Dee Rutgers
How did you get into Pilates?
I stumbled upon Pilates by chance during the pandemic. With my physiotherapy appointment cancelled, my therapist suggested I try their online Pilates classes. I was hesitant, having tried other forms of exercise without much success, but I quickly noticed positive changes in my body.
What do you love about Pilates?
After just a month of practising Pilates twice a week, I felt more focused and energised, and noticed a real shift in my posture and movement. I became more aware of what my body was capable of – and, for the first time, began to believe in my potential to heal. Having eased my own chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain through Pilates, I’m passionate about its power to support both physical and mental well-being. I also love sharing the joy of discovering new sensations, and those long-forgotten muscles you didn’t even know you had.
Your experience with Pilates:
I am a Polestar-certified Mat and Comprehensive Pilates teacher based in Sheffield. My training with Polestar included 8 months of apprentice teaching at Chapel Allerton Pilates, and many self-practice hours to embody the work on a deeper level. Since certifying, I’ve continued my professional development with further studies in movement anatomy, small props integration, polyvagal-informed teaching, and the use of the Oov – a prop we regularly explore at Chapel Allerton Pilates.
What do you do in your free time?
Outside the studio, you’ll usually find me walking in the Peak District or geeking out over languages – I speak four and am fascinated by the way we communicate and by how languages and multilingualism influence the way we learn and experience the world.
