Sandra Scannell is the founder of The Pilates Barre in Fermoy, Co Cork, and has over 25 years’experience in the fitness and Pilates industry. She is a Neuromuscular Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Menopause Coach, Prenatal Specialist, and Master Pilates Trainer, with more than 18,000 teaching hours to date. In 2025, she launched a world-recognised Pilates teacher training programme to raise industry standards, with programmes fully booked until September 2026.
HOW HAS THE FACE OF FITNESS CHANGED?
It has shifted away from high-impact, high-stress training toward smarter, more sustainable movement. People now prioritise longevity, injury prevention, hormonal health, and nervous-system regulation. Many are embracing a cross-training approach – combining strength work, mobility, rehabilitation, and Pilates – to support real life, not just gym performance.
WHERE DOES PILATES FIT IN?
Pilates – mat, reformer, and equipment-based – is a complete movement system. It builds strength, control, mobility, and body awareness while remaining adaptable across life stages, from rehabilitation and pregnancy to menopause and athletic performance. Pilates enhances other training methods by teaching the body how to move efficiently and safely.
WHAT SETS YOUR STUDIO APART?
Experience matters. With over 25 years in the industry, more than 18,000 teaching hours, and continuing education, our approach is grounded in science, rehabilitation and intelligent cross-training – not trends.
At The Pilates Barre, Pilates is delivered through a clinical, movement-focused lens, supporting everyone from those managing pain to athletes enhancing performance.
WHY TEACHER TRAINING?
Pilates is currently an unregulated industry, and finding properly trained instructors proved increasingly difficult. In response, we began training teachers in 2025 to raise standards from within. Demand has been so strong that programmes are fully booked until September 2026, with world-recognised Mat and Reformer training launching thereafter.
HOW DO YOU TRAIN PERSONALLY?
Just like most people some days I don’t want to move, but my non-negotiable daily practices are Pilates and a minimum of 12,000 steps, plus weekly two weight-bearing gym sessions and one barre class – and seasonal running (with mixed enthusiasm).
To learn more about classes, private sessions, or upcoming teacher training programmes, visit www.thepilatesbarre.ie or book online to find the level that suits you.
