A woman with long, wavy blonde hair sits on a wooden chair covered with a pink blanket, smiling while looking at her wristwatch. She is wearing a black long-sleeve top, black pants, and beige socks. The setting appears to be a cozy indoor space with warm lighting, a mirror behind her, a zebra print pillow, a potted plant on a white side table, and a framed picture on the wall.

ABOUT

Hi, I’m Ashiya

I’m a comprehensively certified Pilates teacher and the founder of Pilates By Ashiya. I teach precision-led private and semi-private Pilates at my private studio in Manchester city centre, tailoring every session to the client in front of me.

I work with all levels, from complete beginners through to advanced movers and fellow teachers. My aim is to help each of my clients develop a deeper, more intelligent understanding of their body, no matter whether they’re looking to deepen their practice, support their sport, work through an injury or simply move and feel better.

I also teach mat Pilates online via Zoom classes and on-demand videos, partly because the matwork was my first love! I also believe Pilates should be accessible to anyone who wants to practise it, and it can’t get much more accessible than rolling out a mat at home and getting moving.

MY TRAINING

I attained comprehensive certification through BASI Pilates, a contemporary school founded in 1989 by Rael Isacowitz, with strong roots in the original work of Joseph Pilates and a deep respect for the integrity of the method.

Comprehensive training covers the Pilates system as a whole, including matwork and the full range of large apparatus, rather than training teachers on individual pieces of equipment. As such, my studio is equipped with a range of large apparatus to help my clients get the best out of the method.

MY APPROACH

In my private and semi-private sessions, observe, I ask questions and adapt each session to how the client presents on the day. With a focus on precision, technique and the mind–body connection, we work together to refine movement, build strength and develop greater awareness and control.

QUALIFICATIONS & CONTINUING EDUCATION

I’m committed to continuing my education and regularly undertake additional training alongside my teaching. I also take regular sessions with two different teachers myself, as I strongly believe that good teaching requires you to remain curious, keep practising the work and forever remain a student.

Core qualifications

  • BASI Pilates Comprehensive Global Program, Certified 2025

  • BASI Pilates Mat Intensive Program, Certified 2024

Continuing education & WORKSHOPS

  • Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies (Orthopaedics), Samantha Wood (BASI Pilates)

  • Pilates for Scoliosis, Madeleine Black (Pilates Anytime)

  • Pre & Postnatal Pilates, Leah Stewart (Pilates Anytime)

  • Pilates for Athletes, Nicky Lal

  • Achieving the Athletic Edge, Rael Isacowitz (Pilates Anytime)

  • BASI Pilates: Get Together 2025 (BASI Pilates Italy)

BEFORE TEACHING

Prior to teaching, I worked in publishing, art and design in an editorial and writing capacity, having studied at art school to postgraduate level. I also recorded and performed as a musician.