SARAH GROCUTT
Founder of Fitness Excel
Hi, I’m Sarah Grocutt, founder of Fitness Excel, based in Worcester, UK. I can generally be found hiking in the hills, trail running, training for endurance events, or embarking on long-distance walking journeys connected to nature, landscape, and place.
I am an independent practitioner-researcher with a background in physical education, Pilates, wellbeing, and outdoor education. My work explores the relationship between movement, walking, ecological and cultural landscapes, and experiences of wellbeing and environmental connection. Alongside leading Pilates classes, walking experiences, and retreats, I also develop research, writing, and talks focused on embodied movement, restorative environments, pilgrimage, and connection to place.
I completed an MA in Outdoor Education at University of Worcester, where my research explored walking, pilgrimage, wellbeing, and transformative outdoor experiences.
Originally trained as a physical science teacher and Pilates instructor with Michael King Pilates, I later developed Fitness Excel and delivered YMCA teacher training courses in personal training, Pilates, and exercise for children. My work has included teaching ballet students, sportspeople, and individuals with a range of health conditions.
With a background in physical education, gymnastics coaching, human biology, and social science, my teaching approach is person-centred and grounded in movement, wellbeing, and positive psychology. Increasingly, my work integrates walking, nature, cultural landscapes, and restorative experiences through retreats, outdoor movement practices, and independent research.
My current work continues to develop through conferences, writing, retreats, and independent research exploring embodied movement, walking, ecological and cultural landscapes, environmental perception, and connection to place.
Author of Pilates book Mind-Body Pilates
Qualifications:
MA Outdoor Education – 2025 University of Worcester, Worcester
BSc (Hons) Science Degree – 2011 The Open University
Postgraduate Diploma in Education – University of Worcester.
Postgraduate Certificate – Designing an on-line back-pain management course – The Open University
Certificate in Education
QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills) Society of Education and Training
Certificate in NLP Coaching
Certificate in Mental Health Awareness.
Certificate in Outdoor Therapeutic Practice
ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) Exercise Leader
Certificate in Pilates
Certificate in Internal Quality Assurance Standards
Certificate in Assessing
Experience:
My background includes over 35 years working across movement, Pilates, wellbeing, education, and professional practice within the health, leisure, and tourism sectors. This experience continues to inform my current work combining embodied movement, walking, retreats, and independent research exploring wellbeing, ecological landscapes, and connection to place.
Professional Affiliations:
*Association of Outdoor Therapy
*Institute for Outdoor Learning
* Fitness Professionals Network
*Society of Education and Training
*England Athletics.
My work continues to draw upon interdisciplinary approaches across movement, outdoor learning, wellbeing, and environmental experience.
fitness-excel.com 