Meet our Team
Courtney Smith Bio
I’m Courtney Smith, I own and run Power Pilates Studios along with a wonderful group of instructors.I believe that nutrition and supplementation is just as important as a focused exercise program and after assessing my client’s goals and fitness levels, I advise them on the best methods for them to achieve their goals and how to maintain them. Whether it be weight-loss, overall body toning, muscle building, enhanced sports performance or rehab specific exercises for problems like osteoporosis, arthritis etc.I started practicing Pilates in 2009 and teaching the STOTT Pilates method from January 2010. Over the years I’ve personally had back, knee and neck problems and was amazed how I had fully recovered after just one year of Pilates.I am very interested in the human body and how it functions and find no matter how experienced someone is, there is always something new to learn. I realised STOTT Pilates was the best choice for me as this method is a medically based Pilates discipline.We study the body in detail from the bones and joints to the muscles and learn how to adapt exercises for injuries and specific posture types.I am internationally qualified in Essential, Intermediate and Advanced Matwork as well as Essential and Intermediate Reformer. In 2012 I completed the Advanced Reformer Course and in 2014 completed the Injuries and Special Populations Course as well as various workshops and recently in 2016 I completed the Basi Standing Pilates workshop.
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Courtney Smith
Pilates Instructor
Iryna Doubell Bio
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!”
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!”
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Iryna Doubell
Pilates Instructor
Manager Westville
Annabelle Burgess Bio
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.
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Annabelle Burgess
Pilates Instructor
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Contact Us
Westville Branch
2 Cedar Road
Westville
KwaZulu Natal
P: 072 819 9511
E: courtney@powerpilates.co.za
Peach Pilates Studio
54 St Andrews Drive
Durban North
KwaZulu Natal
P: 084 515 1238
E: sarah@peachpilates.co.za