Founder & Lead Instructor

Angelica Montealegre

Angelica is the founder and lead instructor at Axis Pilates. Since opening the studio in 2014, she has helped hundreds of clients improve their posture, build deep core strength, and move with confidence through expertly taught, personalised Pilates classes. Opening Axis Pilates in the heart of Leatherhead is a project and a dream that Angelica has built over years of hard work, study and commitment.

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Teaching Style & Expertise

With over a decade of teaching experience across London and the South East, Angelica’s classes are known for being thoughtful, dynamic, and tailored to individual needs. She blends high-level technical expertise with a calm, encouraging style, regularly integrating small props to enhance client engagement, postural alignment, and body awareness.

Angelica believes that Pilates is for everybody, at every stage of life. She is a firm believer that no matter your age or fitness level, everyone has the right to look and feel good within their own body. Her sessions are rooted in the idea that mindful movement builds lasting strength from the inside out.

Advanced Training Her passion for movement continues to grow. Most recently, she completed a year of advanced study in Structural, Functional, and Experimental Anatomy with movement specialist Gary Carter, further strengthening her knowledge of functional movement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.

“Pilates is a beautiful and rewarding career that has brought nothing but good things to my life. I love working with people, and nothing makes me happier than seeing my clients improve with every session.”

Qualifications

Angelica is a fully qualified instructor with a comprehensive educational background:

  • Certified by: The Pilates Foundation UK, the Independent Pilates Teachers Association (IPTA), and the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI).
  • Diploma: Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates (QCF).
  • Specialist Training: Completed advanced certifications in Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates, Reformer and Studio Equipment, and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.

Specialist Training Includes:

  • Rehabilitation: Hip and Knee Rehab, Neuro Pilates, Hyper-mobility, and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
  • Performance: Pilates for Cyclists and Pilates for Runners.
  • Technical Anatomy: Myofascial Anatomy and Movement.
  • Equipment: Small Pilates Equipment, Reformer & Studio Equipment.
  • Life Stages: Prenatal & Postnatal.
Co-Founder & Instructor

Rex Robinson

Rex is a fully qualified Matwork and Studio Equipment Pilates instructor known for his dynamic, energetic and precise teaching style and deep passion for functional movement. Since 2016, he has been dedicated to helping clients bridge the gap between technical exercise and everyday vitality.

Originally introduced to Pilates through his own personal practice, Rex quickly experienced its power to transform strength, mobility, and mental wellbeing. What began as a personal journey evolved into a complete career change and a lifelong commitment to helping others move with greater ease and confidence.

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Teaching Style & Expertise

Rex’s teaching blends deep anatomical insight with a supportive, thoughtful approach to progression. Whether you are rebuilding after an injury, enhancing athletic performance, or simply looking to move more freely, Rex personalises every session to meet you where you are—improving posture and stability from the ground up.

Qualifications

  • Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates (QCF)
  • Independent Pilates Teachers Association (IPTA)
  • Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (APPI)

Specialist Training Includes:

  • Apparatus Mastery: Reformer, Chair, Barrels, and Cadillac/Tower (APPI, Balanced Body)
  • Clinical & Rehabilitation: Shoulder Rehab, Spinal Surgery Recovery, Hypermobility, and Joint Replacement Adaptations
  • Athletic Performance: Pilates for Runners, Cyclists, and High-Intensity Power Pilates (HIP Pilates™)
  • Functional Anatomy: Anatomy for Movement (Gary Carter) and Structural Mobilisation
  • Special Populations: Pre & Postnatal Pilates

My Philosophy

“Pilates gave me the tools to stay strong and mobile, and I love helping my clients discover that same resilience.”

L3 Pilates Instructor

Susan Faure

Susan is a qualified L3 Pilates instructor. Her teaching style is mindful encouraging focus on connecting mind, body and movement. Believing students of all ages, shapes and ability can benefit from Pilates.

Susan discovered Pilates after years of pain and reduced mobility due to a back injury. During her rehabilitation she discovered the benefits of Pilates to finally becoming pain free.

Susan

Qualifications


  • Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates

CPD:

  • Pilates for shoulder rehab
  • Pilates for Osteoporosis
  • Pilates for Spinal Injury
  • Stretch Therapy for Pilates

Michelle Gray

Pilates first became part of Michelle’s life during her years of professional ballet training. Her fascination with human movement led her to study Physiology at university. While her career later took her in a different direction, Pilates supported her through pregnancy and motherhood, and her love of movement remained a constant through regular ballet classes.

In 2023, Michelle rediscovered her passion for Pilates at Axis Studio. Inspired by the transformative benefits of regular practice, she made the decision to retrain as a Pilates instructor. She completed her Body Control Pilates Matwork Certification in 2026 and is delighted to be teaching at Axis Studio.

Michelle’s teaching combines the precision and body awareness developed through professional dance training with a scientific understanding of anatomy and movement. She aims to create supportive, engaging classes that help clients build strength, improve mobility, and move with greater confidence and ease.

 

Qualifications
 
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Our Resident Pilates Pooch

Leo

You may have already spotted Leo lounging behind the reception desk, our studio's smallest team member with the biggest personality.

Leo is a Bichon Frise, a hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed, so he is easy to be around, even for sensitive noses. Most days, you will find him happily snoozing in his favourite spot under the desk.  We are always happy for you to approach him to say hello, he might offer a gentle woof in return.

He is a little shy and nervous when it comes to people, but a very lovable and fully committed to creating a calm and cosy welcome for everyone who visits.

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