Pilates Evolved was established over 19 years ago.
Since then we have become well known for delivering expert Pilates tuition in Henfield, West Sussex.
In June 2021, we opened the Pilates Evolved ‘Movement and Wellbeing studios’, a dedicated boutique space offering small group classes and 1:1 and 2:1 tuition in Pilates and Yoga, alongside wellbeing therapies in our upstairs therapy room, a tranquil space just a stone’s throw away from Henfield High Street.
We are a small and friendly team of highly committed and dedicated movement teachers and therapists,
whose passion for sharing our disciplines, and helping our clients, is at the heart of what we do.
We believe in giving a brilliant experience to each and every individual we teach, but even more importantly,
in sharing our knowledge to empower our community of clients.
Our Pilates teachers have undertaken comprehensive Pilates training, which encompasses both the traditional
Classical Pilates method, and the rehab-based approach of the APPI Clinical Pilates program.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to learning and development, and continually attend specialist courses
in order to uphold an excellent standard of tuition. We work with a wide spectrum of clients, and understand that each client who visits us will begin their Pilates journey with individual needs, and unique goals. We meet you where you are at, to assist you in reaching your full movement potential.
We are delighted to work alongside like minded Wellbeing Therapists in order to offer a unique combination of movement classes and therapies, all complimentary to our Pilates tuition. Find out more about our team below, and join us to get started on your health, fitness, and wellbeing journey today.
Meet your teachers and therapists
Emma Merkl
Studio Owner, Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher, Certified FAMO Fascia Movement Teacher
Emma Merkl
Studio Owner, Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher, Certified FAMO Fascia Movement Teacher
“I am passionate about Pilates because I know it WORKS! I came to Pilates as a teenager, suffering with hypermobility and painful joints. Pilates has been transformative for me, to keep my body strong, and pain-free. It is an absolute privilege to be able to share my passion and knowledge of Pilates and movement with my clients. There is nothing more rewarding than observing clients experience the tangible, and long lasting benefits of this amazing movement system.”
Qualifications & Experience
BA (Hons), Pilates in Motion London Comprehensive 600+ hours Pilates Matwork 2016, APPI Mat certified, Lisa Bradshaw Training Academy HIP Pilates™ & Pilates Equipment.
Emma has always loved to move, enjoying a wide variety of sports from a young age, and growing up with Pilates in the background. Being a personal advocate for Pilates, in reducing her own pain and improving ease of movement, she is a firm believer in the efficacy of this movement system. Her passion for sharing, and teaching movement, is contagious, and Emma is well known for her down to earth, engaging and empathetic teaching style.
Since qualifying over 5 years ago, Emma has worked alongside a number of the UK’s leading Pilates master teacher trainers, both within a rehabilitative clinic and a studio setting. Her diverse training includes both classical and contemporary styles of Pilates, and Clinical APPI Pilates. Emma’s wealth of experience and training has given her the knowledge, tools and expertise to intuitively guide each individual she teaches. She continues to work closely with physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors in order to support her clients, offering Pilates to aid in rehabilitation of injuries or movement restrictions.
Emma continues to learn from other disciplines, in order to refine and develop her teaching expertise, attending specialist courses and most recently continuing her training in functional anatomy and fascia-focused movement systems with the Art of Motion Academy, London.
Liz Whitbread
Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher
Liz Whitbread
Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher
“I discovered Pilates years ago during the peak of my love affair with running. I had suffered a fairly painful hamstring injury and couldn’t run for weeks. Out of frustration, I tried Pilates and couldn’t believe how a few simple and basic moves transformed my recovery, when nothing else had worked. This led me to explore the world of Pilates, and I haven’t looked back since! Pilates offers me health and vitality, and, it brings me such joy to see our clients loving their weekly classes and benefitting from their sessions.”
Qualifications & Experience
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, APPI Mat/Equipment, HIP Pilates™ and Lisa Bradshaw Pilates Academy Classical Mat/Equipment, CHEK HLC 1 & Exercise Coach.
Liz’s passion for wellness and exercise expertise give her a deep understanding of her clients’ needs. She has a lifetime of experience working in health, fitness and wellbeing, all grounded by her background as a science graduate and her expert knowledge of human physiology and movement.
Over the past ten years, Liz has studied with two of the leading exercise training organisations in the world: The Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI) and the CHEK Institute. This expert training saw Liz develop as a specialist in her field and ensured that she can safely and consistently deliver her advanced knowledge to her clients.
It is this high-level of accredited training that provides Liz with the unique expertise to design her weekly classes for Pilates Evolved. Every time a client attends a Pilates session, her goal is to help them to feel as inspired, as she does, by the benefits that Pilates can bring.
Claire Long
Pilates Matwork Teacher, Massage & Facial Therapist
Claire Long
Pilates Matwork Teacher, Massage & Facial Therapist
“My passion for Pilates came from joining a class as a Student. Having worked with the human body closely through massage I began to truly realise the importance of spinal flexibility and core strength in aiding not only recovery, but improved posture and general wellbeing.
The results from a regular practice are amazing and the best part is that there are always progressions through each individual’s journey with Pilates. Through this movement system we continually learn more about our body, improving our awareness and keeping this ‘discipline’ fresh and exciting throughout, whether you are a complete beginner, or have been attending for years.“
Qualifications & Experience
Active IQ Level 3 Pilates Matwork Future Fit training, 2 years Northern Institute of Massage with Eddie Caldwell, 2 years BTEC National Diploma in Beauty and Body Therapy, Microneeding/Mesotherapy with Emma Coates Training Academy, CACI non-surgical face lift and body therapy, CACI International, Member of Federation of Holistic Therapies.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Claire has built a diverse and impressive career. Originally trained in beauty therapy, she later qualified as a remedial massage therapist. Her passion for dance and exercise led her to the world of Pilates, where she combines her massage therapy expertise with teaching techniques to enhance her clients’ wellness.
Claire is proud to bring her extensive therapeutic experience to the community. Running a thriving clinic at Pilates Evolved, she offers a comprehensive range of services, including therapeutic remedial massage designed to alleviate tension and promote relaxation. Claire treats a variety of ailments, including sciatica, tech neck, lumbago, and more.
In addition, she provides advanced facial therapies utilising microcurrent and microneedling techniques. These innovative treatments aim to hydrate the skin, stimulate collagen production, and improve overall texture, all while embracing a natural and holistic philosophy.
Dedicated to helping her clients feel their best, both physically and emotionally, Claire offers personalised care tailored to their unique needs.
Kiran Sharma
Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher
Kiran Sharma
Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher
“I have always loved walking and used to go to the gym, but I have never been very fit or sporty. My hips and lower back were stiff and achy, but didn’t interfere with my life until aged 50, when I slipped a disc and got sciatica. So, I decided to do something to ‘future proof’ my body against the aging process.
The Pilates Reformer and Matwork (with Liz and Emma) helped me engage essential core and postural muscles that had been switched off through years of disuse. Retraining these improved my strength, flexibility and posture. In gaining an awareness of my body I was able to take control of it. I could move in ways I’d never been able to before. Finding a method of exercise I loved was the key to a long-term commitment, which led to a change in career.
As a Pilates teacher, I aspire towards helping clients become a fitter, stronger and more mobile version of themselves.”
Qualifications & Experience
BSc (Hons), MB.BS, Pilates in Motion London Comprehensive 600+ hours Pilates Matwork, YMCA Pilates Diploma Level 3, Lisa Bradshaw Training Academy HIP Pilates™, NLP Practitioner, and Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching, ITEC Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology and Massage
A long career in Palliative Medicine has taught me to make the most of living. I am passionate about enhancing quality of life, achieving goals, finding meaning and regaining control. These skills are all applicable to learning and teaching Pilates.
I undertook most of my practical teacher training at Pilates Evolved under the guidance of Liz and Emma and am delighted now to be joining the team. I am trained in both Contemporary and Classical Pilates, and Lisa Bradshaw’s method of HIP Pilates. I have experience in training Pilates at all levels of ability. I have experienced the benefits of the Reformer and Chair and intend to add this equipment training to my repertoire.
Each client is unique in their motivations, abilities and needs. I look forward helping them discover their potential and enjoy the experience on the way.
Steve Patterson
Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher
Steve Patterson
Pilates Matwork & Studio Equipment Teacher
“I am passionate about Pilates because of the joy it brings me to see the incremental changes in my clients. Whether they are: looking to increase their performance in preparation for a skiing/walking trip, or trying to address diastasis recti after pregnancy, or simply trying to stay one step ahead of the ageing curve by working on their core strength, bone health, mobility, balance, posture etc. After every session I can see improvements in their state and that gives me a buzz.”
Qualifications & Experience
B.Eng., APPI: Comprehensive Matwork, Pilates Reformer. Lisa Bradshaw Academy: High Intensity Pilates Reformer
I came late to Pilates only starting classes in my very late 50s and becoming “trained up” as a result of a change in lifestyle for my 60th birthday. I started out as an engineer moving into IT for most of my working life. I spent a good deal of this slouching behind a desk, eating too much cake and biscuits. As a result my posture was terrible. Then I volunteered as the ‘case study client’ for somebody learning to be a pilates teacher. My teacher (see Kiran above) was keen for me to do the homework she set and after weekly session and homework every day I started to see a dramatic change: improved posture, less painful shoulders, back, feet and ankles. I even started to get a bottom.
Seeing the results on my own body spurred me on to try and pay the benefits forward, so I enrolled on the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) instructor course, first completing their comprehensive matwork course and then their Pilates Reformer Teacher course. I haven’t looked back since!
Sarah Kearney
Pilates Matwork Teacher
Sarah Kearney
Pilates Matwork Teacher
“I first experienced Pilates as a dance student in London and quickly discovered how it could support my training and everyday activities. Having felt the benefits of Pilates in my overall physical wellbeing and also helping me through the inevitable aches, pains and twinges of working as a dance teacher and in my part-time sedentary desk job, I was keen to deepen my knowledge of movement and the body through Pilates.
Knowing how much Pilates has helped me, my goal is to share the many benefits with others through my teaching. After moving to Brighton in 2014 I completed my Pilates teacher training and ever since I have enjoyed continuing to explore, learn and work as a Pilates teacher in Sussex.“
Qualifications & Experience
BA (Hons) Dance Theatre from Trinity Laban, Pilates Matwork Teacher Training with the Pilates Foundation, Buff Bones® Instructor Training with founder Rebekah Rotstein, and Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector – Professional Graduate Certificate in Education.
Sarah is a Pilates matwork teacher who qualified with the Pilates Foundation in 2015. Having been a contemporary dance teacher for over 10 years, this experience influences her approach to exploring movement and connections through the body.
Since qualifying, Sarah has continued to develop her understanding of how the body moves, through attending specialist professional development training, such as workshops focusing on Pilates in relation to osteoporosis, back care, scoliosis, and hypermobility, among others.
In 2020 Sarah qualified as a Licensed Buff Bones ® instructor. Buff Bones ® is a medically-endorsed system of movement for bone and joint health.
In her other teaching contexts, Sarah has developed a flowing exercise class at the barre in which she combines movements inspired by Pilates, ballet barre and contemporary dance.
Patsy Westcott
Pilates Matwork Teacher
Patsy Westcott
Pilates Matwork Teacher
“A life spent as a health writer – and more recently nutritionist – has given me, sometimes literally, a ringside seat on incredible advances in health and medicine. Nothing, however, has amazed me quite as much as the natural power of our bodies to respond to the deceptively simple practice of Pilates.
Practising Pilates over the years has helped to dispel aches, pains and stiffness as well as improving my strength and flexibility. In recent years it also played a major role in my recovery from a bout of serious illness. Eager to pass on the extraordinary benefits I experienced for myself I trained to teach Pilates.
I believe Pilates is for everybody – regardless of age, size, previous activity level or any of the barriers that can sometimes stop us from moving. I am excited to share what I have learned to help improve your posture, flexibility, balance and range of movement. I aim to tailor my classes to your needs to help you move more freely and feel strong and restored in body and mind.”
Qualifications & Experience
Certified Body Control Pilates Level 3 Mat Teacher, MSc Nutritional Medicine (University of Surrey), Adult Education Teaching Diploma (University of Nottingham), City & Guilds 730 FE Teaching Certificate, BA Hons (University of London)
Since becoming immersed in the world of Pilates I have come to appreciate the breadth of what it has to offer and continue to deepen my understanding with my own practice and ongoing training. I have recently completed workshops in Pilates for Musculoskeletal Conditions, Matwork Evolution and Pilates Small Equipment. I am currently working towards the Level 3 qualification Pilates for Bone Health and will be doing further training in Pilates for Older People.
Jane Grogan
Pilates Matwork Teacher
Jane Grogan
Pilates Matwork Teacher
Jane discovered Pilates 25 years ago. After training as a dancer, she found Pilates and Yoga to be a great compliment to her movement practice and both became a huge part of her life.
She began teaching Pilates 13 years ago and has continued to teach, study and explore the method and other disciplines ever since. Jane is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of pilates, which include improved strength, flexibility, posture and overall well-being.
Qualifications & Experience
Over the years, Jane has taught a wide range of clients, from professional athletes to seniors, and has helped many people recover from injuries or manage chronic pain. She believes that pilates is a holistic approach to fitness that can benefit anyone, regardless of age, fitness level or body type.
In addition to teaching Pilates, Jane also enjoys practicing Yoga, hiking and spending time with her family. She believes that staying active and healthy is a key part of living a fulfilling life and encourages others to find movement practices that they enjoy.
Overall, Jane is a dedicated and knowledgeable Pilates instructor who is committed to helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals.
Sharon Clarke
Pilates Matwork Teacher
Sharon Clarke
Pilates Matwork Teacher
“My journey to Pilates began with working long hours sitting at a desk. I was stressed, and stiff with muscles that had switched off. The result…back pain!
Pilates for me, has been restorative and overtime has allowed me to reconnect with myself both body and mind. Pilates teaches body awareness as you improve your posture and overall general wellbeing.
I have an interest in long term goals, restorative Pilates to live well for longer.“
Qualifications & Experience
Certified Body Control Pilates level 3 Matwork teacher with Active IQ level 3 fitness instructor. Certified Level 3 Pilates for Bone Health and Pilates with small equipment.
Recent workshops have included older populations, mid-life into menopause, neural re-set for anxiety and hypropressives to help with pelvic floor issues.
Maisie Ross Talbot
Holistic Therapist, Journey to You
Maisie Ross Talbot
Holistic Therapist, Journey to You
“My journey into the world of holistic therapies began with my own personal experiences. Growing up with high stress levels and later navigating the challenges of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), I discovered the profound impact that practices like reflexology and relaxation therapy could have on my wellbeing. These modalities became integral to my healing journey, sparking a deep passion for helping others find balance and restoration through holistic approaches.”
Qualifications & Experience
200hrs Yoga Alliance Hatha and Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher, Distinction Level 3 Reflexology (ITEC), Neutral Space Relaxation® Practitioner
Maisie’s approach is deeply rooted in creating a safe and nurturing space where clients can feel truly heard and supported. She combines her intuitive understanding of the body’s energy systems with her knowledge of Reflexology and Relaxation therapy, along with her understanding of the body’s physiological processes, to provide personalised treatments and aftercare that address each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from specific ailments, a deeper connection to your inner self, or simply a moment of tranquility, Maisie’s gentle and compassionate approach can help you find balance and harmony within.
Rosie Beale
Holistic Therapist, Rosalie Holistic Therapy
Rosie Beale
Holistic Therapist, Rosalie Holistic Therapy
“Moving to Brighton 10 years ago was the perfect opportunity to follow my calling of working with my hands to help heal others. Once qualified in Massage, I got the bug to continue studying and learning every course under the sun to add to my toolbox of Massage techniques and Holistic healing. I opened my own female-only business as soon as I had qualified, and it has really grown and flourished over the 8 years, as well as enabling me to work around having my two children, Charlie and Maya.
Having recently moved our family to Henfield, I am excited to now also work from the Pilates Evolved therapy room and am really looking forward to building up a lovely new local client base. I am an Independent Consultant for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic and I use their gorgeous aromatherapy products in all my Massage and Holistic Facials treatments, so you will leave with nourished skin and smelling divine!”
Qualifications & Experience
ITEC Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology and Holistic Massage – Distinction;
Advanced Clinical Massage & Sports Massage; Deep Tissue Massage; Pregnancy & Post Natal Massage; Hot Stone Massage; Indian Head Massage; NO HANDS Massage; Table Thai Massage; Holistic Facials; Reiki; Vortex Healing
I believe no massage fits all, so I draw from my extensive training to create a bespoke treatment tailored just to you. I will use my intuition to choose the techniques needed to create the perfect balance of utmost relaxation combined with deep firm massage, to effectively help any pain or issues you may have. I can combine any Massage with a Facial or with Energy work for an even deeper relaxation experience, and my 90-minute Massage & Facial is a client favourite! Adding Hot Stones into your massage is another firm favourite and is guaranteed to create the ultimate combination of relaxation and deep tissue.
I am passionate about helping people through their pregnancy and post-natal period. Having had two children of my own (and really struggled to find myself a decent Pregnancy Massage), I understand what it is like, and what is really needed! My advanced training in Pregnancy work, as well as Post Natal and scar work means I can work with you at any stage.
I have also worked closely for many years now with a female running club and love helping runners reach their goals and milestones. As many have now adopted a work from home career, I get deep satisfaction from helping ease out all the knots and tensions caused from bad posture and the intense screen time.
My work with Neal’s Yard Remedies has led me into the wonderful world of aromatherapy and I love using their products in the treatments, as well as helping clients head home with the best products and aftercare to continue the good work at home.
Frankie Wijenbergh
Studio Manager
Frankie Wijenbergh
Studio Manager
Frankie is the friendly face behind the scenes of Pilates Evolved, managing all the admin and organising behind the scenes of our buzzy and busy Henfield studios!
She expertly and efficiently handles all class/private availability and bookings, and is also very likely to be the first person you will speak to about starting your Pilates journey if you are joining us for the first time!
Qualifications & Experience
Frankie brings a wealth of experience to the Pilates Evolved studios! Initially trained as a barrister in Dutch law, and speaking 5 languages, Frankie has a real eye for detail, but more to the point she is a real ‘people person’, warm, bubbly and super organised. Even more importantly, she understands for herself the benefits of Pilates after coming to this practice with back pain and to improve her posture.
Frankie has run 2 UK businesses, and alongside working for the studios, she also helps other clients leading very busy lives manage their ‘life admin’ and other tasks via her current business, based from Henfield, ‘Frankie Sorts It’.
