About Karen Laing

Pilates teacher, women’s health specialist, writer and consultant

I help people build strength, confidence and resilience through Pilates, strength training and practical health education.

Through Fit School, the community fitness business I run with my husband Chris, I teach well-established Pilates classes in Epping and Theydon Bois, working with hundreds of local people each year.

My work focuses particularly on women’s health, postnatal recovery and healthy ageing, helping people stay active and pain-free through the different stages of life.

Alongside teaching locally, I also work as a writer, consultant and trainer of Pilates instructors, sharing my experience with both the public and the wider fitness industry.

Pilates Classes in Epping and Theydon Bois

Fit School Pilates classes are designed to be friendly, welcoming and intelligently programmed.

Classes take place in Epping and Theydon Bois, Essex, with a strong local community of members who come together each week to move, strengthen and support each other.

Our classes focus on:

• building strength and mobility
•  improving posture and core stability
• reducing aches and pains
• creating exercise habits that last

Many members have been attending for years, and new participants often join through word-of-mouth recommendations or referrals from physiotherapists and health professionals.

Our aim is simple:
Help people stay active, independent and confident in their bodies for life.

Specialist Support for Pregnancy and Postnatal Recovery

One of my key areas of expertise is exercise during and after pregnancy.

I work with women throughout the full cycle of women’s health – from pregnancy to postnatal recovery and beyond.

My baby-friendly postnatal Pilates classes allow new mums to bring their baby with them, making it far more realistic to return to exercise during maternity leave.

Postnatal classes focus on:

• pelvic floor recovery
• rebuilding core strength safely
• improving posture and back strength
• helping mums feel confident exercising again

For many women these classes provide not only expert guidance, but also a supportive community of other local mums.

Helping Adults Stay Strong as They Age

Another area I’m passionate about is helping people stay strong, mobile and independent as they get older.

My active ageing classes are designed specifically for the needs of older bodies, focusing on:

• balance and fall prevention
• strength and bone health
• mobility and joint care
• maintaining independence and confidence

These classes are particularly popular with people looking for a safe, structured alternative to the gym.

A Little Fitter - Practical Support for Real Life

Alongside regular classes, I offer A Little Fitter consultations and courses.

These programmes are designed for people who want simple, practical guidance to build strength and healthy habits without the confusion often associated with fitness.

One of the most popular programmes is:

Gym Without Guesswork

A short course designed to help people:

• understand simple resistance training
• learn a small number of effective exercises
• build a gym routine they can follow with confidence

The aim is to remove the feeling that the gym is complicated or intimidating, and instead give people a clear, achievable starting point.

Training and Mentoring Pilates Instructors

Alongside my work with the public, I also work within the fitness industry training and mentoring Pilates instructors.

I currently work with Fitness Education Online, contributing to the Women in Pilates programme in the UK as an assessor, trainer and course writer.

This work focuses particularly on pregnancy and postnatal exercise education, helping instructors feel confident supporting women during and after pregnancy.

My first book for Pilates professionals, The Pilates Instructor’s Guide to Pregnancy, is due for publication soon.

Writing and Media Work

I regularly write and comment on health, fitness and behaviour change, particularly around women’s health and making exercise more accessible.

My work has been published in:

• The Guardian
• Huffington Post
• FitPro Magazine
• BabyCentre
• Zest Magazine
• Sainsbury’s Magazine
• BodyFit Magazine
• The Sun

I have also written books and editorial content for a number of health and fitness organisations.

Journalists are welcome to contact me for expert commentary on:

• women’s health and exercise
• pregnancy and postnatal fitness
• behaviour change and exercise habits
• fitness trends and participation

Consulting and Campaign Work

Alongside teaching and writing, I have worked on a number of health and activity campaigns.

I created and led #3030Essex, an Essex-wide activity campaign encouraging residents to complete 30 minutes of activity every day for 30 days.

The project was delivered in partnership with Active Essex, Essex County Council and National Lottery funding, and engaged schools, community organisations and local residents across the county.

Earlier in my career I worked as a management consultant at PwC, specialising in training and relationship management, before moving into journalism and the fitness industry.

Qualifications and Experience

I have worked in the UK fitness industry for over 20 years, teaching in gyms, studios, corporate settings and community environments.

Qualifications include:

• Active IQ Level 3 Pilates Matwork
• Active IQ Level 3 Pre and Post Natal Exercise Prescription
• Personal Training Certification
  
• Future Fit Pilates Training
  
• Les Mills Instructor Certifications
  
• YMCA Exercise to Music

I have also presented at FitPro LIVE, the UK’s largest fitness education conference.

My Approach

At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief:

Fitness isn’t exclusive and it isn’t only for gym people.

Exercise should feel accessible, supportive and achievable, whatever stage of life you are in.

Through Pilates classes, courses, writing and instructor education, my aim is to help more people discover that movement can be something that supports your life rather than taking it over.

I teach Pilates classes in Epping, Essex and online via my YouTube Channel.

How your physical health controls your mental success. The Guardian, by Karen Laing

Don't make your kids quit dancing to study. Huffington Post, by Karen Laing

5 reasons why you shouldn't join a gym in January. Huffington Post, by Karen Laing.

Eco-Goddess. How green is your fitness routine. Bordoni Sport, by Karen Laing