galician countryside, finding small streams and pretty villages.
Day 05: Transfer to Padrón and stage to Santiago de Compostela (18.6km). This stage will take you in a constant ascent to the city through small villages. Finally, you will be able to see the majestic Towers of the Cathedral before entering its old town. Day 06: After breakfast, departure.

Pilates and Pilates Flow stretch will take place after each walk – Contact: fitnessexcel@gmail.com

Expert Guide: Lisa

Planning to

The French Camino 100km – Begins in Sarria, the majority of this walk is through lovely woodland paths and gravel tracks and will pass through villages such as Portomarin, this route merges into different terrain continuing to Palas De Rei, the journey continues to Arzua, leading to a gentle climb to Santa Irene, with shallow rivers and valleys. Arzua is a busy town, well known for its cheese.

The final stretch continues to Pedrouza, this can get extremely busy as the walk conitnues towards Santiago, a long walk takes you to Monte Gozo, surrounded by woodland. The final destination Santiago, where street musicians and dancers perform, this is time to sit and ponder, wander around the Cathedral and soak up the atmosphere. A popular walking route, which passes through hamlets, national monuments, churches and bridges, where you can sample the local cuisine.

Finally, visit the Pilgrim office to collect your certificate if you have collected your stamps along the way and have proof of walking 100km.

Combine this with Pilates, Stretching and relaxation to make this a truly memorable experience, contact Sarah at fitnessexcel@gmail.com for more details of small group walking breaks.

Click below and watch a short video of my suggested most popular walking routes, the French Camino de Santiago I undertook with my daughter.