Natalie Donald

natalie

List 3 Non-yoga/Pilates facts about yourself:

  • I LOVE to dance. It is hard to keep me off the dance floor (especially when Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’ comes on).
  • I grew up in a house full of brothers and I love all types of sport. I’m very competitive and I used to get involved in every sport imaginable from Athletics, Swimming, Cross-country, Go-karting, Hiking and even tried Karate once thinking I was one of the boys. I still love sports but nowadays I tend to watch it more on TV 😉 However, I’m still extremely competitive…..race anyone?
  • I love to travel the world. I used to fly as crew for an airline and definitely have the travel bug. It is great to visit a new country and explore what is has to offer.

 

How long have you been teaching? What made you start?

Although I am relatively new to teaching Pilates, I have been practicing for the past 5 years.

I have danced since the age of 3 in Ballet, Tap and Modern and completed my ISTD and RAD exams. I also became involved in some Ballet teaching in the UK before moving to Dubai. I started to have some minor joint and muscular issues from Ballet and various sports which resulted in visiting a physiotherapist who suggested I try Pilates. I started off with Barre classes which are somewhat like the Ballet I was used to, before I tried a Pilates class and I fell in love with it from day one. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and I find it so rewarding.

I am a strong believer that no matter what your background or sport, Pilates definitely assists with your body alignment and injury prevention. Also when done correctly, it is an all-over tough workout!

What do you teach?

I teach a variety of Pilates Mat and Pilates Reformer classes at Piloga. From our Reformer Prep classes which show you the correct technique and cover the safety aspects of the Reformer machine, right up to the more Intermediate Reformer COREtet classes which get the heart rate up. I do like Mat Pilates as this is where I started but I have a love for the Reformer

Go on, impress us with your qualifications!

  • STOTT Pilates Instructor in Matwork & Reformer Level 1
  • Functional Anatomy
  • Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Examinations
  • Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Examinations

 

What can someone expect in your class?

First and foremost, I am passionate about using correct form, proper technique, and injury prevention in a fun, safe and controlled environment. I like variety and I think it is important in each class to give every client a full body workout focusing on the correct movement patterns so they get the most out of each and every workout.

 

What is your favourite thing to do besides work at Piloga?

I enjoy meeting up with my friends and family for dinner or coffee and catching up. I love to have fun and laugh, I have a bit of an infectious giggle and anyone who makes me laugh is a friend for life

 

Sweet or Salty?

Definitely sweet…Cheesecake, sticky toffee pudding and Chocolate cake are my favourite.