Ashley Smith

Coach

Qualifications

Air Control Pilates teacher

About Coach

I couldn't touch my toes in my mid-20s, I was never very physical when I was younger, and hated competitive sports which is all that seemed to be accessible to me as a form of exercise when I was younger. Then I discovered aerial circus and that changed everything for me. I found a way of moving my body that felt exciting, challenging, creative, and strong and it required me to be present and in the moment to remain safe on the equipment which also helped me to switch off my busy mind. I started training regularly and began to teach a little too and from there began to explore what really made me feel good, discovering energy, strength, connection, and self-worth along the way.

Turning Point

Motherhood has changed a lot in my life, my priorities, my aesthetic, my outlook on life, and my abilities, I have had to re-evaluate a lot and start to rediscover who I am and how this new version of me fits in the world! Although there have been a lot of changes in both my body and mind I always come back to the fundamentals of movement to give me clarity and reconnect me to the world and teaching us allowed me that centering in an otherwise chaotic time.

Motivation & Passion

I'm passionate about teaching from a place of honesty and instinct. I'd like people to feel safe to listen to their own bodies in my classes and work with themselves however they've shown up that day. There's no pressure and no push, just the tools to explore and strengthen your own body in a way that feels good to you. My circus background helps me provide conditioning classes and break down the fundamentals of a move to serve you well in other aerial pursuits and of course, there's always the chance of a little creative prompt for those who share my love of the dramatic!