10 minutes with pilates instructor Abby Simons
Abby Simons is a pilates instructor based in Auckland, New Zealand. We love the energy, moves and music Abby brings to her classes. Imagine a sweaty rave, combined with burpees, mountain climbers and a good sountrack! We chat to Abby about her journey with Pilates.
Hey Abby! Tell us a bit about what you do.
My passion for mindful movement ignited about 10 years ago after trying yoga for the first time at her local gym. After feeling the positive effects from regular practice I was inspired to deepen my understanding in yoga, pilates and meditation. With multiple trainings under my belt and years of experience teaching, I am now a full time facilitator teaching weekly classes around Auckland, hosting HIIT Pilates trainings and running wellness retreats.
How did you get into pilates?
I initially found Yoga in my early 20’s and instantly fell in love with mindful movement. The feeling of connecting with my body in a group environment with other like minded people left a powerful impression on me and yoga naturally became part of my weekly routine. A few years later I tried a Hot HIIT Pilates class and it completely changed my life. The energy, music and challenge totally hooked me! I quickly felt the urge to become a teacher myself and completed my first of many trainings in 2018. I’ve been a full time instructor since 2019 and am lucky enough to teach at some of the leading studios in the industry. Sharing my knowledge has also become a passion of mine. I host HIIT Pilates trainings, wellness retreats and collaborate in public and private events. When you follow a passion it’s incredible what doors open up for you.
What do you love most about teaching pilates?
The people I connect with daily is such a special part of teaching. Sharing something that changed my life to others and seeing the positive flow on effects in others is pretty unreal. I’ve made life long friends through teaching and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to genuinely connect through what I do.
How would you explain the benefits of pilates to someone who is brand new?
With a regular pilates practice you’ll feel strong, confident, connected and more energised in your body. Pilates is so much more than a workout! It’s a form of connection. The more you practice, the more you’ll learn how to tap into yourself and remain mindful in your body throughout daily life.
What's your favourite pilates move?
This is tough! I do love scissor kicks!! Great exercise for activating your core and warming up the hamstrings. The Rhythm of this move goes perfectly with a house beat, which motivates me to keep going and keep up with the music!
What is your favourite class to attend when you are needing some self care?
I absolutely love Vinyasa and find it’s the perfect class when I need a moment to slow down and reconnect. I literally walk out of class like I’m floating in the clouds and totally at ease.
How do you nourish yourself?
Nature is the biggest nourishment for me. You’ll catch me camping, surfing, swimming, hiking any chance I get. The feeling I have after being outside in the elements totally refreshes and fuels me. Daily movement and nourishing food are big ones too!
You always have amazing music in your classes. What's your favourite workout song right now?
Thank you!! Music is an energetic extension of my classes and I spend hours each week curating playlist and finding new music. The musical element of HIIT Pilates fuels my creativity as I plan each class. I love to play music that lights up my soul from a range of genres, giving each phase of class a different experience. There’s too many epic songs to pick just one, you’ll just have to come to class to hear my vibe for the week!
What inspires you?
Nature, music, people, art, movement. You have to really listen to how your energy responds to people or environments. Follow the things that make you feel good or light you up inside. You can’t control everything but you can do your best to prioritise what makes you feel alive. Follow the little signs of what’s good for your soul and the inspiration will flow.
What's in your handbag right now?
Firstly my handbag is Georgia Jay and comes everywhere with me! I currently have Burts bees lip balm, glow lab moisturiser, a scrunchy and a stick of palo santo in my bag haha. My workout bag always has lululemon tights and crop, water bottle, cap and a raincoat. I often have a smoothie packed for after my morning classes and a bag of nuts for snacks. I feel like I could definitely up my snack game, so I’m excited to add Betty protein bars to my bag for an energy boost between classes!
Find out more from abby at @abbysimons_
