SAMS Fitness

26/10/2026

THE HARDEST PART OF MY ACL INJURY? YOU CAN’T EVEN SEE IT.

Looking at this photo, you’d probably think I was fine.

I look fit. I look strong. I look like me.

But my knee tells a very different story.

Yesterday, the reality of this injury really hit me. I’m working hard at prehab, but I’m only three weeks in, and there’s a long road ahead.

I had a brutally honest conversation with my physio about running. Barcelona Marathon in March was my goal. Something to focus on, something to work towards, particularly with everything going on with Dad’s cancer diagnosis.

But that goal is off the table now.

And I think I’m finally feeling the weight of that.

Because it’s not just about a knee. It’s about losing something that makes you feel like YOU. Something that gives you purpose when life feels uncertain.

I can turn up, coach my amazing women and have a phenomenal week with them, yet still feel frustrated about my own situation.

Two things can be true at once.

Yesterday, I couldn’t find the positivity. So I stopped trying to pretend I could.

I’m going to need a new goal, a new focus and a reason to keep pushing forward.

I haven’t figured that out yet.

For now, this is the reality. No forced positivity. Just being honest about where I am.

23/10/2026

We’re proud to be sponsoring Dorking Wanderers FC for a second year with Sam’s Fitness & Nutrition! And Pilateso

After introducing the squad to Reformer training last season, we’re excited to build on that foundation and take things even further this year.

We’re also delighted to have Jake Foster, the club’s new Strength & Conditioning Coach, on board. Jake understands the benefits Reformer training can offer footballers and is fully behind our continued work with the squad.

The Reformer is about so much more than Pilates. It’s a valuable addition to athletic training, helping players develop strength, stability, control and mobility all essential qualities on the pitch.

We can’t wait to continue building on what we started last year and see what we can achieve together!

Here’s to year two, the Wanderers and a fantastic season ahead!

22/10/2026

ACL WEEK 2 🤍 A little reminder that we’re stronger together.

This week has been a mix of frustration, rehab, adapting and learning to do things a little differently.

An ACL rupture definitely wasn’t in the plan, and not being able to do everything I normally do has been tough. But amongst all of that, something pretty special has happened.

I’ve still been able to teach Reformer, coach PT clients and deliver strength sessions, surrounded by some truly amazing people.

People I support on their fitness journeys who are now supporting me right back. And it’s reminded me that fitness is about SO much more than exercise. It’s about connection, community, resilience and the people who lift you up when things get tough.

A special shout-out to MVAM 🤍 for investing in their team’s wellbeing through their Curiosity Days, while choosing to support a local studio here at Pilateso Pilates too. It’s brilliant to see local businesses investing in people and supporting one another.

This is what community looks like. ❤️

I’m still working through my ACL prehab, still having my frustrating moments, and still learning to be patient (definitely not my strongest quality! 😂).

But I’m also incredibly grateful.

I might be rehabbing my knee, but I’m reminded every day why I do what I do.

Week by week. Rep by rep. Together. 💪🏼

Have you ever found that the people around you make the hardest times a little easier? I’d love to hear your experiences.

18/10/2026

THE ACL PROJECT - WEEK ONE

As a PT, I’m used to being the one coaching, motivating and pushing others to be their best.

Now it’s my turn to be the patient.

With ACL surgery booked for 6 November, I’m starting my prehab journey and learning to take my own advice!

No smashing workouts. No rushing ahead. Just the basics, done well, and building from where I am right now.

Straight-leg raises, bridges and a few gentle minutes on the Peloton might not look like much, but right now, it’s about preparing my knee for what lies ahead.

I’m used to measuring progress in weights lifted, miles run and workouts completed. This time, progress might look a little different.

It’s about patience, consistency and trusting the process.

I’ll be sharing the good days, the frustrating days, the rehab, the setbacks and everything in between. The reality of recovering from an ACL injury, from the perspective of a PT who is now experiencing it firsthand.

Because sometimes, the hardest part of training is knowing when NOT to push.

Who’s been through ACL surgery or a major injury? I’d love to hear what helped you most during recovery.

Follow along for the journey.

15/10/2026

WELL, THIS WASN’T IN THE PLAN!!!!!

An ACL injury. Surgery ahead. And a whole new challenge to navigate.

As a PT, strength and conditioning coach and Reformer instructor, movement is such a huge part of my life. So, naturally, this changes things.

But here’s what it hasn’t changed: my mindset, my determination or my belief in what our bodies are capable of.

My focus now is prehab building as much strength, stability and function as I safely can before surgery, so I can give myself the best possible starting point for recovery.

I’ll be adapting how I work, how I train and how I coach, while learning to practise a little more of what I preach.

And I’ll be honest: it won’t always be easy.

But one thing I’ve learnt as a strong midlife woman is that resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about meeting yourself where you are, focusing on what you CAN do, and taking the next step.

I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a community of strong, supportive midlife women who remind me every day that we’re better when we lift each other up.

So, I’m going to document this journey ,the prehab, the training adaptations, the setbacks, the wins and everything in between.

Because strength isn’t just about lifting heavier or running faster. Sometimes it’s about rebuilding, adapting and trusting the process.

Different challenge. Same determination.

Let’s see what this next chapter brings.

12/10/2026

08/10/2026

PILATES WITH A LITTLE MORE ABOUT IT 😜

If you’re looking for Pilates that actually feels like a workout, you’re in the right place.

My North Holmwood classes bring together everything I love about Pilates ,strength, control, mobility, balance and core with a more athletic edge.

Think Reformer-inspired movement, strong sequences, challenge and a good bit of sweat… all on the mat.

TUESDAYS | 7:30-8:30am
REFORMER INSPIRED PILATES
Strong, controlled and challenging. Using a variety of small equipment (slider central)

WEDNESDAYS | 7:00-8:00pm
ATHLETIC PILATES BY CANDLELIGHT
A challenging full-body Pilates workout, finishing with breathwork to bring you back down and leave you feeling reset.

SATURDAYS | 9:00-10:00am
ATHLETIC PILATES
A strong Saturday morning session to start your weekend well. ( grab yourself a great coffee and awesome sourdough on the way home from MOSS )

Sculptors Dance Hall, North Holmwood

I’ve been a little quiet about these classes over the summer, so I thought it was time to put them back on your radar.

Different classes. Different vibes. Same Sam’s Fitness approach strong, purposeful and never boring.

If you know, you know. If you don’t… come and find out.

Sam x

11/09/2026

IT’S NEVER JUST ABOUT THE WORKOUT.

What an amazing summer we’ve had at the studio☀️

Summer Sizzlers, Rise & Reform, early mornings, challenges, plenty of sweat… and A LOT of laughs!

But looking back over the last year, what makes me most proud isn’t just the classes.

It’s the COMMUNITY we’ve built together. ❤️

There have been laughs, tears, stories shared, life chats, friendships and so many moments of simply supporting each other.

This week, one of our lovely clients called Pilateso her “safe space” and told us that coming in early, spending that time with us and then heading off into her day had actually changed her day.

And honestly… that means more than any before-and-after ever could.

Because yes, we want you to feel stronger.
Yes, we want you to move better.
Yes, we want you to challenge yourself.

But WE AREN’T HERE JUST FOR THE AESTHETICS.

We’re here for YOU.

And recently I’ve realised just how much this community gives back to us too.

The last month has been difficult for me and my family following my dad’s diagnosis. And walking into the studio, seeing your faces, teaching, laughing, moving and being surrounded by this amazing community has genuinely helped me through some really tough days.

I’m incredibly lucky to be part of something that gives so much to the people who walk through the door and gives so much back to us too. ❤️

So yes, Pilateso is Reformer Pilates.

But it’s also connection, support, laughter, friendship and showing up for each other.

Apparently… it’s a safe space. 🥹❤️

And that means more than you probably realise.

Thank you for being part of what makes the studio so special

06/06/2026

One of the things I love most about being a PT is seeing women support women across every stage of life.

Today started with an incredible group of women in their 40s, 50s and 60s showing up, working hard, and proving that strength has no age limit.

My last class of the day was with a group of 16-17 year old girls building confidence, learning new skills, and discovering just how strong they are.

Different ages. Different journeys. Same energy. Same encouragement. Same community.

This is what group fitness is all about creating a space where women lift each other up, celebrate each other’s wins, and grow stronger together.

04/06/2026

Just back from an incredible kayaking and trekking adventure in Croatia with three amazing women aged Pip 54, Clare 56, Sally 60 and Me 51.

We joined a mixed group of strangers, many much younger than us. We camped under canvas, kayaked for hours each day, hiked in the heat, climbed over 600m of elevation, laughed until our sides hurt, and embraced every challenge that came our way.

What makes this even more special is that one of the women, Clare, is heading into surgery next week for a fully ruptured ACL. Most people would have cancelled the trip. Clare didn’t. She adapted, persevered and completed every activity. A true force of nature.

I’ve personally managed a significant lumbar disc injury, and the other women have their own stories, aches and challenges. None of us are “perfect”. None of us are trying to look 25 again.

What we are is strong.

Strong enough to participate.
Strong enough to say yes to adventure.
Strong enough to trust our bodies.
Strong enough to support one another.
This is why I believe in group fitness.
Not because it changes how you look.
Because it changes what you can do.
The friendships built over years of training together create confidence, resilience and a community that carries far beyond the gym floor.

Fitness in your 50s and 60s isn’t about slowing down.

It’s about continuing to live fully. Here’s to strong women, shared adventures, and proving that age is never the thing that holds you back.