Strengthening a Legacy:

At YMCAfit, learners can access world-class Pilates education through a long-standing partnership with Merrithew, the creators of the globally recognised STOTT PILATES approach.

Leading this training is Instructor Trainer Marilena, whose journey into Pilates began with a lifelong passion for movement.

Born in Athens, Marilena discovered her love for movement at an early age. Her dedication and talent led her to pursue a professional career in ballet.

She later moved to London after receiving a scholarship to study at The Urdang Academy, one of the UK’s leading performing arts institutions.

Soon after graduating, Marilena joined Vienna Festival Ballet as a soloist, performing leading roles while touring extensively across the UK and Europe. Her career also extended beyond classical ballet, with appearances in the West End as well as television, theatre and film.

This diverse performance career gave her a deep understanding of movement, body awareness and physical conditioning—skills that would later shape her work as a Pilates educator.

Marilena went on to become a fully certified instructor in the STOTT PILATES system before progressing to become an Instructor Trainer.

She now specialises in teaching:

• Matwork
• Reformer
• Cadillac
• Chair and Barrels
• Total Barre
• Anatomy education

Through her work, she supports aspiring Pilates teachers as they develop the knowledge, confidence and teaching skills required to deliver high-quality instruction.

Her dance background continues to influence her teaching approach, with a strong emphasis on movement precision, alignment and body awareness.

For many years, YMCAfit has partnered with Merrithew to deliver internationally recognised Pilates education.

Merrithew is one of the world’s most respected providers of Pilates training, known for its evidence-based teaching approach and high professional standards.

Through this partnership, YMCAfit delivers Merrithew’s renowned STOTT PILATES Matwork and Reformer courses, providing learners with access to globally recognised qualifications.

Importantly, YMCAfit is the only licensed Merrithew training centre in the UK, giving students exclusive access to this internationally respected education pathway.

The STOTT PILATES system is a modern interpretation of the original Pilates method, developed using contemporary knowledge of biomechanics and movement science.

The method is built around five key principles:

• Breathing
• Pelvic placement
• Rib cage placement
• Scapular movement and stabilisation
• Head and cervical placement

These principles allow instructors to deliver safe, effective and adaptable sessions for a wide range of clients—from beginners and general populations to athletes and those recovering from injury.

The STOTT PILATES Matwork and Reformer courses offered by YMCAfit combine theory, practical training and teaching practice.

Learners develop skills in:

• Exercise technique and progressions
• Cueing and coaching strategies
• Alignment and posture correction
• Programming and class design
• Client modifications and adaptations

Training includes in-person practical days, anatomy learning, practice teaching hours, observation and assessment, ensuring learners graduate with both strong theoretical knowledge and the confidence to teach.