“My name is Samhar, and I’m the founder of Bilisti, a women’s health and wellness community in Manchester focused on making health and movement accessible to all women. Our mission is to empower women to take control of their health and redefine wellness through the power of community - particularly for Black, Muslim, and other underrepresented groups.

When I first applied for the program last year, I was at a crossroads. I had discovered Pilates during one of the most difficult times in my life - after losing my father, navigating my own health challenges (Hashimoto’s girlie), and facing financial hardship. Pilates became a lifeline for me; it helped me reconnect with my body, rebuild my confidence, and heal emotionally.

However, becoming an instructor felt completely out of reach. It wasn’t just the financial barriers -I genuinely didn’t think someone like me, a Black Muslim woman with hormonal health struggles, had a place in this industry.

Being selected for was genuinely life-changing. It gave me the opportunity to train, grow, and gain the confidence to share the benefits of Pilates with my community. It also opened doors I never imagined possible - I’ve since become an ambassador for a Pilates studio, sat on panels and spoken to women about the importance of movement beyond aesthetics, and hosted events and workshops that bring women from all walks of life together.

A real highlight was speaking on a panel for International Women’s Day, hosted by Free Soul, about the power of community -something I could never have imagined doing before. None of it would have happened if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith and applied for this programme. I’m endlessly grateful to Georgie and Sarah for creating such an empowering opportunity.

Since completing the programme, I’ve continued to integrate Pilates into the work I do through Bilisti. We’ve hosted wellness socials, beginner-friendly Pilates sessions, and community events that bring women together to move, connect, and prioritise their health - many of whom had never felt these spaces were “for them” before. It proves that these communities aren’t hard to reach -they’re just hardly reached.

This journey has not only changed how I see myself but also how I serve others. I now see Pilates as more than movement - it’s a tool for healing, empowerment and belonging. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue breaking barriers so that every woman, regardless of background or health conditions feels she has a place in wellness.

It’s bigger than me , it’s about the collective. And I’m able to make those small but meaningful changes because of this amazing initiative.”

We are offering ONE fully funded place on our Mat Pilates course in Manchester on November 24th-27th 2024.

To apply, send us an email by end of the day Monday 3rd November answering the following 8 application questions:-

1. Personal Information:

Full Name

Contact Information (Email/Phone)

Location (City/Town)

Date of Birth

2. Income Information:

Are you currently receiving any benefits or income-related support? (Yes/No)

If yes, please specify.

Are you currently employed? (Yes/No)

If yes, is your income below the UK living wage? (Yes/No)

3. Tell Us About You:

Please tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and why you would like to train as a Pilates teacher.

4. Community Focus:

How do you plan to use this Pilates teacher training to support underserved communities? 

Which communities do you currently work with, or plan to work with, after completing the training?

5. Barriers to Access:

What barriers have you faced that have prevented you from accessing professional fitness training or other opportunities? (Please tick all that apply)

Ethnic minority background

LGBTQIA+ identity

Disability or long-term health condition

Carer responsibilities

Low income

Other (please specify):

6. Commitment to Training:

Are you able to attend all four days of the training in Manchester? (Yes/No)

If selected, are you committed to completing the training and delivering Pilates in underserved communities? (Yes/No)

7. Previous Experience:

Do you have any previous experience in Pilates, fitness, or working with communities? (Experience is not required, but feel free to share anything relevant)

If yes, please provide a brief description of your experience.

8. Why Should You Be Selected?

In your own words, why do you think you are the right person for this opportunity? How will you use this training to elevate others and unlock access to movement for them?