Move With Lou founder Lucy Manson, 25, said helping others was her passion having lived with a chronic illness herself.
Lucy has lived with an unknown illness that affects her autonomic nervous system since she was a child, and in 2018 she sought help from Pilates.
“I found it was the only exercise I felt was enjoyable and I could stick with it, even when I wasn’t feeling great,” Lucy says.
She added that by slowly getting stronger, she’s learned how to take better care of her body, something she previously didn’t think was possible.
“I’m now fit enough to walk the South West Coast path and swim 750 metres in a triathlon relay.
“I am grateful for Pilates and now I want more people to know about Pilates and the difference exercise can make to their lives.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Lucy decided to quit her job as a barista and train to become a Pilates instructor.
“I thought if it made people feel better, it could change people.”
Lucy launched Move with Lu in 2022 and now offers a range of classes from one to one, PoTs Pilates to beach sessions.
“I want to continue working towards my qualifications to help people with neurological and chronic conditions because I think it’s really beneficial for them and for the general public.”
Lucy said her course provider teaches a range of classes including breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis.
She added that clients often compare her classes to physical therapy and that some of the Pilates moves are similar.
“Business is going really well.
“I get a lot of support from regulars who come back every week because they love my teaching and speaking style. It’s really nice to hear that.”
Lucy said that even in group lessons, she aims to help individuals by tailoring exercises to those with injuries.
Early morning beach sessions are also popular, with a 12-person class held every Friday at 7am on Branksome Beach.
