About Us

Marilena and Paul have over 30 years experience in the dance and fitness industry and they now have joined forces to build bodies that are happy, healthy and going to last you a lifetime.

MARILENA NICOLAOU

STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer

TOTAL BARRE® Instructor Trainer

Marilena started her career as a professional ballet dancer, appearing as soloist with the Vienna Festival Ballet performing in the UK, Ireland and across Europe. She later moved on to TV shows such as Top of the Pops and the Brit Awards, films including the Phantom of the Opera, music videos and international tours performing alongside pop stars and bands such as Robbie Williams and Westlife.

Marilena is certified in Stott Pilates Mat Plus & Intensive Reformer, Cadillac, Stability Chair, Barrels in all levels,  Pre & Post Natal, Total Barre, Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology, The Urdang Academy Diploma in Dance & Performing Arts, Diploma in Ballet & Choreography, YMCAfit Exercise to Music, Aqua, Supple Strength, Sculpt, Cardio Kick – and is always excited to learn more.

PAUL SMITH

Like Marilena, Paul also started his career as a professional dancer working in TV, films, concerts and tours. He has travelled extensively, performing and working with top artists and choreographers including Michael Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Bob Hope and Arlene Philips.

Paul is certified in Stott Pilates Mat Plus & Reformer, Cadillac, Stability Chair, Barrels in all levels, Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology, London Studio Centre diploma in Dance and Pilates, an RSA certificate in Exercise to Music, London Academy of Personal Training diplomas.

Marilena and Paul are both qualified in ISP (Pilates for Injuries and Special Populations).

We can help you with your rehabilitation post surgery and injuries, pre and post natal training in order to return to daily living and previous level of function.

What
They
Say

Sasha Price

When I began PIlates sessions with Marilena at the beginning of 2018, I hadn’t any previous experience, but had heard it might be the answer to some niggling lower back issues. Now, almost four years later, back problems gone, I can’t imagine life without my weekly sessions with Marilena. Her expertise and depth of knowledge mean that she can fine tune sessions to my physiological needs and knows exactly just how far to push me to keep me progressing. I feel stronger and more flexible than ever. And it is this, alongside Marilena’s encouragement, warmth, and dedication, that will keep me going, feeling healthy in body and mind, I imagine, forever.

Shona Guerin

‘Pre and post major surgery, Marilena was/is amazing. Firstly, she assessed my capabilities, recommended how our one-to-one sessions would be approached – explaining every step along the way as I was new to Pilates and had a number of limitations (both hips and right knee). I’m adamant our pre-surgery sessions enabled my first and second hip surgery recoveries to occur without any issues and the post-surgery sessions extended my strength and range of movement. I’ve continued with weekly sessions and I’m amazed at what I can now do less than 12mths post a second full hip replacement. I’ll definitely continue as the results are fantastic and Marilena challenges me, with a mindful eye on correct form above all.’

Bernard and Clare Horn

We have been enjoying weekly one to one sessions with Paul in our home for approximately 10 years. He personalises stimulating classes based on our needs and stretches us in every sense. We are huge advocates of Pilates thanks to Paul with his professionalism and knowledge.

Helen Livermore

“Before starting Pilates I was unaware of the benefits but with Paul’s knowledge, patience and clear explanations I now have a better awareness of my body and posture while continually building and working on my core strength. Having got the Pilates bug I decided to try Reformer Pilates one-to-one sessions with Marilena and have not looked back since. Marilena has designed a bespoke workout programme that allows me to build and strengthen my core muscles while aligning, stretching and sculpting my body. Don’t be put off by the idea of a one –to –one being ‘intense’ – The focus and attention that Marilena provides during the session is invaluable she has a natural ability to make you feel comfortable and want to push yourself. So if you’re looking for instructors who are efficient, effective, knowledgeable and fun then look no further, Marilena and Paul are the people you want to know. They also both have the ability to create a sense of community and camaraderie within their classes and over the years they have not only been my fitness gurus but have become good friends – I couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Aylin

I did Marilena’s classes every week for over a year before finding out I was pregnant. They were my favourite classes of the week as they were always challenging workouts while being fun at the same time. Marilena was great when I told her about my pregnancy. She knew what I was capable of and gave me so much confidence in my body as it changed. She would always provide advice on alternative options discretely during or before classes, particularly for abs exercises which meant I was always a part of the full classes, never feeling awkward in the corner. Now several months post-partum, I really believe that my fast recovery has been due in large part to how active I was throughout my pregnancy (having taken Marilena’s classes until over 8 months pregnant). I would highly recommend Marilena’s classes as they are not only great workouts but also provide guidance and a level of care I did not experience during other classes during my pregnancy. Thank you Marilena!”

Lana Kurochkina

Since I got pregnant and was interested in keeping as active as possible, I began my search for reformer pilates. I was so amazed to find Fitnation UK right near my home. Marilena responded to my inquiry straight away and I was thoroughly impressed with her knowledge and attitude. Within weeks of beginning my pregnancy sessions, I longed to get more exercise in – so I added a private session on top of my weekly pregnancy session. My body thanked me – I saw results after a few weeks. First I noticed my lower back pain completely gone, and it is still not around at 8 months pregnant. I had issues with my neck, which often caused headaches – and I forgot what a headache is since I started my reformer sessions. Most importantly, I feel stronger, my posture is more aligned and I have become more aware of my body’s alignment when sitting and walking. It is extremely important for me to keep my core strong to avoid issues during and after labour, not to mention pelvic floor strength. All of this has given me the confirmation that I made the right choice, and sessions at Fitnation UK are not only tough, they are fun and I look forward to them each time. I cannot thank Marilena enough for all she is doing to help me while I am nearing my due date – and I plan to return as soon as I am cleared by my doctor postpartum to stay active, feel good and be strong enough to manage parenthood! Immense gratitude to you for all you have done for me. You made my pregnancy a fun experience, which is not what many people can say!

Helen Livermore

Marilena’s experience of being a dancer and her ability to source inspiring and relevant music adds to the vibrant and exhilarating Ballet Barre class. The routines are carefully choreographed and at times challenging but I always leave with a great sense of achievement as I can feel my muscles burning from the well-rounded workout.

Tara Stimpson

If you’re looking for Pilates or Ballet Barre classes I highly recommend Fitnation. Marilena & Paul are brilliant, highly qualified and experienced teachers whose classes are fun, inventive & challenging. Their studio is spotlessly clean, well ventilated and feels very safe. Plus they also have a range of online classes that you can do without even leaving home. I was never really the sporty type, but since attending their classes I am so much fitter, stronger & the exercise helped me get down to a healthy weight. I have a few back issues and the tailored programme that Marilena devised for our one to one Reformer Pilates sessions has significantly reduced my back pain, strengthened my core and improved my flexibility and posture. Fitnation’s classes are a fantastic way to get fit and healthy while having lots of fun.

Helen Soo

Marilena and Paul are great teachers : full of enthusiasm, knowledge and experience. They focus on technique and the individual’s abilities and needs. My posture has benefitted greatly, indeed I grew a centimetre in height plus my back pain has reduced significantly. They are fun and uplifting company. Online classes during lockdown were a positive distraction. A combination of live class and online works for me.

Sarah Cooper

Marilena and Paul are brilliant instructors and their studio is absolutely pristine, which is so reassuring in the era of Covid-19. I have done a number of their classes over the years, from Pilates through to Supple Strength, Barre, and Equipment classes. Their teaching is first-rate and each class combines fitness and fun, whether in-person or online. Definitely a five-star experience every time!

Alexandra Duran

My experience attending Fitnation classes has always been very positive! There are a good variety of classes at all levels to suit everyone. Classes take place either live on-line or in person and it’s great to have this flexibility to attend classes in this way (group classes – with appropriate social distancing in place and private sessions). During the spring and summer months, I had the opportunity to exercise outside using their terrace studio (weather permitting of course!) which was wonderful!

At their home studio, given the high levels of cleanliness I feel very safe, particularly during Covid. Marilena and Paul have implemented the appropriate safety measures and they take this very seriously (QR code check-in, temperature check, hand sanitiser, equipment sanitised before and after use, plenty of ventilation in the home studio).

Marilena and Paul are great teachers! They are both highly trained in their fields and very knowledgable, providing a professional and high standard of group fitness and bespoke private classes which are enjoyable and make a difference to my well-being. It’s a great community to be part of and I’ve met some really good friends through attending classes. Highly recommend!

Prices

Classes

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Fitnation Class Passes

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Private Sessions

Private sessions in our Home Pilates studio.

24 hours notice required for booking transfer. No refund available.

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Duet Sessions

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Students

If you are Stott Pilates student, please contact us for discounted rates.

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