Meet The Align Pilates Dream Team
EMMA COCHRANE
- Founding Director
- Pilates Teacher
fun, energetic, anatomical, rigorous, creative, caring
Experience a Class
How did you get into Pilates?
A mentor's friend was looking to train up an enthusiastic young girl – that was me (I had no idea what it was, it wasn't cool back then). They thought I was a good fit with my background in gymnastics. It came very naturally to me. I was already in the fitness industry. Pilates gave me x-ray vision and helped me correct poor biomechanics with my clients outside the Pilates studio.
Why do you love Pilates?
I love that it works. I love how it connects the mind and body through breath, reduces stress & tension, as well as being a great strength workout. It's a gentle and sustainable approach to wellness that will give you a more vitalized quality of life. It is precious time well spent.
Why did you become an instructor?
Because it was the only thing I wanted to do with all my heart, I love how I can combine my natural physical talents with my deep desire to connect with people through teaching. I care about people; I want to show them how capable and magnificent they are, even when they can't see it. I can!
What makes your class special?
Experience. I have been teaching for over 10+ years. There is nothing I haven't seen in class. I am onto all your little tricks. I love combining modern exercise science principles into authentic Reformer Pilates classes for maximum results.
Why do you love teaching at Align Pilates?
COMMUNITY! We have created a warm, welcoming culture I am proud to be a part of. When new people come to class, the regular members help welcome them. It's genuinely unique and warms my heart.
Do you prefer fitness or technical classes?
Technical! The technique is THE most effective way to maximize your workouts, performance & health. There is no point in going fast with sloppy posture and unstable joints on a Reformer—controlled movements will recruit more muscle fibers deepening the work.
Why is Pilates your passion?
It makes people happy! It aligns with my values within the fitness industry, and I have witnessed it transform lives as it enhanced mine as a competitive athlete. So I want to share it with the world!
What makes your class sweaty?
Effective form. An Effective range of motion. Effective resistance. Effective duration. Effective tempo. Effective transitions, and my favorite – Effective sequencing.
What makes your class unique?
My analogies. I like to educate my students on healthy biomechanics in an understandable way for the everyday person. Then they can take this anywhere and everywhere - this enhances their lives. Once students understand healthy alignment, you can push them harder, which is great fun for me.
What are 3 x things people might not know about you?
1 – I was the Australian PRO bikini bodybuilder & competed on a world stage in Dubai, placing top 5 & I stopped because I wanted to be a good role model for younger girls I taught. So promoting diet culture didn’t feel right to me.
2 – I was a massive rebel in my adolescence and got into all sorts of trouble. Fitness and the people I meet in the industry put me on the right path.
3 - I love a physical challenge! I once completed a 1/2 Ironman and hiked to Mt Everest Basecamp in search of my wall. I found it in Pilates with side-lying leg circles.
Why did you open Align?
It was a dream of mine since I discovered Pilates. I knew one day I would go back to NZ and open a studio to share it with my community to enrich their lives. When I moved to Queenstown there was no Reformer Pilates studio and I couldn't teach - I felt like a part of me was missing so Align was born!
RENEE JESSUP
- Pilates Teacher
clear, empathetic, kind, passionate, knowledgeable
Experience a Class
How did you get into Pilates?
I got into Pilates because I was searching for activities that would make me stronger. The first class of Pilates I took I saw how it can bring us Strength and Stability to our whole body, not just bringing muscular tone but also improvements to how our joints and bodies function as a whole.
Why do you love Pilates?
I love Pilates because it brings us functional strength. This means that we can improve our strength, rehabilitate current or past injuries, and also to prevent injuries from stabilising and mobilising the body!
Why did you become an instructor?
I decided to become a Pilates Instructor in order to help people recover from injuries, and to feel the best version of themselves! When we work on our physical strength, we feel more confident in ourselves, we feel happier and we feel more resilient and capable mentally. I want to bring this to people =)
What makes your class special?
As a Yoga Instructor as well, I guess I have a unique style! I believe in balancing the body by bringing in strength and length, and practicing Form over Fatigue. I also like getting creative and moving in unusual ways, so I like to think my classes bring some unexpected elements to each class!
Why do you love Align Pilates?
I LOVE Align Pilates because it is such a fun vibe and fun community! The funky tunes, the positive go-getting community creates a positive atmosphere as soon as you walk in the room, and the community is so supportive and just here for a good time! =)
Do you prefer fitness or technical classes?
I will always enjoy the fitness side of things, but I do nerd out over Technical classes. I enjoy teaching how to move the body safely and effectively!
Why is Pilates your passion?
Pilates is my passion because it helps people, and brings people together for a good, positive time!
What makes your class sweaty?
I like to always bring a challenge, and ramp up the energy - Energy creates Energy! But mostly Glutes and Abs ;) :p
What makes your class unique?
I guess from my Yoga background, I bring a mindfulness element to the class, where I really want people to connect with their body! We don’t learn about the body in school, but it is the only body we will ever have! So I like students to get to know themselves and work with their body not against it!
What are 3 x things people might not know about you?
1 - I am Australian born.
2 - I love to be outside in the mountains as much as I can. 3 - I can be bribed with cinnamon donuts!
If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
I would definitely like to be able to Fly!
AMY FULLER
- Pilates Teacher
energetic, creative, experienced, fun-loving, upbeat
Experience a Class
How did you get into Pilates?
I found myself Youtubing Pilates classes every day and fell in love with the movements and connection to mind, body, and soul. Pilates not only helped me feel strong but also helped my mental health. I can happily say I am now obsessed.
Why do you love Pilates?
I love Pilates because you get the hard work, stretch, and lengthening element. I love the creativity in creating new flows, constantly changing things, and making them fun. I always feel challenged and never bored with Pilates.
Why did you become an instructor?
Because I love teaching people exercise, I enjoy creating exercise sequences; I love being around people and being that optimistic hype girl. I was doing Pilates every day and thought to drive right in. Do what you love every day, and you'll never work a day.
What makes your class special?
My classes are different. You will never do the same class twice every time you see me. I try to make all my classes fun and enjoyable! Never a dull class with me
Why do you love Align Pilates?
Because the studio is such a beautiful space and atmosphere, the smell as soon as you walk in, to the stunning high-quality reformer beds, the community in the studio is something special. Everyone is so friendly, happy, and kind. I feel fortunate to be a part of the Align family.
Do you prefer fitness or technical classes?
Both
In 5 words, how would you describe your teaching style?
Clear, informative, fun, flowy, and upbeat.
Why is Pilates your passion?
Because it has changed my physical body and mental health, and for that, I am forever grateful. I want to share Pilates with as many people as I can because I truly know the positive effect it does have. I believe that when you feel good, you treat others well.
What makes your class sweaty?
Magic ring and pulses!
What makes your class unique?
They are never the same.
What are 3 x things people might not know about you?
1 - I am a snowboarder
2 - I am trying to learn the guitar
3 - I enjoy hiking very much.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Click my fingers and be anywhere I want in the world.