A Liverpool pilates teacher has created a series of online classes that can be done any time anywhere for free – even on holiday

Susie Ferry, who has The Wellness Garden in West Derby, is a mum of three herself so wanted to make fitness and meditation sessions that fit in with busy lives.

She’s launched online classes which people can join in with whenever they have the time, meaning they’re perfect for everyone from mums with young children, to people working from home and exam stressed teenagers.

And she says they’re accessible for all ages and abilities, so it’s less about having the perfect bikini body and more about stretching, getting stronger and rehabilitation.

“I have clients who tell me that when they go on to some online classes it’s just people who look great but they’re not giving any teaching points. With mine, it’s not me with a belly top on trying to look amazing and I think that’s more relatable. You can still feel strong and toned but just do it in your own house without having to look a certain way.

“I make sure I talk through the techniques, and I give lots of different levels and specific advice for all of them because I don’t want people to watch and straight away think, that’s too hard, I can’t do that.”

The idea for the free online videos came when 42-year-old Susie wanted to give her regular clients some homework to do.

“I started uploading classes and it just grew from there. It seems to have hit the ground running and more and more people are enjoying it.

“With working or kids or busy lives, or even just going on holiday, the intention’s often there but you can’t always find the time to get out and do a class.

“I’ve got three kids, the youngest is five and I’ve got two teenagers, so I understand how hard it can be to find the time to do something. This is me getting on the mat and teaching and other people can come and do it with me for free wherever they are.

“I’ve had people sending me photos of themselves on holiday saying, ‘Sus, I brought you with me!’ and I love that. You’re going to be sitting on a sun lounger anyway, so you might as well keep moving because even if you’re only away for a couple of weeks you can start to feel a difference, like you’ve lost some flexibility and strength.”

Susie, who’s worked in the fitness industry since she left school, says launching her YouTube channel has meant she’s been able to reach a wide new audience now the barriers of time, money and logistics aren’t an issue.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is, since more people have been working from home they’re having issues with their bodies.

“So many more people are on their laptops, and instead of working from a desk they’re comfortable at home so they might be on the couch or have the laptop on their knee. Over a prolonged amount of time it will create an imbalance in your body so that’s where pilates comes in.

“I also do yoga, and meditation and breathwork which help with mental health and stress, and there’s a rehab element which I get a lot of men as well as women doing.

“I used to run six studios with lots of staff but then I took a year out to have time for me and the kids and when I came back six years ago I opened The Wellness Garden studio at the bottom of my garden at home.

“Now it’s very personal and it lets me have the balance of family and work. Doing the online classes means I can help more people and everyone is getting the benefits of everything I’ve learned over the years.”