About Shak

A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a black sleeveless top and layered necklaces, sitting near houseplants on a white background.

Hello! I’m Shak and thanks for taking the time to hear a bit more about me.

I’m a certified mat and reformer Pilates instructor with specialised training in pre- and postnatal care. Once part of the corporate machine, I left that security and now spend my days sharing my passion for Pilates to my community. Seeing my clients, develop healthy habits, progress and discover what their bodies and mind can do gives me a high!

Aside from Pilates, I love running to 90’s hip hop, RnB (and nu-metal), strength training with my sister and long hikes in the countryside with my best pal.

A soon to be nutritionist, I’m big into food and find joy in feeding loved ones. Discovering flavours from across the globe, cooking nutritious balanced meals at home, as well perfecting soul food staples that have passed down through generations of Bengali women.

A woman practicing yoga indoors, executing a modified pigeon pose, wearing a black sleeveless top and black leggings, with a potted plant nearby.

My journey with Pilates began many years ago..

…as a complement to my running routine, where I discovered how it helped my strength, improved flexibility, and prevented injury. I transitioned from a full-time media career to fully embrace my Pilates side-hustle and establish my own business, so I can dedicate my time to help real people in and around my community, a decision that has been incredibly rewarding.

Pilates has been a gift. It’s changed my life and helped me understand and connect with my body. It’s challenged me both mentally and physically, in ways I never could have imagined.

The best bit… It’s not exclusive to me and everybody can feel benefit - As I say to all my clients, the hard bit is turning up and taking that first step!

A woman sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat in a room with wooden floors and a plain white wall, with large potted plants nearby.

CLASSES

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My Approach

My approach is rooted in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everybody, where you leave feeling energised, more mobile and stronger. Seeing real results from clients only spurs me on. Helping people who have struggled to move, either because of ill health or demanding lives, is the most fulfilling.

I offer both group classes across South Manchester as well as 1:1 sessions in my private studio, fully equipped with a top of the range reformer and small equipment. I pride myself the fact that my space is inclusive. I work with a diverse clientele - men and women, young or older. Ranging from beginners to seasoned athletes to those recovering from injury, including expectant and new mothers.