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Alison King
STOTT Pilates Instructor Advanced Matwork, Reformer, Injuries and Special Populations
Advanced Equipilates Biomechanics Trainer
REPS Advanced Instructor
PEA Exercise and Health Studies
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Early Career
When asked to be Sports Captain at school my career plan was possibly mapped out to a certain degree. After an exciting 5 years working overseas as a ski guide, windsurfing instructor and resort manager, I decided I was ready to embark on a career in the Health and Fitness Industry.
In 1992 I gained a distinction in PEA Exercise and Health Studies at the University of East London and spent the next 8 years personal training, teaching group exercise and managing a variety of Health and Fitness Clubs. During this time I formed part of a development team which designed and implemented a group strength training programme across a major health club chain and also went on to become a BOSU Master Trainer, developing a series of BOSU balance training workshops which I presented nationally.
As well as updating my qualifications and knowledge on a regular basis, working in the Fitness Industry has given me the opportunity to train and compete in a variety of sports and activities from UltraFit competitions and Triathlon to sailing and fell walking. Challenging my body in this way always leads me to research different training techniques some more successful than others!
In 2000 I became Key Account Manager for a leading global provider of interactive fitness technology, implementing the system in to health and fitness facilities within Europe and focusing on the issue of exercise adherence. This role also involved presenting the philosophy to key decision makers within Local Authority, Health Club chains, Military facilities and Hotels.
A Passion for Pilates
Having spent 6 years doing a considerable amount of travelling with my job, I felt the need to address some muscle imbalances. I attended a few Pilates classes and realised that this was an intelligent way to train my body if I wanted to continue with my sporting interests and reduce the risk of injury.
I became so convinced by the benefits of Pilates that I felt inspired to pass it on to others and trained to teach in the STOTT PILATES method. Qualified to teach Pilates on the mat, the Reformer and using other small equipment I have run my own Pilates business since 2006 and am a passionate advocate of this discipline. I currently work as an Associate Pilates Instructor at the Boyd Physiotherapy Practice in Lymington in addition to running Pilates classes from Beginner to Advanced level.
Horses and Me
Horse riding has been a passion of mine since I was a child and I was lucky enough to have a pony from the age of 12 to 16 years. Encouraged by my parents to see the world and embark on a career that I love, I only started horse riding again in 2009 (aged 43) and after a 25+ year break. I went to watch a friend have a riding lesson and was immediately hooked again! So much so that after a few lessons and completing my first ever dressage test on a riding school horse, I got the crazy idea that I wanted to ‘Event’! I had never Evented before either!
In 2010 I bought Valour, an 8 year old 16.2hh KWPN with a big movement and even bigger personality. Needless to say it was a very steep learning curve and even though my riding skills were extremely rusty, I am convinced that the body awareness I have learned through Pilates and the core strength I have built up helped me in the early days and continues to help me enormously through my riding lessons as I aspire to be a better rider and improve the partnership I have with Valour. Valour and I currently compete in Eventing, Dressage and are members of New Forest Riding Club.