Pilates Instructors

Laura Dawson

Passions for equestrianism, rowing, and helping others achieve better fitness and health all come together in the motivated package that is Back In Motion Clinical Pilates Co-ordinator & Instructor, Laura Dawson. 

Laura began working at the Back In Motion Pilates studio in 2007 allowing her to put into practice many of the theories she learned while achieving her Physical Education degree, specialising in Exercise Prescription and Sport and Leisure Studies and extend her Pilates knowledge by  becoming an Internationally Qualified Polestar Pilates Studio Instructor. 

“I find it amazing to sit in and watch the progress some people have made, just coming two or three times a week, working to recover from injuries of various kinds. Some have managed to get back to work far faster than I would have ever expected. Obviously this takes an amount of dedication from the client, but Back In Motion has a particularly good support network aimed at helping people to achieve. 

Improving and maintaining core body strength is a central tenant of Pilates. Some of Laura's clients come into the gym solely to improve their fitness & gain that extra edge, “We have ballet dancers coming in to improve their flexibility and core strength, along with figure skaters, professional skiers, rugby players & bodyboarders in attendance” 

“The thing I really like about Pilates, with regard to injury recovery, is that you can isolate a body part and just work on that, whilst ensuring that you have core control and strength. Using the specialised Pilates equipment can provide a very versatile rehabilitation programme. I need to have close communication with the Back In Motion Physio team, as they are also giving the clients exercises to do, and they may have additional information from the client's GP that I need to be aware of. But I can also help by being observant when the person is doing their Pilates. I may see an extra weakness and bring this to the attention of the Physiotherapist.” 

Laura rides competitively, having a horse of her own and working another, and has identified the value Pilates can bring to her own, and others' riding. “It is incredibly beneficial. All the movements in competitive riding have to be very subtle, especially in the legs and arms. You have to stay strong and still through your core, able to disassociate limb movements from the core in order to control the specific muscle movements, while giving the appearance of being poised. It is much like ballet in that way. Back In Motion Equestrian Pilates has taken off over the last year with a regular floor class being held locally & regular rider’s clinics formed in the Canterbury & Clutha District regions. 

Laura was also a competitive rower while at high school & has worked closely with the University of Otago rowing team over the past few years, to assist in their off-season development training. “I have a great interest in and sympathy for the physical demands of rowing. It is such a competitive sport. You get completely engrossed in it. Unfortunately I don't have the time to be engrossed in two sports.” 

Laura welcomes any enquiries and can be contacted on 03 4749400 or by email at pilates@backinmotion.co.nz 

Tess Molloy

Tess Molloy is the new Albany Street Pilates Instructor commencing in 2011.  Tess has had extensive experience in the sporting arena from Swimming, Hockey, Surf Lifesaving, Athletics and Triathlon.  Combined with a sporting background, Tess has also obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement/ Sports Management from the University of Ballarat in Victoria, Australia.

  “I’m excited about becoming involved in the BIM team, to assist in growing and developing the Pilates studio from our location on Albany St and seeing the benefits that can be experienced with Pilates across a wide range of people.  I’ve found in my short time here, having observed and practiced Pilates, I’ve seen many positive outcomes from using Pilates in everyday life. Whether you’re striving for elite performance, rehabilitation from injury or wanting to increase long term health and well-being, Pilates is an all round practice that I hope to consolidate here at Albany Street and broaden throughout Dunedin in areas yet to be involved.”

Tess is originally from Melbourne, but has traveled and lived in various places in Australia before moving to Dunedin in 2007.  “I have a passion and new excitement in the area of Pilates.  I have always been interested in investigating and learning more about the benefits it has on sporting performance, injury prevention and treatment and being able to incorporate this into helping people of all backgrounds get the best out of themselves’, is motivation in itself.  I have many skills to bring to Back in Motion and look forward to being able to teach Pilates to a wide audience in Dunedin.”

Having worked in various gyms, with sports events, teaching learn to swim, coaching athletes of all ages, developing sporting and community based programs in council organizations, along with an elite sporting; background Tess has the balance and sporting knowledge to adapt well to the philosophy and delivery of Pilates at Back In Motion.  Tess has an energy, enthusiasm and motivation that she brings to the clinic and will be a Pilates Instructor well worth visiting at our Albany St Clinic.

Tess welcomes any enquiries and can be contacted on 03 4771 680 or by email at albanypilates@backinmotion.co.nz 

Kerryn Tutty

PG Dip. Manip. Phty
PG Cert. Acupuncture
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Certified Pilates Instructor
NZ Diploma in Massage
Certified Pink Pilates Instructor – Rehabilitation for Women with Cancer

Kerryn Tutty, Back in Motion Physiotherapy Clinic co-owner draws on her diverse qualifications and broad experience to design Pilates programmes which are specific for each person and their presentations.   

A physiotherapist for 16 years and Pilates Instructor for 9 years, Kerryn is passionate about the integration of Pilates, with physiotherapy, for rehabilitation and improved health and well being.    One can self refer to Pilates and Kerryn also receives referrals from other allied health professionals and medical practitioners.  Kerryn has worked with athletes from the Academy of Sport, in Dunedin, and designed Pilates Programmes specific for pregnancy.  For further information please see her full profile on this website.

Kerryn welcomes any enquiries and can be contacted on 03 4771 680 or by email at kerryn@backinmotion.co.nz