Vicky Hayes

My Story

My movement journey began at the age of three at a local dance school in East Grinstead. Dance shaped my early years and naturally led me into the fitness world - I gained my first qualification at eighteen and spent several years teaching aerobics. Eventually, I wanted to move in a way that felt more structured and less high‑impact, and that curiosity led me to Pilates.

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I qualified in matwork Pilates in 2000, and it quickly became the foundation of my teaching. Over the years, I’ve taught mat Pilates more than any other format, and I’ve also worked as a tutor and assessor, supporting new instructors as they complete their qualifications. In 2025, I added reformer Pilates to my practice, which opened up a new dimension of movement that I enjoy bringing into my classes.

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My teaching style is simple: keep it clear, keep it effective, and keep it enjoyable. I teach six of the classical exercises alongside contemporary variations, but I never want clients to feel they have to take it too seriously. Pilates should feel good. I love rolling exercises because they bring ease and a sense of fun into the room.

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Supporting different abilities is important to me. Beginners are given time to settle in without feeling pressure to be perfect, while more experienced clients are challenged in ways that feel progressive rather than overwhelming. I don’t believe in constantly inventing complicated new exercises — steady progression and thoughtful teaching go a long way.

Outside the studio, I’m inspired by my colleagues and by the long history of Pilates. I’m new to Barefoot Flow and excited to get started, meet the community, and bring my experience into a studio that values clarity, connection and purposeful movement.