My Story

I'm Jo—welcome to Flourishing Choices, a space dedicated to helping you feel good in your body, able to move well and find joy in life.

My love of moving my body started very young with ballet lessons. I have danced most of my life and very much continue to do so, but becoming aware of how susceptible we are to injury made me seek ways to strengthen, stretch, and recover my body so I can continue to move not only in ways that I love but in all the essential ways we need to enjoy a flourishing life.

Yoga has been part of my life on and off since my late teens, but I didn’t fully immerse myself in all its benefits until my late thirties. This is where I am learning to quiet my mind and find those pockets of peace, allowing the chatter to float over me like clouds instead of trying to pay attention to every thought that comes.

Pilates gave me more insight into the mechanics of my body, my mind to muscle connection and keeps my posture in alignment and my core strong.

Say Hello

“I have been enjoying Jo's Pilates classes for a number of years now. She is an amazing teacher. The classes are varied and well structured. Jo modifies the exercises and ensures that everyone in the class can work at their own ability. She encourages and progresses while making the class atmosphere calm and relaxing. I find the mix of strength and stability work with stretching and flexibility exercises really beneficial. I no longer have back pain, my posture is improved, core strength is so much better and all of this has also has a positive impact on my running ability. I would thoroughly recommend Jo and her classes!”

— Helen, Gosforth

My Qualifications

My Style

My style is warm and encouraging. I believe movement is medicine for both our body and mind, and every body should have the space to move freely. Each session is created with you in mind, whether that is an energising Morning Flow yoga or a strength and mobility Pilates class. I take care to think about why we are moving in a certain way and find the best ways to guide you through.

I encourage you to listen to your body, to challenge yourself on those great days, and be kind to yourself when your body or mind isn't feeling its best. There will always be options to take and modifications to exercises that assist and support you throughout each session. No matter if you are stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an existing practice, you are welcome.

There is a sense of community each week in class as people have brought friends and family to join in together which really brings me joy. I organise occasional optional social get-togethers for those who want to continue to chat and connect.

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