Sasha Nelson Pilates

Former flight attendant, mother of three and Pilates Method Alliance (PME) Pilates instructor Sasha Nelson has over 20 years’ teaching experience behind her.
Based at the Pilates Pod at FITPOD, Sasha has a special interest in pelvic floor health, and is enthusiastic about helping women of all ages connect with and strengthen their bodies from the inside out.
Originally from Johannesburg, Sasha travelled the world while working as stewardess for Emirates. She first discovered Pilates while living in Dubai. “I started doing Pilates classes all over the world and when I returned to Johannesburg, I mentored under an amazing instructor. After completing my teacher’s course through Pilates SA, I stepped away from flying to become a full-time instructor.”
Sasha taught for seven years, during which she completed both barre and yoga teaching courses. “It is so great to have the Pilates grounding and basis to work with, and then incorporate those principles into other forms of movement.”
When Sasha fell pregnant, she started doing one-on-one classes at people’s homes until she and her husband decided to move to Ballito in 2019.
Now a busy mom of three girls (8, 5 and 8 months), Sasha offers group, semi-private and one-on-one Pilates classes at FITPOD. Having had three children herself, she has a particular interest in helping women find their pelvic floor connection through breathing.
“So many women struggle with pelvic floor issues, especially after pregnancy. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to strengthen this part of your body – before, during and after pregnancy, as well as later in life.”
While more people are aware of the importance of having a strong core than ever before, Sasha says many people still do not know how to make the connection correctly.
Her Pilates ‘core recovery’ classes are specifically for beginners. “I am a very patient teacher because I understand that everyone learns differently. It’s my job to figure out what works for you and how best to help you understand and maximise the benefits of your Pilates sessions.”
Sasha’s classes are slow, focused and targeted and she goes out of her way to ensure her clients are as present as possible in order for them to achieve true mind-body connection.
She also offers both rehab and prehab (before surgery to speed up recovery afterwards) Pilates, as well as Pilates for the elderly.
“Pilates truly is amazing. Everyone should incorporate it into their lives. I have seen Pilates change people’s lives with them coming back strong after injury or surgery, being able to do things they never thought they would again. It is like magic.”