Chloe Pilates Q&A

Chloe Pilates Q&A

Chloe Hodgson is a Stott-certified Pilates instructor who runs a popular online membership which offers Pilates classes, a monthly newsletter, and perks like priority access to her exclusive wellness events. 


Chloe's passion for fitness spans her entire life, with a love for sports ranging from long-distance running to lacrosse and tennis. Initially, she viewed Pilates as static and limited, but after a back injury, she tried a class to strengthen her core. The results were astounding—her back problems vanished. This experience transformed her perception of Pilates and its numerous benefits, leading her to become a dedicated practitioner.


Chloe started teaching to share these benefits with others and to deepen her own understanding and technique. Pilates has profoundly enriched Chloe’s life, and she loves offering the same transformative experience to others worldwide.


Chloe is a devoted advocate of our brand and loyal member of the Ancient + Brave community. She frequently shares her favourite recipes and tips with her audience. Chloe is based in the Cotswolds, where we recently hosted our special Brave Feast and where Chloe ran one of her infamous classes. It was, therefore, a total no brainer for us to sit down with her and delve into her passion for her craft.


Chloe, for those unfamiliar with Pilates, could you explain what it is and highlight its benefits for our readers? What makes it such a valuable form of exercise?

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method that focuses on strengthening muscles while improving postural alignment, balance, coordination, mobility, and flexibility all in one! It strengthens your abs, lower back, hips, glutes, and arms, and increases body awareness, leading to better posture. Practicing it frequently will also enhance your understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which is important for correct movement. Additionally, having a stronger body from Pilates can lead to quicker and more efficient recovery if you ever get injured.



Before you became certified, you mentioned you thought Pilates seemed static and limited. Do you find this is a common perception, and what advice would you give to those who are uncertain about trying it?

Yes, I did, but this was mainly because I didn't really understand Pilates back then. I was used to hardcore HIIT and running, so I initially found it a bit boring, to be honest. Once I understood the Pilates principles and realised that slow and controlled movements can create amazing strength and body awareness, I was hooked! I also think it depends on the teacher and their style of teaching. My style of teaching is definitely more dynamic and challenging, but I always offer modifications to cater to all abilities and levels, ensuring everyone in my class works hard!



In today's modern world, aches and pains are becoming more prevalent due to prolonged sitting and lack of movement - issues that Pilates can greatly alleviate. What are the most common physical complaints you encounter with your clients (such as back pain), and which simple movements or techniques do you find most effective in addressing them?

The most common physical complaints I encounter with my clients are back pain, neck and shoulder tension, and hip stiffness, often due to prolonged sitting and poor posture. Simple movements like the Pilates pelvic tilt, spine stretch, and cat-cow are great for mobilising the spine and releasing tension. It is important to consider each individual's posture, as everyone's aches and pains are different and can stem from various posture issues. Incorporating regular Pilates sessions can significantly improve overall strength, mobility, and body awareness, leading to long-term alleviation of these common aches and pains.



As well as making sure we’re eating nourishing foods, we believe that consistent movement practice is so important for our physical and mental health. However, consistency is something many people struggle with for various reasons including family life and busy working schedules. This is what we love about your online platform, and how it helps to make a regular movement practice so easy and accessible. What benefits do your members report after using your platform and establishing a regular daily movement practice? 

Ahh, I have such great feedback from my members. Regular, consistent Pilates can help with many physical aspects, but it also helps mentally by decreasing stress and improving mood. After a live class, I always receive uplifting messages from my clients about how great they feel! It's so wonderful to hear. I also think the convenience and accessibility of my online classes make it easier for them to integrate movement into their busy lives, leading to a more consistent practice. They love the variety of classes and the ability to choose sessions that fit their specific needs and schedules.



On the topic of struggling with consistency, many people find their regular exercise routines especially slip during the summer due to changes in weather, holidays, festivals, etc. What are your top tips for those who wish to stay on track with daily movement practice during these times?

Staying consistent with your exercise routine during the summer can be challenging, but here are my top tips to help you stay on track:

 

  1. Set realistic goals- short sessions can be effective, so aim for 15-20 minutes if you're short on time.
  2. Choose classes that fit your mood and schedule, whether it’s a quick morning stretch or a more energising evening session.
  3. Try and stay active throughout the day – go for a walk, swim in the sea or play tennis with your family.
  4. Have some portable equipment - bring lightweight equipment like resistance bands or ankle weights if you are travelling.
  5. Follow one of my challenges – the 10 minute a day challenge is easy to fit into your day - it's effective, fun, and motivating - who doesn't have 10 minutes?!
  6. Save time - my classes range from 10-40 minutes which means that they can be fitted into your day easily - no need to plan in time to travel to a class or gym, just roll out your mat at home or in the garden and get going! On days you have little time you can go for 10-minutes classes, all depending on you. A good workout is not measured in the duration of the class, it is the quality of the workout.

And as a certified Pilates instructor and fitness enthusiast, how important is daily movement for you in your life? 

Absolutely essential! It’s a non-negotiable that is firmly in my diary and nothing will get in the way of it! if it means I have to get up at 5am to do it I will! Its part of my day and if I don’t do something (it can be just a walk or 15 minute stretch) then I don’t feel myself!


Staying well hydrated is crucial for supporting an active lifestyle - both for performance and recovery. However, so many people struggle to drink enough. How do you make sure to stay optimally hydrated to support your physically demanding schedule? 

Yes, it's so important. Like many things, it has become a habit that I've committed to and stayed consistent with, and now it's just part of my routine. Starting your day with a big glass of warm water is great, and even better if you add Ancient + Brave electrolytes! I also have a large water bottle that I take everywhere and sip on throughout the day. Additionally, I love drinking herbal teas throughout the day.



As a busy working mum of two boys, you often promote that just 15 minutes a day can be enough. This is music to our ears! But is 15 minutes a day truly enough time to see sustainable results?

Good question! I often say that 15 minutes a day is better than a one-hour class once a week. If you can make that 30 minutes a day, even better! Of course, some days you might not have time to do anything, but other days you might have more time. Remember, a good workout is not measured by the duration of the class, but by the quality of the workout.


We loved having you join us at our recent event, the Brave Feast. You also run your own wellness retreats, which look fabulous. Pilates, wild swimming, sound baths, and breathwork—it's the dream! Why do you think retreats have become so popular recently, and why are people increasingly seeking alternative health practices like cold water therapy and breathwork?

Modern life is often hectic and stressful with constant connectivity and information overload. Retreats provide a peaceful escape from this routine, allowing people to disconnect, unwind, and recharge both mentally and physically. Holistic well-being practices such as meditation and breathwork are effective in managing stress, enhancing focus, and nurturing inner peace. Alternative health practices like cold water therapy are gaining popularity for their health benefits and for pushing individuals out of their comfort zones in a time when life can feel overly comfortable and easy!



Retreats offer a really valuable escape from modern life, providing a chance to breathe and leave feeling completely rejuvenated. How can we still incorporate ways to pause and 'reset' when we return home? 

Absolutely! At the beginning of my retreats I invite my guests to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-love, to embrace every moment as an opportunity to find balance, harmony and acceptance within themselves.   I like to share and sample a range of wellbeing and fitness practices I love which hopefully they can see how effective they can be and how easy it is to slip into your daily routine – it just needs a little commitment and consistency!



At Ancient + Brave, we are passionate about the power of rituals and have designed our products to seamlessly integrate into this. Besides Pilates (of course!), what are your favourite daily wellness rituals?

A structured morning routine sets me up for the day ahead! It helps increase my productivity & helps clear my head.

I normally wake up when the sun rises, scrape my tongue, drink a big glass of warm water with A&B electrolytes, do some posture exercises and yoga and have a cold shower.  When I have more time at the weekends I try and get outside first thing, ground my bare feet on the grass or take the dog for a walk. 

A calming evening routine is also very important as it helps to improve my sleep hugely and help my body unwind. I avoid screens an hour before bed, I do some gentle stretching, have a warm bath with Epsom salts, practice some breathwork, or read a book in bed!


What are your favourite Ancient + Brave products and how do you weave them into your day?

Ahh its so hard to say as I LOVE them all!! Every morning I have electrolytes in a big pint of warm water.  I then add your MCT oil and collagen into my coffee which I have about 9am.  I love to have a mug of your Cacao + Collagen after lunch and your Matcha + Collagen as a mid afternoon pick up! I LOVE THEM ALL and I don’t go a day without taking them!

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