About Debbie West

I am a fully qualified Pilates teacher of 20 years, trained by the Pilates Foundation by the renowned Pilates expert Suzanne Scott and set up The West Studio in 2005 in Barnstaple.

I qualified as a Hanna Somatics Movement teacher in 2014, a Restorative movement teacher with Nutritious Movement in 2018 and an Anatomy in Motion (AiM) practitioner in 2019. I regularly update my certifications and further my knowledge through courses which have included AiM Gait Analysis, post gradudate level study and workshops on varied subjects from scoliosis, hip pathologies to sequential spinal movement.

Pilates and Somatics have been invaluable to me and have changed me both physically and mentally. I am more body aware, calmer (well not everyone may agree with that!), stronger, more confident and more in tune with my body, and am still learning new things about myself.

Pilates was my gateway to more movement, it has given me trust in my body and confidence to try new things like climbing and salsa.

I enjoy applying the Pilates principles to other exercise classes that I attend, when running, when sat at my desk or in the swimming pool or at my strength and conditioning class.

My teaching style has changed and developed over time, by trusting my intuition and years of experience I am able to give my clients the class they need.

I enjoy learning about movement and brings me satisfaction seeing the changes in my clients both physically and mentality.

My aim is to provide the best possible care and attention for all my clients. I communicate between other professionals such as physiotherapists, GPs and osteopaths to provide a professional and caring service.