Discover your local, leading Pilates Studio
We are The Movement Base
With over 20 years of experience, we’ve built The Movement Base around one simple idea: authentic Pilates, delivered with expertise and care.
Our fully equipped studio in Leigh-on-Sea stays true to the original Joseph Pilates method, blending traditional techniques with modern insight to support every body at every stage.
We offer access to the widest range of Pilates equipment in Leigh-on-Sea and surrounding areas, while our STOTT® Pilates certified and Classical Pilates accredited instructors bring a depth of knowledge, understanding and skill to every session.
Whether you care about injury recovery, building strength, raising fitness, or improving your general wellbeing, we create an environment where you always feel supported, motivated and inspired – so you can move better to feel better.
- Sam & Glenn Wilkinson
- Directors & Founders of The Movement Base
The complete Pilates experience
Pilates is a method of movement that strengthens the body, improves posture and restores balance through controlled exercises on mat and specialist equipment, used for everything from rehabilitation and injury prevention to fitness, toning and overall wellbeing.
At The Movement Base, we take this further. Our Pilates classes bring together the Reformer, Tower, Mat, and our dedicated Pilates Gym, giving you access to the widest range of equipment locally.
With small group sessions and private classes led by highly trained instructors, every workout is tailored to your needs, whether you’re recovering from injury, building strength, or just want to feel your best. Join a caring, positive community where you always feel motivated to reach your goals.
Our Studios
The Movement Base is a fully equipped, purpose-built Pilates environment that brings everything under one roof.
Our main Pilates studio features eight dual-purpose Reformer/Tower machines, allowing us to deliver both classical Reformer and Tower exercises in one seamless session, creating a dynamic and varied experience for every client.
Alongside this, our dedicated Pilates Gym contains more specialist Pilates equipment for exercises that can be adapted to every goal and ability. We also have a private studio with two Reformer/Tower machines for private sessions, plus a massage therapy room to support recovery and wellbeing.
It’s the perfect Pilates space, offering more variety, equipment and options than you’ll find anywhere else locally.
Meet our instructors & support team
Sam Wilkinson
Director of The Movement Base; STOTT® and Classical Pilates Certified Instructor; Sports/Remedial Massage Therapist
Sam is a former professional dancer who toured internationally with Richard Alston and Rambert Dance Companies. She is a certified STOTT® and Classical Pilates Instructor, as well as a Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist with advanced training in myofascial and pregnancy massage. Sam combines her background in dance, anatomy and movement to offer a holistic, practical approach to bodywork and Pilates.
Glenn Wilkinson
Director of The Movement Base, STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Glenn is a former dancer with Rambert Dance Company, where he performed internationally for 17 years and trained with Pilates pioneer Dreas Renyeke. A certified STOTT PILATES® Instructor with over 30 years of teaching experience, Glenn has worked with students and professionals worldwide, taught at leading UK dance schools, and choreographed for stage and major productions.
Sarah Benjamin
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
After a demanding corporate career, Sarah turned to Pilates to aid her recovery from major back surgery and experienced its transformational benefits first-hand. Encouraged by Glenn and Sam, she trained as an instructor in 2022, completing her Matwork and Reformer certification with STOTT®. Sarah now teaches both private and group sessions at The Movement Base, helping others discover the positive impact of Pilates.
Claire Tranah
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Claire trained as a classical dancer at The Northern Ballet School and Theatre before an injury led her to a successful career running global events. A dedicated Reformer Pilates practitioner, she was inspired by the benefits of her own training to become an instructor. Now a certified STOTT® Instructor in advanced Mat and Reformer Pilates, Claire focuses on creating safe, effective classes that build strength, control and confidence.
Toluwa Akindele-Ajani
STOTT PILATES® Instructor
Toluwa’s Pilates journey began as a way to create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. With a 10-year background in healthcare and a passion for weightlifting, she values Pilates as the perfect complement for strength and mobility. A certified STOTT® Pilates Instructor, Toluwa is dedicated to guiding and inspiring others on their path to wellness.
Andrew Potter
PILATES Instructor
Andrew was first introduced to Reformer Pilates in the 1980s while training in ballet at Covent Garden. With over 30 years of teaching experience, he has taught ballet to professionals, children and adults, and holds qualifications in personal training, martial arts and gymnastics. A Level 3 Dynamic Reformer Pilates instructor, Andrew’s classes focus on posture, precise technique and inspiring clients with his trademark humour and passion.
Melanie Eveleigh
PILATES Instructor
Melanie began her fitness journey as a competitive swimmer and went on to compete in triathlon at all levels, representing Team GB at the Olympic distance in Beijing. With a lifelong career in health and fitness, she is qualified in Pilates, Reformer, pre- and post-natal, orthopaedic conditions, barre, yoga, spinning, swimming and sports massage therapy. Passionate about helping clients, Melanie focuses on improving mobility, strength and overall wellbeing.
Laura Dowling
Administrative Assistant
After many years in HR at a London law firm, Laura took time out to raise her two children before retraining as a driving instructor and running her own school. Seeking a role that balanced her love of organisation and family life, and already a long-standing client of The Movement Base, she joined us as our Administrative Assistant, combining her organisational skills and her passion for Pilates.
Ellen Oakley
PILATES Instructor
Ellen was introduced to Pilates during her training at dance college, where she developed a real appreciation for its benefits and later went on to qualify as an instructor. After experiencing firsthand how powerful Pilates was in supporting her recovery from injury, she found a passion for helping others feel stronger and more connected to their bodies through mindful movement.
Michael Snell
Osteopath
Michael qualified with a Master’s degree from the British School of Osteopathy in 2014. He has experience working with GB Athletics, across chiropractic and osteopathy clinics in London, and within professional football, including Fulham FC. He has also worked in NHS and community clinic settings. To book an appointment with Michael, please visit his online booking page.
Our specialised low-impact, high-intensity Pilates sessions are for everyone, from total beginners to seasoned pros.
No gimmicks, no fads. Our experienced and accredited instructors deliver Pilates in its purest form.
With 20+ years of expert knowledge, we have helped people across Essex and beyond reap the full benefits of Pilates exercises.
We create a comfortable, relaxed space where you feel listened to, looked after, and excited to come to for every session.
Our fully equipped studio in Leigh-on-Sea features high-spec Reformers, Towers, Cadillac, Chairs, Barrels, Pilates mats and more.
If you struggle with back pain or are recovering from a muscle injury, we offer specialist experience in injury rehabilitation.
Hear from our clients
I so enjoyed Katy’s Pilates equipment class. As an attendee of her Reformer class, I knew that I’d be in safe hands, and I was. Clear instructions and demonstrations, plus Katy’s close observations to make sure that I was safe when doing the exercises and individual care, made for a really good session. I would highly recommend The Movement Base – I’m so much better for their care and expertise, and my very dodgy back is much better too!
Excellent. My classes with Sam hit the nail on the head every time. The exercises were just challenging enough, varied class to class for interest, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The Movement Base is clean, friendly and professional, and I have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who wants to increase their strength and fitness.
Joining The Movement Base was, beyond doubt, the best decision I’ve ever made. Within three months, my body feels completely different in the best way possible. And this is after two kids and freewheeling into menopause. As a complete Reformer Pilates novice, I was slightly scared to begin with, but Sam is just excellent. Not only does she work with you to understand exactly what your body needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, but she is also super positive and encouraging. It’s like an amazing therapy session for your body.
Excellent class led by Glenn, really enjoyed the faster pace of the advanced classes. Glenn was really clear with instructions and correcting form. Will definitely take this class again.
I recently had an introduction session to Pilates, and being in my late 70s, I was far from confident about how it would turn out. However, not only were the premises spotless and welcoming, my trainer Sam quickly put me at ease and was obviously very well qualified to take me through an introduction to the equipment, tailoring to my general level of fitness and ability. I can only highly recommend this business to anyone looking to either try out Pilates or extend their previous experiences.
Where to find us
You can visit our Essex Pilates studio at:
149 Leigh Road, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1JF
You’ll find us on the first floor above the shops, where our windows and door entrance are clearly visible with our logo and colours.
The studio is an easy location to get to from Southend, Rochford, Benfleet, Hadleigh and all surrounding towns, and there is plenty of parking available on the main road or nearby streets.