The Full Story
Our Founder Leanne explains how Mobilates was born
I was once where you might be now, searching for something that would help me move with less pain, increase my energy, and not make things worse. I was too fatigued and unwell to look after my nephews. The moment I sat down I would fall asleep. Every step felt like wading through quicksand full of jellyfish tentacles, I was in so much pain and I was beyond exhausted.
Most days I spent 20+ hours in bed or slouched on the sofa in my biggest pyjamas, staring at the TV, feeling low and lonely, completely disengaged from the world.
Then I found Pilates. It was not a neat, straight or even easy road. I even found the most basic beginner classes were often inaccessible, so I had to chip away, one tiny win at a time. Slowly I built strength, eased some of the pain, and felt my zest for life coming back.
Now I teach at least 10 Pilates classes a week, I take classes for myself, and I run a thriving social enterprise. I am so grateful that I’m now doing the things I missed in my 20s and 30s. And I know I’m not the only one.
Why Mobilates exists
I live with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, endometriosis, and a few other long term health conditions.
At my worst, I was in bed around 23 hours a day. A wheelchair was not an option for me because my wrists and shoulders dislocated easily and I couldn’t afford something less manual.
Movement had to be carefully adapted, genuinely safe, and taught by people who understood. I couldn’t find that for me, so I created it for other people like me.
This is where Mobilates was born.
We are a Community Interest Company, which means we are a not-for-profit social enterprise.
Our whole purpose is to make movement more accessible and inclusive for people who find traditional exercise hard to access.
We offer gentle, adapted classes online and in person, with an approach that supports your individual needs.
What we offer
Our classes are mainly Pilates based, with seated options and movement to music, as well as Yoga and Qigong.
Some sessions are more up-tempo, some are chilled and slow.
You can rest whenever you need, and we will always give clear options, alternatives and adaptations.
Every Mobilates Instructor has lived experience of chronic health conditions and, or, mobility issues. We get the fear of flare ups, the fatigue, the worry about doing harm. We will adapt for your body, help you set realistic goals, and celebrate the small wins that add up.
I am a certified Pain-Free Movement Specialist and I lead a team who teach with kindness, curiosity, and evidence-informed practice.
Community matters
Exercise is only part of the story.
Loneliness is sometimes unbearable, and it makes everything harder.
That is why we run regular socials, mainly online, including parties, Saturday Socials, Chat and Craft, Book Club, and Togetherness sessions.
These are free for all paying members, whether you join us online or in person.
Many real friendships have started here, and they keep going outside of class.
We call our community Da Mob, and it is exactly that, a supportive crowd of gorgeous people who just get it.
What makes us different
• We treat people how we want to be treated with kindness, respect and understanding
• We have been in your shoes and we just get it, plus our teachers have taken additional qualifications to make sure we can be the best we can be for you
• We are the experts in adaptability. If you can’t get out of bed one day, join us from there. If sitting makes your back ache, join us standing, if you don’t feel up to using weights, use some rolled up socks. You make the class what you need it to be with full support from the teachers
• We have the best community. Honestly. Everyone is just so lovely, supportive, encouraging. We will have your back, your front and your sides. And did we mention we are the queens of adaptation so if you don’t want to lie on your side, we will give you alternatives?!
An invitation
In Mobilates you will meet people with long term health conditions who are helping themselves feel better through gentle, carefully adapted movement.
Many arrive anxious and unsure.
Many tell us they have reduced their pain meds, make less hospital and GP appointments, feel less pain and feel more confident in what their bodies CAN do.
I know we can help you feel so much better, which is why we are so excited to meet you.
If you are ready to try, start small.
Book a one to one with Leanne to get you started.
Come as you are, in comfy clothes, with a cuppa nearby. We will take care of the rest, together.
