Who We Are
Frances Brown (Fran) has over 40 years’ experience in the fitness industry as a business owner, in private sector management and in all aspects of exercise, fitness, health and wellbeing.
After suffering back problems herself, she discovered the wonderful benefits that Pilates can offer in improving, relieving and preventing back pain. She has also undergone a hip replacement which has greatly increased her knowledge and understanding of post-operative rehabilitation and how Pilates plays such an important part in the recovery process.
About the Founder — Fran Brown
Fran Brown brings over 40 years of experience in the fitness industry, encompassing business ownership, private sector management, and extensive expertise across all aspects of exercise, fitness, health and wellbeing.
The S.A.F.E. Pilates Method was born from Fran’s own personal journey. After suffering from back problems herself, she discovered the transformative benefits that Pilates can offer in improving, relieving and preventing back pain. Having also undergone a hip replacement, Fran has developed a deep understanding of post-operative rehabilitation and the vital role Pilates plays in the recovery process. This lived experience, combined with over 15 years of specialist Pilates teaching, is at the heart of everything The S.A.F.E. Pilates Method stands for.
Fran specialises in working with general fitness clients, those in rehabilitation and injury recovery, and older adults — bringing compassion, expertise and genuine understanding to every client she works with.
Qualifications & Continuing Professional Development:
- BSY Diploma in Clinical Personal Fitness Training (Dip.CPFT)
- PGCert — Institute of Leisure & Amenity Management (ILAM), Loughborough University
- Diploma in Sports Psychology
- Future Fit Nutrition & Weight Management
- AFAA Exercise to Music
- AOGB Weight Training
- Advanced Step, Boxacise & Slide
Fran’s exceptional breadth of qualifications, combined with her personal experience of injury and rehabilitation, uniquely positions her to deliver The S.A.F.E. Pilates Method — an approach that is truly Safe, Adaptive, Functional and for Everyone.
- Junior Aerobics
- NCF Coaching Children
- Rachel Holmes Fitness Pilates
- UKA/LeRoc Professional Dance Teacher
- Advanced Fitness Pilates — Back Care
- Seated Pilates
- Fitness Pilates for Older Adults
- Mindfulness Breathing & Relaxation
- Active IQ Level 3 Tutor Award in Education and Training
- Gluteal Floor
Welcome! The S.A.F.E. Pilates Method
She has been teaching fitness for 40 years and Pilates for over 20 years and is also a qualified Clinical Personal Fitness Trainer. She specialises in Pilates, remedial Pilates, post operative and post injury rehabilitation, postural problems, back and joint pain, functional fitness, nutrition and weight management.
She now specialises in her own brand of Pilates ‘The S.A.F.E. Pilates Method’. She also teaches salsa and modern jive and believes that, along with Pilates for correct posture, body movement, core stability and overall strength, ‘Dancing is the most sociable way to keep fit!
THE METHODOLOGY:
- S.A.F.E. Methodology
- Safe
- Adaptive
- Functional
- Everyone
A systematically redesigned “adaptive” Pilates approach built around what people can do. “Functional” movement that serves real life.
The Methodology is the omission of inappropriate exercises to allow it to be “Safe”, “Inclusive”, “Accessible”, “Adaptive”, “Functional”, and welcoming movement for all.
Our Mission
Our Vision:
A world where everyone, regardless of age, ability or fitness level, has access to safe, effective movement and transforms their health and wellbeing. We envision the S.A.F.E Pilates Method as the go-to approach for anyone seeking a kinder, smarter, and more inclusive way to move.
OUR VALUES:
Safe and Supportive:
We create a nurturing environment where every client feels confident, cared for, and in expert hands. Your safety is always our first priority.
Adaptive & Accessible:
We meet you exactly where you are. Every session is thoughtfully adapted to your individual needs, goals, and abilities – because no two bodies are the same.
Functional:
We focus on movement that matters. Our Pilates is designed to strengthen you for real life – improving how you move, feel, and function every single day.
Everyone:
Pilates is for everybody and we mean that. Whether you are a complete beginner, managing an injury, prenatal or postnatal, an older adult, or a seasoned mover – you are welcome here.
(C) Copyright 2026 The S.A.F.E. Pilates Method. All rights reserved.
Our Pilates Instructors
We are passionate about Pilates
Beth Lomax
Beth is a qualified CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) Health Coach with the long-term aim of supporting and enabling individuals to live an all-round more balanced and healthy life.
Beth has always had a keen interest in preventative health and lifestyle medicine, and one of her main aims is to support and empower individuals to make long term positive and consistent health change.
Pilates very much feeds into and supports Beth’s ethos to health. Beth has been an attendee at Pilates classes for 10 years, and my own classes for the last 4. Beth is always looking to add to her skill set and find another way to support individuals in their own preventative health journey; as such she has also expanded her knowledge and study into the Pilates field. Beth holds a Level 3 Diploma in instructing Pilates mat-work, through awarding body Active IQ; which are Ofqual regulated.
Charis Wright
Meet Charis Wright our new Zumba and Mindfulness & Meditation Instructor. She is also trained to teach ‘The Fran Brown Pilates Method for me.
“Hi, I’m Charis. I love dancing and without music, life would be a mistake. I love to bring some radiance and joy to your exercise sessions. I want you to be the happiest and most soulful version of you. Come and dance with me to release the chaos of life and invite some sunshine into your soul!”
Pilates very much feeds into anaI’ve been dancing Latin and ballroom with the IDTA for 10 years, Level 3 Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery and allied Medical Professions and Level 2 Exercise to Music. I also teach mindfulness, meditation and breathwork alongside my high intensity cardio training programs. I operate from a holistic viewpoint with wellness and fun being the main star. I teach with passion and pride.d supports Beth’s ethos to health. Beth has been an attendee at Pilates classes for 10 years, and my own classes for the last 4. Beth is always looking to add to her skill set and find another way to support individuals in their own preventative health journey; as such she has also expanded her knowledge and study into the Pilates field. Beth holds a Level 3 Diploma in instructing Pilates mat-work, through awarding body Active IQ; which are Ofqual regulated.
Sarah Bracken
I began training in Pilates to counteract the physical impact of long hours sitting at a desk—tight hips, sore back, and low energy. What started as a way to support my own body quickly became a passion.
Pilates helped me move better, feel stronger, and reconnect with my body, and I knew I wanted to share that with others. I now teach with a focus on sustainable strength, mobility, and mindful movement that supports real life—whether that’s time at a desk, staying active as we age, or simply wanting to move with more ease.
I genuinely love teaching and continue to deepen my own practice through ongoing learning and self-exploration. My goal is to help people feel capable, confident, and at home in their bodies, both on and off the mat.
Diane Yorke
Diane has attended Fran’s classes since November 2021 and is a qualified Pilates instructor, holding an Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork — the industry-standard, Ofqual-regulated qualification for teaching mat Pilates in the UK.
She first discovered Pilates around 15 years ago after a physical therapist recommended it to help manage debilitating lower back pain. After just a few sessions, she was hooked and has practised Pilates regularly ever since.
Having experienced the benefits of Pilates firsthand, she is passionate about helping others improve their physical health and mental well-being through movement and exercise.
Faye Belben
Hi, I’m Faye, a newly qualified Level 3 Pilates Instructor with a passion for helping people move better, feel stronger and build confidence in their bodies.
I offer supportive and inclusive Pilates sessions designed to improve strength, posture, flexibility and overall wellbeing. With a particular interest in pre and postnatal Pilates, I love helping clients feel empowered at every stage of their journey through safe and effective movement.
My classes focus on creating a calm and welcoming environment where you can take time for yourself, reconnect with your body and enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that Pilates has to offer.
Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or looking to develop your practice, my aim is to help you feel stronger, move with confidence and leave every class feeling refreshed and energised.”
Testimonials
Some feedback from our clients