WLP365 Career Transformation, Cultural Adaptation and Running a Pilates Studio!
In today’s episode Pilar catches up with Frédérique Lloyd Bougreau, about how she transformed her career and lifestyle by setting up a Pilates studio in rural France. They talk about cultural adaptation, building a business in a new environment and the Importance of movement and exercise as we progress through life.
Frédérique used to work as a content creator in the museums and heritage industry and business education. She worked with a diverse range of freelancers, from writers to voiceover artists (that’s how she met Pilar!) and filmmakers. In fact, Frédérique herself started as a voiceover artist before moving to the production side of the industry.
Throughout her career, Frédérique maintained a passion for dance and Pilates. These activities served as a constant thread in her life, providing balance and physical well-being outside of work hours. She explored various dance forms, including flamenco and tango, and turned to Pilates during times of physical challenge, such as injury recovery and pregnancy.
Frédérique's introduction to Pilates came about 20 years ago, recommended by a physiotherapist as a way to manage back and pelvic discomfort. The practice resonated with her, and after a foot injury in 2015, Pilates became a more integral part of her life. Unable to attend dance classes, she found that Pilates offered a way to stay active and aid in her recovery, even while on crutches.
Frédérique began attending classes more regularly and participating in workshops. Her growing passion for the practice led her to pursue formal training in 2016 at Body Control Pilates in London, where she studied contemporary Pilates techniques for mat work and reformer equipment.
During her training, Frédérique discovered a fascination for understanding how the body moves and functions, specifically in relation to physical movement. This interest has become an ongoing pursuit, with Frédérique continuously expanding her knowledge in these areas.
Frédérique doing the star on the beach
09.25 MINS
After nearly 30 years in London, Frédérique and her husband felt the need for new experiences and a different way of life. This desire coincided with the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in a big city and the increasing cost of living in London.
The decision to move to France was somewhat impulsive and in August 2019, they took the leap. Little did they know that their move would coincide with the global COVID-19 pandemic. The couple found themselves locked down for two years in their new home. Despite the challenges, they used this time to renovate the downstairs area of the house, transforming an old, abandoned flat into a usable space.
In June 2021, Frédérique was finally able to open her Pilates studio. However, she faced an unexpected hurdle: her profession didn't officially exist in France, and her diplomas weren't recognized. To legally work and be paid as a Pilates teacher, Frédérique had to retrain as a sports coach in France and obtain a "carte professionnelle" (professional card).
15.05 MINS
Frédérique's approach to Pilates differs from the large group classes often associated with fitness gyms. She focuses on personalised training, working with small groups of four to six people, as well as offering private and duo sessions. This personalised approach allows her to cater to a diverse clientele, from cyclists with specific fitness needs to 75-year-olds with knee problems.
It took a good year for Frédérique to establish her name in the community, relying primarily on word-of-mouth rather than extensive advertising. This gradual growth has been encouraging and has inspired her to continue developing her skills and knowledge.
The diverse needs of her clients constantly motivate Frédérique to expand her expertise. When faced with clients with conditions like osteoporosis, scoliosis, or pelvic floor problems, she sees it as an opportunity to learn and improve her ability to help. This client-focused approach drives her continuous professional development.
Transitioning from a bustling city like London to running a home-based studio in rural France has brought its own set of challenges and benefits. While Frédérique appreciates the convenience of a 20-second commute down the stairs, she's had to learn to manage the blurred boundaries between work and personal life. As a freelancer working from home, it's easy to find herself working at all hours, responding to emails late at night or preparing lessons on weekends.
However, Frédérique has found ways to maintain some separation. Her studio has a separate entrance, allowing clients to access the space without coming through her living areas, for example.
Frédérique also teaches online, which comes with its own challenges, particularly in observing and correcting clients' form. She’s had to adapt her teaching style, asking more questions and giving more specific directions to ensure clients are performing exercises correctly.
In addition to live classes, Frédérique has started creating pre-recorded content for her paying customers. She records classes each term for those who might miss sessions and creates recap videos for specific programs. These resources allow clients to review and practice between live sessions, adding value to her offerings.
Beyond her individual clients, Frédérique has also developed specialised programs for horse riding schools, helping riders understand how their posture and alignment affect both their riding skills and their horses. She's also conducted workshops for factory workers, focusing on body awareness and posture to help alleviate work-related discomfort.
“The best exercise is the one you enjoy and will stick with consistently.”
32.26 MINS
As we progress through life, the importance of movement and body awareness becomes increasingly clear. Our approach to exercise and movement should evolve as we age, adapting to our changing needs and physical capabilities. In our 20s, we might gravitate towards high-intensity workouts like boot camps or running. However, as we enter our 40s and 50s, our bodies have different requirements. For women, perimenopause and menopause bring new considerations, while both men and women experience changes in muscle mass as they age.
It’s important to look after our muscles, skeleton, and spine as we get older. Weight training in particular can help maintain bone density, while balance exercises help prevent falls.
The key is finding a form of exercise you love, whether it's swimming, cycling, dancing, Pilates, or yoga. The best exercise is the one you enjoy and will stick with consistently. Frédérique also highlights the importance of exercise for those undergoing medical treatments, such as cancer therapy. Staying active can help limit the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and aid in healing.
Frédérique is candid about the challenges of such a significant life change, which saw her leaving London for France. The cultural shift from multicultural, vibrant London to a more laid-back rural French setting was particularly difficult. She experienced frustration with the different pace of life and work culture, such as businesses closing for extended lunch breaks and holiday periods.
Despite the challenges, Frédérique finds joy in her new lifestyle, appreciating aspects that weren't possible in her previous life, such as having dogs. While you can't have everything, finding the right balance is key.
We’ll leave you with Frédérique’s last words:
"Keep well, move well. Keep moving and look after yourselves."
Frédérique’s contact details are over at her website: https://www.pilatesbienetre.com/contact.html
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