Genesis Pilates
All about us
“Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, after whom it is named. He called his technique “Contrology”, presenting his method as the art of controlled movements, which should look and feel like a workout (not a therapy) when properly manifested.”
Your instructor
Meet Claire
Claire Riddell graduated as a Physiotherapist from Oxford Brookes University in 2007 and subsequently worked for the NHS, and as a private Physio, in London Hospitals and the surrounding area for approximately seven years before relocating to The Midlands.
Having completed rotations in many disciplines of Physiotherapy (Intensive Care, Palliative Care, Respiratory, Cardio Thoracics and Enablement – to name a few), Claire specialised in the Rehabilitation Sector with the objective of maximising an individual’s potential; whether they were at home post-operatively or in a care environment wanting to be as self sufficient and as safe as possible. Helping an individual to identify and achieve their goals, enhance their independence and improve their quality of life is a focus she has carried into the world of Pilates.
Claire trained with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute and is a Fully Certified Pilates instructor having worked for a number of years in a private clinic.
Claire has further developed her education with the APPI in the following areas:
- Ante and Post Natal Pilates
- Pilates for Spinal Surgery
- Pilates and small equipment
- Pilates for Osteoporosis
- Reformer on the mat using the pilates band
- The Reformer Series Levels 1, 2 & 3
- Matwork: The Foundation
- Matwork: Class Instructor
- Matwork: Intermediate and Advanced
- Kids and Teens Pilates
- Pilates for Hypermobility
Claire is the Founder of Genesis Pilates and a member of the following:

The
APPI Method
What is the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and the APPI Method?
Glen and Elisa Withers are two Physiotherapists who founded the Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute in 2000 and it has become a firmly established world leader in Pilates training. The APPI was built on degree-level understanding of movement, anatomy and physiology. It is unique in its design as it is the only Pilates programme in the world that is fully designed, taught and developed by Physiotherapists.
‘Clinical Relevance of Pilates Exercise for clients with Back and Pelvic Pain’ was study research completed by Glen and Elisa where they discovered the benefits of Classical Pilates exercises were not being optimised. They found this was due to high levels of strength, control and body awareness initially being required of clients.
Glen and Elisa analysed every Pilates exercise on its effectiveness for clients that had suffered injury. Modifications were made, and a unique exercise-level approach developed.
They defined a new form of Pilates-based exercise that could be a lot more successful in the rehabilitation field if the following elements were considered in all movements:
- The length of the lever (arms or legs) reduced
- The demands of the spine considered in more detail
- The findings of relevant research applied (at the time) around how muscles work before and after pain
The APPI method was born – modifying Joseph Pilates original work to fulfil its enormous potential in the clinical arena. The APPI combine research, scientific study and clinical reasoning with the more traditional Pilates focus on training fluid movement. This method allows a client to be be trained correctly from an injured state to a fully fit, functional and efficient state. This step-by-step approach has led to the APPI Pilates Method becoming one of the most popular forms of rehabilitation training in the healthcare sector.
Genesis Pilates delivers bespoke Physiotherapy led Pilates sessions using the APPI method.
To become a certified instructor with the APPI, each individual has to go through rigorous training in addition to clinical based practical and theoretical exams requiring a knowledge of the latest clinical research and clinical reasoning of movements.
The Matwork Pilates series was specifically designed for those teaching in the rehabilitation setting. The series is based on the most up to date evidence in spinal stability, pelvic stability, musculofascial alignment, functional retraining principles, strength/conditioning and pain science.
The APPI continuously strive to maintain the highest possible standard of Pilates teacher training. For this reason all APPI Fully Certified Instructors are required to show evidence of Pilates-related Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for each year of certification.

Explore the benefits with
Genesis Pilates
Appointments
To book an initial consultation to start your Genesis Pilates journey or for any further questions or information, please use our contact form or contact our Physiotherapist: claire@genesispilates.com
Please provide your name and telephone number for return contact if this is more appropriate than an email response.