Hi! I’m Louisa Thomas, a movement teacher, myofascial release practitioner and mum of 3.
My love of yoga and movement began in 2003, when I sampled my first yoga class on a trip to India. Humbled and shocked by how such seemingly simple movements challenged my body – and my mind – I was immediately hooked. Yoga has been an important part of my life ever since. I completed my first yoga teacher training course in 2007, in Kerala, India and have been teaching yoga classes in Wetherby and surrounding areas ever since.
My journey into the world of core rehabilitation began after the birth of my first son, in 2012. Shortly after his birth I was diagnosed with a diastasis-recti. I was told by numerous healthcare providers the injury was too severe to heal without surgery, and that efforts to do so would be a waste of time.
Terrified by the prospect of surgery, I set out on a quest for information, support and healing. The journey was frustrating, confusing and slow, but it led me to the transformative practice of Pilates, and eventually to the Restore Your Core® programme.
After having 3 children in less than 4 years, I worked diligently through RYC® and was amazed to see my diastasis heal completely. Determined to share this groundbreaking programme with others who had faced the same lack of support and information as me, in 2017 I became just one of 10 people certified to teach RYC®. Since then I’ve had the incredible privilege of supporting hundreds of women (and men) on their healing journey, both in 1-1 sessions and through group classes. In 2017 I joined the RYC® team as director of education, and now have the incredible job of educating and supporting around 100 new RYC® teachers worldwide each year through our Pro Training programme.
My fascination of fascia began in 2018, when I embarked on a year-long fascial anatomy training with Natural Bodies. Awed by this gentle technique’s ability to improve my digestion, rebalance my abdominal musculature and reduce my bloating, I completed my diploma in myofascial release in 2019, later specialising in myofacial release for pelvic health.
At the end of 2024 I opened the beautiful Move Well Studio, in Sicklinghall, close to Wetherby and Harrogate. My dream was to create a welcoming and tranquil space, away from the busyness and noise, to enjoy group movement classes that are core and pelvic floor safe. We offer classes for all bodies and all stages, from pregnant mums to athletes; completely new movers to completely new mamas. Every class is designed to support core and pelvic floor wellness, whether joining a yoga flow class or a post-natal Pilates class. In my quest to support even more people to improve their core and pelvic health, I also offer courses for professionals, and information events focused on women’s health at Move Well.
As a busy mum of three, my ‘leisure’ time is mostly spent at the side of a football pitch or swimming pool. I live in the beautiful village of Bardsey-cum-Rigton, West Yorkshire, and enjoy daily walks with my goldendoodle Lenny, pottering in my gorgeous garden and escaping to the water whenever I can to paddleboard or canoe .
My training
2007 – Yoga Teacher Training, Sivananda Ashram, Kerala, India
2007 – Ayurveda Therapist Training, Ayurveda Retreat Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India
2011 – Well-women’s yoga therapy training with Uma Dinsmore Tuli, London
2012 – Birthlight Peri-natal teacher training with Francoise Freedman, London
2016 – EveryBody Biomechanics online self-study programme
2017 – Polestar Pilates Mat teacher training course, Leeds
2017 – Restore Your Core Teacher Training with Lauren Ohayon, London
2018 – Hypopressives Teacher Training, Cardiff
2018 – Myofascial Anatomy for Movement Teachers, Leeds
2019 – Diploma in myofascial release, Leeds
2020 – Myofascial release – pelvic health
2024 – Pilates Reformer Training, Leeds
