Love Local with The List: Forme Pilates

When Lydia moved back to Guernsey after nearly a decade in London, she brought a wealth of experience with her - and a quiet determination to create something of her own. Her years in the city, spent balancing acting work with demanding schedules, came with pressures and personal challenges. But it also gave her access to world-class Pilates studios, inspiring teachers and a level of training that now shapes everything she does. 

Over time, Lydia realised the slower, steadier rhythm of island life was exactly what she needed. That shift gave her the clarity - and confidence - to build something more grounded and personal. Today, Forme is one of Guernsey’s newest studios, offering thoughtful, intentional movement in a space designed to make people feel welcome, supported and seen.

Read Lydia’s story here.

 

 

'I realised that the same things that drew me to acting - connecting with people, being a small but meaningful part of their day - were exactly what I could offer as a Pilates instructor.'

 

A Bit About Me.

I grew up in Guernsey, moved to London for nine years, and in 2024 found my way back home - and I’m so grateful to be back on this beautiful island. I’ve been practising Pilates for over a decade. It began with YouTube videos in my bedroom as a teenager, and when I moved to London for drama school, I suddenly had access to an incredible range of studios and teachers. While pursuing an acting career, I juggled multiple (often horrendous) zero-hour jobs and raced around London for auditions. Pilates became the one part of my routine that gave me structure and focus amid the chaos.

For a long time, I hesitated to turn that passion into a career, worried that making it my job might take away the love I had for it. After COVID, I started working on the front desk at a central London studio. It turned out to be the best decision. I could take classes during my shifts, learnt how to maintain the reformers, and observe a whole range of instructors with different styles and approaches. It opened my eyes to the impact Pilates can have on people’s lives, and I began my instructor training soon after. I realised that the same things that drew me to acting - connecting with people, being a small but meaningful part of their day, and helping shift how they see themselves and the world - were exactly what I could offer as a Pilates instructor.

 

 

'I knew that, to give myself the best chance of getting better, I needed to come home - to be near friends and family and reconnect with the slower pace that life in Guernsey offers.'

 

How Forme Came To Life.

I had been struggling with my mental health and had recently begun recovery from an eating disorder. I knew that, to give myself the best chance of getting better, I needed to come home - to be near friends and family and reconnect with the slower pace that life in Guernsey offers. When I returned, I found it difficult to keep up my Pilates practice. While there are many fantastic practitioners on the island, most were fully booked or taught a different style from the contemporary Pilates I loved.

I began teaching mat Pilates classes at gyms around the island and started to build an amazing community of people who connected with my style and shared my enthusiasm for the practice. Then an opportunity came up to rent a small studio space in St Andrews, giving me the chance to offer private reformer sessions. It was terrifying, but incredibly exciting. Forme opened in August 2025 - a calm, welcoming space where people can slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and move with intention.

 

 

'I worried that, because it’s such a small place, the vibe might feel competitive and a new studio might not be welcomed. But it’s been the complete opposite.'

 

What's Surprised Me So Far.

One of the biggest surprises has been just how supportive the fitness community in Guernsey is. I worried that, because it’s such a small place, the vibe might feel competitive and a new studio might not be welcomed. But it’s been the complete opposite. I’m incredibly grateful for how warm and encouraging local practitioners have been - attending my classes, endorsing me as an instructor, referring clients, sharing my business online, and even asking me to cover their classes when they’re away.

That sense of community has meant so much. And honestly, the demand for Pilates here is so high that it really does feel like “the more, the merrier.” Every instructor has their own style, and clients naturally gravitate toward what resonates with them. There’s space for everyone, and being part of such a collaborative, supportive community has been one of the best parts of starting Forme.

 

 

 

'Hearing that Forme has become a little sanctuary for people means so much... Seeing it make a real difference in other people’s lives is by far the best part.'

 

Where I Hope To Go Next.

Looking ahead, I’d love to expand. The studio is quite cosy at the moment - just two reformer beds - and there’s already a long waiting list. The dream would be to offer a mix of group reformer classes alongside private sessions, giving people more flexibility in how they practise. I also think Guernsey is missing a class-based studio, the kind that’s popping up everywhere in the UK - a place where you can drop in for Pilates, yoga, barre, spin, and more. A real hub for moving in a way that feels good. Whether I’m the one to set that up… I’m not sure (I’d probably need to give up sleeping!). But never say never.

 

The Best Bits.

A client telling me their session is the best part of their week, or saying, “I really needed this today.” Hearing that Forme has become a little sanctuary for people means so much. I also love watching clients progress: mastering a new exercise, moving with more control, or suddenly unlocking a deeper level of body awareness.

What makes it all even more meaningful is the diversity of people who walk through the door. Pilates truly is for everyone, and I’m grateful to work with such a wide range of clients: young adults, busy professionals, pre- and postnatal clients, cancer survivors, and people managing pain or discomfort. Pilates has given me so much personally, and starting Forme has only amplified that. Seeing it make a real difference in other people’s lives is by far the best part.

 

Challenges Along The Way.

The biggest challenge has been managing high demand and the waiting list. It’s hard to resist the urge to say yes to everyone, especially when you love what you do as much as I do. Balancing my own time as a self-employed business owner is tricky too - making sure I schedule rest and downtime while juggling everything on my own can be stressful. It’s a learning curve, but it’s all part of running something I’m truly passionate about.

 

 

'I was in an episode of Black Mirror on Netflix. It was my first ever TV job and it was incredibly overwhelming and exciting.'

 

Life In Guernsey.

The best part of living in Guernsey is the sense of community. I love being able to pop over to a friend’s house down the road for a cup of tea and enjoying the slower pace of life. Living so close to the sea is wonderful - driving home along the coast, I still can’t believe how lucky I am. The trickiest part can be logistics -  getting equipment over to the island is a challenge! It took months and many sternly worded emails before my reformer beds finally arrived. A good reminder that while a slower pace is lovely for life, it’s not always ideal when you’re trying to start a business.

 

Something You Might Not Know About Me.

I was in an episode of Black Mirror on Netflix. It was my first ever TV job and it was incredibly overwhelming and exciting. My scenes were with Josh Hartnett and I remember us chatting a lot about Guernsey in between takes.  He seemed really keen to come for a holiday with his family, so who knows… maybe I’ve inspired a future visitor!

 

Why The List Loves Forme.

Lydia's modern  and relaxed approach to a classic form of exercise is a breath of fresh air. We love her honesty in sharing her whole story and why she came home to Guernsey - and we also love to champion a new business that is doing so well! Especially when the owner is pushing wellbeing in every sense of the word from within.

 

 

Forme offers personalised Pilates in a relaxed, welcoming space - so you can slow down, reconnect, and move with intention in sessions designed for you.

Whether you’re after a little time just for yourself or want to share the experience with a friend, both 1:1 and 2:1 sessions offer a supportive space to move, breathe, and feel more connected in your body. ​The studio is fully equipped with two reformer beds and a wide range of Pilates props.​