Teacher Spotlight- Ronnie Green, owner of Shoreham Beach Pilates & Ronnie Green Pilates

With an unwavering passion for Pilates and a heart full of love for my son, my dog Fletcher, and the joy of travel, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching, practicing, and sharing the transformative power of movement.

My journey began at 16, training as a dancer at The London Studio Centre. After sustaining injuries to my hips and knees, I rehabilitated myself using a wobble board, sparking my lifelong fascination with anatomy, movement, healing, and resilience. My career has taken me from teaching aerobics in London to living in Tenerife and Prague, traveling the globe personal training aboard cruise ships, and opening studios in London, that inspire others to embrace wellness.

Pilates became my anchor during every twist and turn of life. From my first training with Michael King to becoming a Fletcher Pilates Professional Teacher under the legendary Ron Fletcher, it has not only restored my body but also reshaped my outlook on life.

Beyond Pilates, my greatest joy is being a mother. In 2018, I adopted my son, and he has been my guiding light ever since. Together, we moved to Shoreham-by-Sea, where we enjoy the fresh coastal air and the beach just minutes from our doorstep. My dog Fletcher, a constant companion and studio mascot, adds an extra dose of love and energy to our lives and anyone who meets him. 

Travel is another passion I hold dear, having explored the Caribbean, South America, Alaska, and beyond. These adventures have shaped my perspective, fuelled my creativity, and deepened my appreciation for connecting with people from all walks of life.

Today, I run two studios—Ronnie Green Pilates in Brighton and Shoreham Beach Pilates from my home—continuing to share the gift of movement while balancing my love for family, animals, and the world around me. Pilates is more than a practice; it’s my way of living, healing, and inspiring others to discover the strength and joy within themselves.

Why do you love Pilates so deeply?

Simply it makes me feel wholesome. With physical well-being I feel on top of my life, I’m happy and confident. At 58, I can run and jump with my dog & 8yo and I’m ready for what life throws at me. 

How did you discover Pilates?

In 2000 I went to work on cruise ships as a personal trainer. Part of the training was a one day course of Pilates with Michael King. We learnt the Mat series and did leg & footwork on a Reformer for his first video (as it was back then) though I’d never even seen a Reformer before. I taught Pilates for 4 yrs on ships, my 2nd ship they gave me a Reformer and a manual and said “go for it” – I had many New York passengers show me how to ‘use’ the Reformer. Today I move ‘with’ the Reformer. After most passengers asking me “Is this Stott Pilates?” I returned to London and took a Stott Mat course. After 4 years of teaching Stott I was bored and looking for more, I knew there must be more to this Pilates lark. Then a friend heard about a Fletcher Pilates Towelwork class. I joined class and one exercise alone had me sweating. The complexity of each movement was fascinating, the control needed, how the breath facilitated each movement and how physically challenging it was!!!! I was hooked. I knew I’d found my calling. 

Why does the work of Ron Fletcher resonate with you and so many others? 

Ron was a Martha Graham dancer. Martha had her NY studio in the same building as Joe had his studio. When the dancer’s got injured they saw Joe. When Ron injured his knee, he went to see Joe who said “If I haven’t fixed your knee in 3 sessions I’ll give you your money back.”

Leaving school I went to dance college at The London Studio Centre. I never had a natural dancers body but I loved to dance and gained my 3-year diploma. I incurred many injuries pushing my body, including dislocating my pelvis and tearing hamstrings. Ron’s work gave me my healthy dancer’s body back. Most Fletcher Pilates teachers are ex dancers. 

The Fletcher breath and movements are flowing, one movement into the next. Our classes are full of goesintas. What’s a goesinta? This is the question Ron asked another dancer. It’s Martha’s word for transition from one movement into another. Our Matwork is full of goesintas.

Now I feel I have a treasure box of knowledge to help anyone move with ease, and flow beyond what they ever thought possible. Thank you Ron.

The breath is often misunderstood. Can you explain? 

Ron never called it Pilates after Joe nor did he call it Contrology back in the sixties, he always said “Breath Led Movement”. Though the Fletcher breath is audible, the sound is a bi-product of the strength from the lungs. By working from the lungs front, back & sides exhaling with a soft ssshhhh sound (like you’re saying be quiet to a 1yo and you don’t want them to cry) you can feel a soft, deep contraction of your abdominal wall. Win, win. As your lungs grow stronger with practice your sound grows louder. 

A 100 Fletcher teachers in a room moving together is euphoric. With the Fletcher breath comes rhythm. The pulse breath allows for changes of rhythm throughout one exercise which adds joy to the movements! As a teacher controlling a class, the audible breath is easier for students and clients to move in harmony together. 

Which is your favourite? Floorwork, Towelwork or Barrework. 

I can’t say I have a favourite as each gives me something different:

Floorwork opens up my hips and lower back and elongates my torso. I lift out of my hips thanks to Floorwork. 

Towelwork introduced me to my backline. It continues to connect my arms into my back and releases my shoulder girdle. High release (extension) is easier thanks to Towelwork.

Barrework certainly gave me my hamstring length & strength, taught me where my hip rotators are and continues to aid my internal & external hip rotation. Homework for clients is Barrework often against a wall or free standing. 

I am beyond excited to announce that Ronnie will be teaching a series of online classes where you can join me to experience and explore the Fletcher work. The Fletcher work is the perfect complement and variation to your existing Mat knowledge and it brings absolute joy and freedom to our movements. I would love you to join me & Ronnie on my journey through the Fletcher work.

The series will begin with 4 classes dedicated to the Fletcher Floorwork and  begin on Wednesday 26th February at 10.30am. All classes will be recorded and available for 48 hours after the class. For full details and to book your space please click here.

The Floorwork

Fletcher Floorwork is a sophisticated movement method created by Pilates elder Ron Fletcher, which integrates the principles of Pilates with elements of modern dance, specifically the Graham floor technique, and an emphasis on breathwork. Fletcher Floorwork is a three-dimensional approach to movement, encouraging spatial awareness, fluidity, and dynamic transitions.

Key features include:

Deep Abdominal Engagement

Joint Mobility

Spinal and Hip Articulation

Body Awareness

Movement Quality

By blending Pilates Contrology with the grounded, expressive nature of Graham technique, Fletcher Floorwork develops an integrated body capable of more dynamic, efficient, and expressive movement. It is a holistic practice that supports physical strength, mobility, and creativity.

To connect with Ronnie:

Website: https://www.ronniegreenpilates.com

Instagram: @ronniegpilates
@shorehambeachpilates