30 revealing questions with Lauren Hilton
This November saw the Lauren Hilton Studio celebrate its 4th anniversary, so we thought we’d probe the Polestar Pilates teacher and studio owner, Lauren Hilton, with these 30 revealing questions to get to know the driving force behind Shrewsbury’s boutique Pilates studio a little deeper…
Lauren Hilton, Polestar Pilates Comprehensive Pilates Teacher, CIMSPA member, in the boutique Pilates studio she opened in Shrewsbury in 2019.
1. Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a Pilates studio instructor? What inspired you to pursue this career?
LH: After I had my second daughter I realised that I wanted to do something that felt like it had value. Prior to becoming a teacher, I had been a merchandiser for a couple of high street retailers, based in their head offices it had been fast-paced, analytical and at times high-pressured. In my twenties, I had enjoyed it but never felt satisfaction, Pilates had been something that had helped me with lower back pain, to feel more connected to the body I exist in and had made me feel good so I decided why not train to become a teacher myself.
2. How would you describe the philosophy or approach of your Pilates instruction?
LH: I did a lot of research before training and practised with a lot of different teachers, and whilst some resonated with me, others didn't. A teacher with whom I’d enjoyed practising in the US mentioned Polestar to me; what I liked about their approach was that it was very holistic and had been founded by a physiotherapist, and healing was at the forefront of the education.
3. Can you share some anecdotes or experiences that have made a significant impact on your journey as a Pilates instructor?
LH: Mmm, I'm not sure I have any anecdotes as such, but I have been privileged to work and be mentored by some wonderful teachers. Each one has shaped my approach to my practice and to how I teach. One of the most memorable experiences I had was a few years back, I did an 'ego detox' workshop, it was a hugely eye-opening experience for me and has made me so much more aware of where I teach from and what being a genuine teacher means to me.
4. What's the most significant learning experience you've had?
LH: Wow. There have been so many! I think the steepest learning came after I became qualified as a Pilates mat teacher and started working with clients 1:1. I'd often work with clients who had been struggling with pain and had spinal and medical conditions. Each time it was new to me, I needed to research the condition and get to know that person and what movements did and didn't feel good for them.
Lauren regularly works on her professional development to ensure she delivers the highest standard of instruction to clients, both in the studio and online.
5. How do you stay updated on the latest developments and trends in Pilates to ensure your clients receive the best instruction?
LH: This really comes from my practice. I have a coach and mentor whom I meet with monthly and she helps me hugely in all areas of my life, and not just as a Pilates teacher. I also have a group of other teachers I practice and chat with each month so we share ideas or support one another with anything we're struggling with.
6. What's your favourite time of day?
LH: I love sundown; the light created at this time of day is magical and always makes me grateful to be alive.
7. What's the one vice you'd like to give up?
LH: Self-criticism!
8. When you're not in the studio, what are some of your favourite hobbies or activities?
LH: Before knee injuries, running was one of my hobbies. But since I’ve had to re-evaluate what running was giving me and how I could recreate this feeling. I now love to walk with Buddy, my dog, I realised that it was being outside and getting out of my head that I loved about running so walking him gives me that opportunity. About 12 months ago I started meditating and have found this to be so grounding, as many of you know I have struggled on and off with injury and with that pain, meditation has been a useful tool in helping me manage this.
Lauren and long-term friend Jenny catch up in the Shrewsbury Pilates studio.
9. What makes you smile the most?
LH: Spending time with my oldest friends, they are the ones who know me the best and can make my face ache from laughing!
10. Pilates is all about balance and flexibility. Can you share a time when you had to find personal or professional balance in your life?
LH: Haha yes, all the time! I find that it is a constant balancing act. Managing the business and everything that comes with this alongside being there for my family, seeing friends and carving time out for myself is hard. I teach between 20-25 hours of Pilates sessions per week. Still, behind the scenes I am writing blogs, and newsletters, doing my accounts, planning classes, marketing the studio, creating social media posts, making sure the studio doesn't run out of loo roll, hoovering and cleaning the studio...you get the picture! So over the last 6 months, I have cut down on my teaching hours to spend more time with my family and to try and work less. Over the years I have reached points where I was burnt out and there is no truer saying than 'you can't pour from an empty cup' so now I prioritise getting as much rest as I can, trying not to work late at night replying to emails and creating some boundaries.
Mermaid on the chair is one of Lauren’s favourite Pilates exercises.
11. Do you have a favourite Pilates move or exercise that you find particularly enjoyable or challenging?
LH: Oh yes so many that I find challenging and enjoyable! Mermaid on the chair is one of my favourites, since having my daughters my ribcage has never felt the same so I just absolutely love the feeling of opening it gives me. After lockdown ended and I could return to the studio this was the first thing I did, it was bliss!
12. What are the last five songs on your 'recently played' playlist?
LH: I have a playlist that I add to whenever I hear a song I love on the radio, it's been building up over the last few years. It's mostly house and dance music because when I listen to music I want to feel uplifted.
13. Pilates can be a great stress reliever for your clients, but how do you de-stress and unwind after a busy day of teaching?
LH: After I come in from teaching my husband’s made dinner. After dinner we’ll watch something on Netflix, that's my perfect unwind.
14. Are there any Pilates myths or funny misconceptions you've encountered that you'd like to share with us?
LH: The first one that comes to mind is you must grip hold of your pelvic floor throughout a Pilates class. In fact, gripping hold of any muscle all of the time creates dysfunction so when moving we always need an awareness of what is contacting but also when we are releasing too, this is what creates alignment and balance.
15. What are three things you can't live without?
LH: Coffee, a good moisturiser (I have very dry skin) and my frizz-control hair cream!
16. What's one thing people don't know about you?
LH: Up until I was 11 years old I had dead-straight hair, at puberty, it went so curly I used to struggle to tame it!
Straight-haired Lauren, aged 9
Coily kid - Lauren, aged 14
Embracing the curls Lauren, aged 17
17. Sweet or savoury?
LH: Savoury.
18. How often do you practice Pilates?
LH: 3 times a week.
19. What are you most excited about these days?
LH: Learning more about supporting my own and my clients’ spiritual wellbeing.
20. What's the most adventurous thing you've done in your life?
LH: I did a sky-dive from 12,000ft whilst in New Zealand.
21. How would you describe yourself in three words?
LH: Loyal, kind and an over-thinker.
22. What do you usually eat for dinner?
LH: We try and eat a balanced diet so on a Monday night, for example, I’d usually have salmon with some broccoli and couscous.
23. Which movie makes you laugh hardest?
24. What's something you're tired of?
Negativity in the news, social media algorithms, more and more wealth being held by fewer and fewer people...it's a long list!
[Editor’s note: consider reading Positive News for a more positive outlook on the world!🤓]
25. What did you want to do with your life at age 12?
LH: Become a fashion designer.
26. What's your favourite way to move?
LH: Slowly and exploratively.
27. Any wellness or self-care tips that you can share?
LH: It's okay to say no, and you don't need to give a reason. Get to know yourself and your purpose so that you can live the life you want to live according to your values, don't take yourself too seriously, prioritise the things that make you feel good, there is no such thing as perfect and perfectionism will result in burnout eventually.
28. What was the last book you read?
LH: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Dr Julie Smith
29. How do you stay motivated?
LH: I try and see everything as a learning opportunity so I think this helps me to stay not only curious but motivated too.
30. Favourite piece of Pilates equipment?
LH: Mmm hard question, probably the reformer because who doesn't love feet in straps?
Thanks for the quick-fire questions, Sarah! I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little more about me. I look forward to getting to know you more too - see you on the mat soon!
Lauren x
Owner and Pilates teacher, Lauren Hilton Pilates, Shrewsbury
Lauren Hilton Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio specialising in mindful Pilates movement. Located in the heart of Shrewsbury our fully equipped studio has the ultimate Pilates experience for you.
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