At Home is a portrait series by photographer Chloe Paul, documenting BodyMindLife’s teachers in the spaces they have created to play and practice. We take a glimpse into their lives, explore their relationship with the practice, and investigate how they hold space for the community within the studios.

Join us as we tune in with our Head of Pilates, Chelsey Cameron.

Who are you/What do you teach?

My name is Chelsey Cameron and I am the Head of Pilates at BodyMindLife.

Why were you originally drawn to Pilates?

I discovered Pilates after a back injury and began practicing Pilates as rehabilitation. Well after my injury had recovered I continued to practice as I loved the physical and mental benefits of the modality. Way back as a novice, I remember going to class as a client and wishing I had a job that made me as happy as my teachers were and I resolved that I would make this my career. That was almost ten years ago and I’ve been teaching Pilates full time ever since!

How has your relationship to the practice changed since you began?

When I first started Pilates as a client, and then as a teacher, I wanted to be the best and master every exercise with absolute perfection. Now, after almost 10 years of teaching and practicing, being ‘the best’ has been re-defined. While I will always be a student of Pilates (and life) I no longer strive for perfection. For me now, I don’t just want, but I NEED, to share what I know to help educate my clients and the up and coming teachers. As a teacher of movement, my way of serving my community is to share my knowledge and passion for Pilates, which humbles me greatly.

You are lead facilitator of BodyMindLife’s Pilates program and Pilates Teacher Training. Can you tell us about that?

Working in both of these roles is extremely gratifying for me. The team of Pilates teachers at BML are hands down the best in Sydney and I absolutely adore every single one of them. I will be forever grateful to be part of a team of staff and teachers at BML who have transformed and educated the lives of so many clients and students.

Running the teacher training program is what makes my heart sing. I genuinely believe we have the best reformer program in Australia and I run this program alongside two of the most inspiring and incredible teachers who are not only dedicated to their craft but who genuinely care for each and every student who walks through our doors.

In 2022 we will be launching some new Pilates workshops and certificates and I simply cannot wait to share them with the BML community and beyond!

What transformation do you see from the first time students walk into a reformer Pilates teacher training to when they’ve completed it?

Practical teaching skills is a huge focus in our training program. This is a big point of difference for us as it is not often the case with many other trainings offered. From the first day of training to the last, I see the confidence of the students grow tremendously, both in themselves and in their teaching which makes me a very proud Pilates mumma! It’s a direct result of the training and mentoring we provide at BML and really solidifies to me that our teacher training is the best in town.

What do you love about what you do?

The community of people at BML is my anchor. I have been lucky enough to meet some of the most extraordinary people through teaching Pilates. The students and clients I teach on a daily basis fill my cup and the energy I have is a direct result of them. They fuel my fire!

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some of the most creative and dedicated teachers of Pilates. I have learnt, grown and crafted my skills because of them and have formed lifelong friendships along the way.

What does your home practice mean to you?

Home practice teaches me discipline. While I dearly missed my beloved reformer during lockdown, I did rediscover my love for mat Pilates. I also love getting creative with my at home workouts mixing up Pilates, yoga and HIIT training.

Has your perception of home changed in the last year?

I have travelled to many corners of this big beautiful world however my physical home has always been a sacred space for me. I embraced our recent lockdown and used it to ground myself in the present and enjoy some time to reconnect with family and friends (virtually). I was also able to take a deep dive into my own professional development and education, which I may not have had the time to do otherwise.

How do you feel when you’re in your flow?

Present and grateful.

What are you watching/reading/listening to?

Currently I’m watching Season 4 of Yellowstone.

I’m reading (for the 10th time!) Caged Lion by John Howard Steel. John is one of Joseph Pilates’ original students and friends in New York. He gives incredible insights to who the man behind the method was. It’s a fascinating read and I absolutely love the unprecedented access to Joseph Pilates and how his vision and dedication has had a profound impact on the world. What a legacy this man left us.

Practice with Chelsey in studio and online, and connect with her on instagram.

About Chloe Paul

Chloe Paul is a portrait and social photographer from Sydney, Australia. Over the last decade, she has created imagery for Prada, Dior, Moet&Chandon, Burberry and Christian Louboutin. Her work has featured in Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, Elle and Instyle. When not working with influential publications and high profile personalities, she can be found capturing the world on her Hassleblad.