Movement Is Your Medicine –
Move Better to Feel Better
“I have seen lots of different people about my issue and I feel like they are not listening”. “I’m fed up of feeling tired and achy, and like I can’t move”. “I’m nervous about trying something new”.
Is This How You Feel?
Our specialised, low impact, high intensity full body workouts are for everyone.
Whether you are an absolute beginner, have tried Pilates & Reformer Pilates before or need post injury support, we are here to rebalance your body to help you Move Better to Feel Better.
Join us at The Movement Base.
Click Here
“I’ve been coming to The Movement Base for 22 months and it’s the only exercise class I have attended for this long. For me, The Movement Base is a personalised and warm experience that feels like home.I feel lucky to be part of such an inclusive, fun and an extremely hard working group. Glenn and Sam invest their heart and soul in everyone’s personal progress and are exceptional teachers.”
– M.Vlass
“Sam’s massages are deep and certainly sort out my aches and pains. Not only does she work on my strained muscles but she comes up with very good advice for exercises to help further. Over the years Sam has kept me upright and mobile”.
– L.Pudney
“As a counsellor, I need a presentable, clean and tidy space for my clients in a peaceful atmosphere. I have found The Movement Base to not only provide these basic requirements, but to be flexible when I have needed to change appointment times. They are friendly, efficient, really pleasant to deal with and I would thoroughly recommend hiring a space for your therapeutic or aesthetic business.“
– R.Copeland
At The Movement Base, we offer a wide range of services to help you achieve your fitness and wellness goals. We are dedicated to supporting you so that you can achieve overall well-being and a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for Mat or Reformer Pilates, Gyrotonics or specialised 121 sessions tailored to you, using our specialised Pilates equipment, Sports massage therapy for deep tissue muscle recovery, relaxation, injury treatment and prevention, or room hire for your therapy or business, we’ve got you covered.
Please contact us below to inquire about any of our services. We look forward to hearing from you.
Move Better to Feel Better
With a passion to help people reduce pain, move better and feel better, Sam & Glenn first started The Massage Base in 2003. In 2016, with a move to new premises, The Movement Base was born. With their energy and expert knowledge, Sam & Glenn have built an incredible reputation as go-to experts in their field.
With our brand new, fully equipped studio in Leigh-on-Sea, we have created a space you feel excited to come to, where you work hard in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
We want you to feel special, listened to and looked after so you can Move Better to Feel Better.
The Movement Base continues to build a family of therapists and instructors that share the same values and enthusiasm.
Click on the photos to find out more about our team.
Sam Wilkinson
Director of The Movement Base, Sports/Remedial Massage Therapist & STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Sam, a trained professional dancer, has toured nationally and internationally with the renowned Richard Alston Dance Company and Rambert Dance Company, taught extensively at various dance colleges & institutions and has always held an interest in anatomy and how the body moves. After completing a massage qualification in 1996 (The Massage Training Institute), she obtained a Personal Training and Sports Massage Diploma, (Premier International), a Level 5 Diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage (North London School of Sports Massage) and belongs to the Sports Massage Association (SMA). She is qualified in pregnancy massage, (Well Mother), is trained in Integrated Myofascial Therapy (Myofascial Release UK) and is a qualified STOTT®️ Pilates Certified instructor. Sam has worked in clinic alongside chiropractors, at various marathon events and at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Glenn Wilkinson
Director of The Movement Base & STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Glenn joined the prestigious Rambert Dance Company in 1987, performing nationally and internationally for 17 years. Here he trained with Master Pilates instructor Dreas Renyeke, one of two Pilates pioneers who brought the practice to London in the 1970’s.
Glenn has over 30 years of teaching experience working with students and professionals globally, is guest assessor for many of the UK’s leading dance schools and colleges, has mentored the winner of BBC Young Dancer 2015, and spent many years training the students of the Royal Ballet’s Upper and Lower Schools. He has choreographed for Rambert Dance Company, the Olympic Torch Relay, Resident and Associate Choreographer for Dirty Dancing London, UK Tour, South Africa, Germany and Asia, Resident and Associate Choreographer for Billy Elliot London, UK and Ireland Tour, Choreographer for Sinatra the Man and his Music London.
Alongside his many years of pilates experience and movement as a dancer, Glenn certified in STOTT PILATES.
Claire Tranah
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Claire has a background as classical dancer having trained with The Northern Ballet School and Theatre. Following an injury she was forced to stop dancing and since has had a successful career running her own events company managing large scale conferences globally.
Laura Dowling
Administrative Assistant
Laura worked in HR for a Law Firm in London for many years until she took a much-needed career break to become a mum to her two children. Once both kids were settled in school, Laura, with her love of people and driving, took the plunge and retrained as a driving instructor. After running her own driving school, she looked for a career change to still be fully present for her family, and give her the opportunity to do what she loves most – organisation and admin!
As a long-standing The Movement Base client, experiencing first-hand the full health benefits that Pilates can bring to your life, Laura jumped at the opportunity to join the team as our Administrative Assistant.
Sarah Benjamin
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
After a demanding corporate career in the Insurance industry, Sarah experienced the transformational benefits of Pilates after suffering serious back issues which led to major back surgery. Through Pilates, she regained her strength and movement and with the support of Glenn and Sam Wilkinson, was encouraged to share her story so that she could help others discover the positive physical changes Pilates can make.
Training as a pilates instructor in 2022, Sarah completed her Matwork and Reformer Pilates Instructor training with STOTT PILATES® and now teaches both private and groups sessions at The Movement Base.
Toluwa Akindele-Ajani
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Toluwa’s Pilates journey began as a personal quest to achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Having worked in healthcare for 10 years, Toluwa understands the importance of fitness and movement for physical and mental health, and as an avid weightlifter, recognises how Pilates is the perfect complementary workout to make her feel strong and long. Toluwa is a certified STOTT Pilates instructor, and is thrilled to guide and inspire others on their path to wellness.
Katy Ahrens
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Katy has been practising pilates for 16 years and teaching it since 2010. As a trained dancer and musical theatre performer, it was her ballet training that first introduced her to the discipline.
After teaching at some prestigious studios all over London, she is now based in Chalkwell and is busy teaching private and group classes all around Leigh on Sea.
As a qualified Stott Pilates Instructor, Katy is also fully certified in Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, pre and post natal matwork and breast cancer rehab. Her goal is to help her clients be pain free and reach their fitness aspirations.
Rosie Chiverton
PILATES Instructor
Get In Touch
149 Leigh Road
Leigh on Sea, Essex,
SS9 1JF
07957 151 806
hello@themovementbase.uk
The Movement Base
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your studio and is parking available?
You can find us at 149 Leigh Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 1JF. There is free parking directly outside the studio for up to 2 hours as well as on surrounding roads.
How long do classes last?
Our private pilates sessions are 50mins long and classes are 45mins long. Massage sessions are either 30mins or 45mins long.
What should I wear?
Please wear something that you can easily move in, e.g. tracksuit, leggings etc) although items should not be too baggy so your instructor can easily assess your posture/movement etc.
Do I need any past experience to take part in a class?
No previous experience is necessary, but we advise all new clients book a private intro session with us first so we can assess your needs and direct you to the best class going forward.
What happens if I need to cancel a session or can’t make a class one week?
All our packages have an extended expiry date built in, which allows for missed sessions.
Is Pilates good for back pain?
Pilates is renowned for helping to relieve all kinds of back pain and other injury related issues. It can also help to relieve stress.
How do I book and make payment?
You can book via our website or book directly by calling the studio or sending an email. Visit our Contact Us page for details.
Have a different question? Contact Us to ask our team directly.