About me

About Lucy Purrier

Pilates Teacher & Chartered Physiotherapist

Hello, I’m Lucy Purrier — a Chartered Physiotherapist and experienced Pilates teacher based in Poole, Dorset. I specialise in physiotherapist-led Pilates classes that are supportive, clinically informed, tailored especially for older adults and those managing long-term conditions or recovering from injury.

How I Discovered Pilates

My journey into Pilates began in a lecture about the management of low back pain during my Physiotherapy degree at King’s College London, where I graduated in 2000 with First Class Honours. I was introduced to Pilates at the Laban School of Dance in London and was immediately drawn to its precision, control, and emphasis on posture and core strength. As someone who had experienced chronic back pain due to years of studying (I hold two degrees and a PGCE), I discovered firsthand the power of Pilates to reduce discomfort and improve alignment.

A Career Rooted in Clinical Practice

I worked in the NHS for 16 years, first at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, where I completed rotations in a wide range of inpatient and outpatient settings, including intensive care and musculoskeletal rehab. I then spent over a decade at Poole Hospital as a Senior Chartered Physiotherapist; treating spinal, joint and soft tissue injuries both in hospital and GP practice settings.

Throughout my NHS career, I completed advanced clinical training, including:

• Diploma of Sociaty of Orthopaedic Medicine (2003)

• McKenzie Credentialed Therapist in Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (2007)

Working as a Pilates teacher and a chartered physiotherapist

After having children and navigating postnatal recovery, I returned to Pilates — this time with a clinical lens and a passion to teach. I trained with the APPI Health Group, qualifying as a Certified Pilates Teacher in 2013. This marked the start of my business, Lucy Purrier Physio Pilates, offering small-group Pilates classes in Poole.

I don’t just demonstrate exercises — I teach Pilates. That means giving individual guidance, correcting movement, and helping clients understand how their body is moving and why. I work closely with each participant to ensure movements are safe, effective, and tailored to their specific needs.

Since 2020, I’ve continued my professional development with Michael King Pilates, completing the MK Pilates International Bridging Certificate in 2021, ongoing advanced teacher training and currently training to teach on the reformer.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, King’s College London – First Class Honours, 2000

• Chartered Physiotherapist – Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) – Registered Physiotherapist

• Certified Pilates Mat Teacher – APPI (2013) & MK Pilates (2021)

• Certified Pilates Reformer teacher – MK Pilates (2025)

• Diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine – 2003

• Credentialed McKenzie Therapist in mechanical diagnosis and therapy – 2007

Ongoing Professional Development

I regularly attend specialist workshops and conferences to stay at the forefront of both Pilates and Physiotherapy techniques. My CPD includes:

Specialist Pilates Training:

• Pilates for Osteoporosis

• Pilates for the Menopause

• Antenatal & Postnatal Pilates

• Pilates for Spinal Surgery

• Pilates for Neurological Conditions

• Standing Pilates & Stretch Therapy

• Pelvic Floor Focused Pilates

• Fascia-Based Movement

Recent Events:

• MK Pilates Teacher Technique Weekends (2022–2026)

• APPI Annual Pilates Conferences (2014–2021)

• MK Pilates Reformer Training (2025-26)

• CSP Rehabilitation Conference (2024)

• Emergency First Aid at Work – 2022 & 2024

Pilates for Life

At Lucy Purrier Physio Pilates, I teach foundation-level Pilates classes in Ashley Cross and Broadstone. These sessions are ideal for beginners, older adults and those managing long-term health conditions. As a Pilates teacher and Chartered Physiotherapist, I ensure every class is safe, empowering and rooted in evidence-based movement.

If you’re looking for a teacher who offers more than just demonstrations — someone who will guide, support, and correct your movement with care and expertise — you’re in the right place.