I’m Iryna Doubell, Native of North Ukraine. I have been in South Africa for the last 8 years, 6 years in Johannesburg and the last 2 years in Durban. I started teaching Pilate’s at a Basi studio in Johannesburg where I fell in love with Pilates almost instantly thanks to my amazing mentor. I loved every second of her classes and I felt stronger than ever, I could feel my deeper muscles had worked and my body felt revitalised. Later I moved to Durban, where I am currently teaching at Powerpilates, my new home.
I love the fact that in one Pilate’s session the entire body is worked and one feels completely energised and balanced. I believe this method of exercise is perfect for everyone as it targets muscles that have been neglected or have been overdeveloped and tightened.
In 2014 I completed the 100 hours Pilates mat-work course and became certified by The Health and Fitness Professional Academy (HFPA) I have attended various workshops using the Pilates props.
Since then I decided to further my education with STOTT Pilates and completed the Intensive Reformer Course and exam. I believe there is always new information and techniques to be learned and my clients have inspired me to become a better teacher after seeing so many people struggling with back pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, shoulder injuries to name a few, Later I completed the STOTT Pilates Injuries and special populations course as I wanted to find specific exercise programmes to improve my clients conditions.
I strive to provide a fun and safe environment to help my clients achieve their personal fitness goals and live a healthy and happy life.
“Empower your body, Inspire your life!”

Annabelle is a person who has always loved dance and movement having done ballet and modern dancing since she was a little girl. When she qualified as a dancing instructor in 1992, she opened a small dance studio in the Waterfall area. But when her first son was born the following year, she took time off to focus on motherhood and to complete her honours in Psychology and her Higher Education Diploma.
Although she continued exercising for herself, Annabelle felt that she would benefit her children more if she followed a 9 to 5 career, which she did for several years, including teaching. In the early 2000’s Annabelle joined the Pilates House studion on the Berea with Andri Marais. This was an awakening for her as it touched on so much about body movement and control that was her passion. Just before approaching the studio to begin her training as an instructor, the studio closed down.

Annabelle searched for another studio while teaching high school, until she discovered the Powerpilates studio in Westville run by Courtney Degnan (nee Smith). It was only then that she could throw herself into her untapped passion for Pilates, and within 2 years was trained and qualified.

Annabelle is a friendly woman with an easy and welcoming disposition. She cares about her clients wellbeing and loves interacting with them. She enjoys watching her clients grow stronger and improve because of their hard work, and is as comfortable with children as she is with pensioners.