About us

The Ease Pilates experience

Ease Pilates is a new reformer studio in West Cambridge, founded by Body Control Pilates teacher Jane Mansley. Our mission is to help more people to discover a love of movement through Pilates on the reformer.

Our Team

Jane Mansley

Principal Pilates Teacher
Studio Director

Jane has been teaching fitness since 2011, when she qualified as a teacher of Exercise to Music.

Since then she has specialised in Pilates, qualifying in Level 3 Pilates Matwork in 2015 and subsequently taken further qualifications in bone health (osteoporosis), low back pain and teaching exercise to older adults.

Jane is qualified to teach on all of the large Pilates apparatus and uses them to help her students achieve their movement goals. She trained with Body Control Pilates, and continues to develop her professional skill set both with Body Control Pilates and independent Pilates teachers.

In keeping with her roots as an aerobics instructor, Jane continues to teach fitness classes as she believes that Pilates and fitness are perfect partners for a healthy body.

As a former biologist with a PhD from Cambridge University, Jane applies a scientific approach to her learning and practice.

Wendy Horrocks

Comprehensive Studio Pilates Teacher

Wendy qualified as a Personal Trainer and Exercise to Music Teacher with Premier Global in 1999 and 2002, respectively. She worked as a personal trainer on cruise ships for just over a year before being drawn more towards a mind, body approach to exercise. 

Wendy completed her Pilates matwork training in 2015 with Dominique Jansen at Pilates off the Square in London. She then went on to complete the 400 hours needed to be a fully comprehensive teacher working with the Pilates studio equipment.

For Wendy, Pilates is the whole package: building flexibility, strength and stamina within the body whilst centering the body and mind through concentration and breath work. It is her form of meditation and she believes that everyone can benefit from Pilates.

Wendy is also a fully certified Health Coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, a Beauty and Massage Therapist and a member of the Pilates Professional Group.

Testimonials for Jane

"Jane is the best fitness instructor I have ever had!!!!!!!!! And I've had quite a few over the years. I am very impressed by the way she instructs her pupils, always putting their safety first. Explaining how certain movements could potentially cause injury if done incorrectly, but also explaining how beneficial certain movements are for strengthening different parts of the body. Her knowledge of anatomy and physiology is phenomenal."

"Jane’s classes are really good and I can definitely feel the difference if I have to miss one. I have complete confidence in her knowledge of Pilates and she keeps updating herself regularly. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I would thoroughly recommend Jane."

"Jane is a highly motivating instructor, clear with instructions, quick to notice if adaptations are required, always encouraging and kind."

"Jane is brilliant, I've learned so much about why we do pilates the way we do as well as becoming so much stronger and more balanced through the exercises. She takes great care of everyone so that we can all get the most out of classes."

"Jane is always positive and enthusiastic and I look forward to my class every week."

"Your classes are brilliant. I am fitter, stronger and slimmer all thanks to you!"

"Jane is a very positive teacher, and so kind and caring about all her pupils. Thank you Jane. I am a BIG fan."

"Jane is an outstanding pilates instructor. Her classes are by far the best I have tried. She is extremely knowledgable, I feel very safe in her hands and the classes have had a significant impact on my back pain and overall physical health. Her classes have a calm and happy atmosphere and are a positive part of my week."

"Jane is a professional teacher, incredibly well organised and with great attention to detail. Even during online classes there is no escape from her watchful eyes ensuring that movements are undertaken correctly in order to minimise unwanted strain on the body but maximise strength, mobility and muscle development. Since joining her classes I have a greater understanding of Pilates movements and the very positive impact undertaking them has on my body. I highly recommend her classes."

"Jane is a real professional. I've improved my overall fitness and strength through Pilates and can't rate her highly enough!"

"Clear, helpful advice and instructions. Jane adjusts the exercises for individual needs which has been really helpful for me with a sore shoulder and back."

"Jane is a well trained, very knowledgeable Pilates instructor. I feel confident in her teaching, and think she has adapted well to teaching online. She is able to correct position and describe how to improve movement effectively. She also aware of peoples personal challenges and is able to provide alternative exercises. I thoroughly recommend her as a Pilates teacher."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed learning Pilates with Jane. She is an expert teacher who is calm and guides our understanding of Pilates fluidity movements. I have enjoyed progressing with her and seeing how my body and mind have harmonised and strengthened with her guidance and fun classes."

Testimonials for Wendy

"Wendy is an amazing teacher.  Her knowledge of Reformer Pilates and the musculoskeletal system is extremely good and she has a really thoughtful and attentive manner.  I have a labral tear and osteoarthritis in my hip so wanted to improve my strength, flexibility and control to protect the hip, delay a hip replacement and enable me to continue to play tennis as long as possible.  Wendy is doing a great job and I feel a hundred times better after seven 1-1 sessions.  We work hard but within my capabilities and the sessions are fun, challenging and really effective."

"Wendy Jane’s Pilates classes are a joy to attend. They are well structured yet fun and gently progressive ... a cheerful, welcoming and intuitive teacher who can readily adapt her exercises for her client’s individual needs."

“Wendy is a wonderful Pilates teacher who is very sensitive and accommodating to the needs of her diverse students...  Wendy’s classes are always different (targeting different parts of the body) and versatile (each exercise having multiple level options). Wendy also has a beautiful and positive attitude towards life, we all learn as much from her vast knowledge of Pilates technique as from her resilience. I feel very fortunate to have her as a teacher.” 

"Wendy is an excellent instructor. I felt in safe hands and at the same time that she pushed me. I felt parts of my body that I haven't felt before with other exercise!"

"Wendy is very professional and good at explaining the details. She gave me confidence as a beginner. Before the lesson, I forced myself to get out of bed, but coming out from it, I feel alive!"

"When I was scared, she was there to support me but also to push me. I wouldn't have achieved what I did without her there."

"Wendy is a great instructor! I have been taking her Pilates classes since 2018 and I have really noticed a difference in my core strength. Her classes are enjoyable and the right level of challenging! She is attentive to individuals’ needs in class and ensures you get the most out of every move." 

"I have had various Pilates teachers over the years and Wendy is definitely the best! Wendy gives clear and detailed instructions throughout the sessions and explains how the exercises work; she is also aware that people have differing levels of ability so you never feel under pressure. Wendy is a lovely person and her classes are fun too!"

"I have attended Wendy’s pilates classes for many years and have found her to be an excellent teacher. She gives a very good and enjoyable class, explaining and demonstrating each exercise in depth whilst we work and she possesses a good understanding of the human body and musculature, keeping a keen eye on us at all times. She has obviously had a very thorough training. Pilates has benefitted me so much, as I’m elderly and have undergone two hip replacements and one knee replacement during the last 12 years. I have found Wendy’s lovely classes keep my body and muscles supple and strong."

"She's fantastic at knowing everyone's name and their individual foibles, ie backs/hips/knees and adapts exercises accordingly. The programme is always carefully planned, never repetitive or boring.  It’s a relaxed session and great fun."

"Wendy is dedicated to giving her pupils a positive experience. She is enthusiastic, experienced and able to tailor exercise for each individual. After 15 years of Pilates I would nominate Wendy as providing the best classes and being a very caring teacher."

Elena Kapitsa

Matwork Pilates Teacher

FitCore Reformer Teacher

Elena teaches mat Pilates and FitCore Reformer for Ease Pilates.

Elena is a Level 3 Pilates matwork teacher and one of the first teachers in the UK to qualify to teach the FitCore Reformer workout from Peak Pilates.

Having gained a Diploma in Personal Training in 2008, she has since qualified to teach a range of disciplines from Boxercise to Fitness Yoga.  She brings a wealth of skills and experience to her classes. Her energy and enthusiasm shine through in all her classes and you are sure to love her! Elena loves accompanying clients on their fitness journeys, achieving goals together and celebrating each of their victories.

Elena is currently studying to become an NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist.

Ines Byrne

Matwork Pilates Teacher
Reformer Teacher

Ines first qualified to teach Exercise to Music in 2010, and has since developed her interest in a range of fitness disciplines, specialising in Pilates over the past few years.

Ines is a Pilates reformer and Level 3 Pilates matwork teacher, qualified with Body Control Pilates. She has additional specialist qualifications in Pilates for the older adult, bone health (osteoporosis) and low back pain.

Ines is passionate about exercise and its physical and mental benefits. She attends courses and workshops regularly to develop her skills and to learn the latest techniques. Her goal is to help clients to achieve their fitness goals by making exercise a regular and fun part of their life. 

Testimonials for Elena

"Thank you Elena for the fun Pilates lessons - the range of exercises and pace was just right, including the roll overs!"

"She is a humorous and engaging instructor. Her descriptions of exactly how to carry out exercises are clear and refreshing. She is observant and happy to make gentle corrections. I enjoy her progressions through sequences of movements."


"I really enjoy Elena’s Pilates classes. She has a calm, friendly manner and she makes me feel safe and supported. She challenges us and is vigilant in making sure that we are all doing the movements correctly.  The class moves along briskly and I feel invigorated and well exercised at the end. It greatly improves my flexibility and strength. I hate having to miss Pilates!"


"Elena is an excellent teacher covering all the movements clearly and helpfully, giving personalised advice and checking each person's movements. I really enjoy her class."


"I've been recovering from a back operation and this class has been the BEST therapy!!! I feel better than I did 20 years ago now!"


"Elena is fabulous, the best Pilates class I've been to. Technically great attention to detail. A really good workout and different every time so never boring."


"Great to find a Pilates teacher who really knows her 'stuff'....best class I've had for a long time."


Testimonials for Ines

"I have done Pilates for 20 years under several teachers in Kent and Cambridge, with Ines for the last 7 of those years.  Of them all, Ines is by far the most qualified and the best; she often goes on update courses.  She is always attentive to the personal issues of all attending her classes, giving alternative and/or levels of exercises to meet their needs.  Each class is well planned with a balance of exercises to use the different areas of the body.  Ines plans the classes so that over a period of weeks, it certainly feels as if, every deep and surface muscle is used, exercised and strengthened.  Bands, balls, weights and even a tea towel are used for many of them.  She is all the time checking we are in the right position and doing the exercises correctly.  As well as always asking at the beginning of each class if anyone has any new problems, she often asks for comments on what we value and more we would like in her classes.  I cannot recommend Ines too highly, and that is from a former Ofsted lay school inspector."

 

"Ines teaches Pilates in an engaging, experienced, & well-structured way, taking great care to make sure that all her clients are getting the most out of every session. Her warm, friendly manner creates a very positive atmosphere in classes, & I really enjoy the variety of skills and exercises that she includes. Ines’ Pilates classes are a highlight in my week!"

 

"Ines is a wonderful instructor and teacher. She is very skilled, knowledgeable and caring, pushes the class (but never too far), is mindful of our various aches and pains and plans her terms’ work meticulously. No matter what, I always feel better after one of her sessions."

 

"Ines is very passionate about Pilates, and has a great depth of knowledge.  Her classes are relaxed and friendly and she is a very good motivator. Ines is able to modify and vary exercises to suit different individuals."

Jon Malins

Comprehensive Studio Pilates Teacher

Jon graduated with a Degree in Physics and worked as an Electronics Engineer, Physicist and Engineering Director for the next 40+ years

Having been introduced to Pilates, in 2012, as a way of managing shoulder pain from an old motorcycle injury, Jon saw Teaching Pilates and helping others benefit was a perfect post-retirement plan.

In early 2016 Jon signed up to the Polestar Pilates Comprehensive training program, finally graduating in 2018. This qualification allows Jon to teach Pilates on all the Studio Equipment. Later in 2019 Jon augmented this training and knowledge by taking the immersive Anatomy in Motion (AiM) training course with Gary Ward. Since this time Jon has developed a keen interest in the human foot and the walking gait and its impact on the body. 

Jon’s passion is working with clients, helping them manage pain or recovering from injury or surgery. Helping people to be the best they can be within the body they have, and achieve their individual movement goals.

Franziska Ammann

Comprehensive Studio Pilates Teacher

Movement has always played an important role in Franziska’s life, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. During her first pregnancy she discovered Pilates and sticked with it ever since. She loves the way it connects her mind to her body and how it makes her feel and it is the perfect addition to her love for long-distance running.

Franziska is qualified with APPI to teach matwork and reformer Pilates.  She has additional training in Women’s Health: Post Natal, Menopause and Pelvic floor. 

Franziska’s passion is to support you to find that same joy of movement, encourage you to discover the amazing things your body can do and to help you feel good in your body, mind, and soul. She’s currently studying for her comprehensive studio Pilates qualification with Breathe Education.

Testimonials for Jon

"Jon is an exceptional, dedicated, caring and professional human being. His knowledge, curiosity, open mind, personalized approach is a unique combination.

I started working with Jon around two years ago and it has changed many things in me. For example, my body awareness, posture, the way I move and strength. I keep on learning and I can't imagine myself without working with Jon."

"Jon is a very thoughtful, considerate and experienced polestar pilates practitioner. He is helping me address post-surgical conditions following a knee operation and, more generally, to develop and achieve wellness goals during my retirement. Jon's own physical condition and expertise in this field is nothing short of an inspiration (should anyone doubt the benefits of Pilates) ."

"If mobility is something you care about, and if you want to acquire more physical autonomy, you're at the right place.

I have done 3-4 sessions with Jon, and each of them was beyond my expectations. Jon uses Pilates, as well as his extended knowledge of the body anatomy, and a pedagogic approach to unveil the strategies our body adopt to compensate for physical weaknesses or blockages. Using imagery, and cues, he then provides tools to push the body outside its present state, such that it can utilise its full capacity.

I'm a 30-ish year old physically active (climbing) person with a mostly desk job, and I was feeling stuck in my practice when I decided I needed to try something different. I definitely recommend

working with Jon to whoever feels in the same situation. Each session is an opportunity to learn about yourself, and what your body can do, that you didn't think was possible before."

"I've been attending 1 to 1 sessions for well over a year and I find them miraculous. Jon is a very talented and knowledgeable practitioner who understands my own past injuries and what my body can achieve. Sessions help realign my body and movement so that I feel loose, flexible, strong, and filled with energy. I'm 55 years old and most of my peers suffer from restricted movement or weakness/pain in many parts of their bodies - and these sessions have kept me supple and flexible whilst supporting my sporting activities.

 Sessions adapt week by week to what's needed and best of all, my development is towards good balanced body function throughout life, meaning I can continue to move like a 20 year old for many years to come. I would recommend this for anyone. "

“Your teaching is slow and very deliberate which is really good. You explain in great detail how to do the moves and also give a very detailed description of what exactly they are achieving. 

I have lower back problems but every time I have a practice session with you my back really improves. My back was stiff last night but is so much better today. I am loving working on the reformer beds – they really make you have to think and control your movements. It’s amazing how sometimes the smallest of movements can have such a great impact.

The sessions with you are also helping me with my yoga as they are making me think more about how I move in those classes.”

“Jon is a highly qualified and motivated Pilates instructor. His sessions are meticulously planned to suit the individual requirement of the student. I have benefited enormously from my twice weekly sessions.”

Faith Cobbum

Comprehensive Studio Pilates Teacher

Faith teaches group and private studio Pilates lessons for Ease.  First qualifying to teach on the mat and reformer with the Pilates Institute in London, she has subsequently trained with Stott Pilates on all of the large Pilates apparatus. She is also qualified as a Personal trainer and barre instructor.

Faith has worked in various places around the world, including New York, Buenos Aires and London, at studios specialising in both contemporary and classical styles of Pilates.

Faith has a warm and confident teaching style and her classes are calm and deceptively challenging! 

In early 2023, Faith spent three months guest teaching at a studio in Ghana.

Jenette Butler

Receptionist

Jenette is our friendly receptionist, here to help you with any questions about our studio, classes and memberships. Jenette loves to liaise with people and help them to achieve their goals by being their first point of contact if they have anything that they need help with. Jenette brings a wealth of experience in office administration and as a receptionist in the health and leisure industry.

Jenette first came to Ease Pilates as a client, so she knows the studio from both sides and has experienced first hand the benefits of our workouts! You will find Jenette in the Pilates Studio office or, on the end of emails and phone calls every morning Tuesday to Friday and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Anqi Bao

Matwork Pilates Teacher
Reformer Teacher


Anqi graduated with a Master Degree in Medical and Technology Translation from Imperial College London in 2012. She then worked as an Epic Trainer for Addenbrooke’s hospital and later decided to take a role as a full-time mother.

To find a way to release her daily stress, Anqi started to practice Pilates. She loves this workout as it made her become more aware of her own body, both mentally and physically.

Anqi now is a Level 3 Pilates matwork teacher and Pilates reformer teacher. She has also completed her training for teaching all other Pilates studio apparatus. Anqi loves to work with her clients by listening to their needs and assisting them to make progress. She believes Pilates bring people’s life with strength, stability, and mobility.

Anqi has a soothing and welcoming teaching style and you are sure to enjoy working with her.