Instructor Spotlight: Delicia Gordon
We speak with Pilates Instructor Delicia Gordon about her Pilates career to date and her teaching focus.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your Pilates background.
Hi, I’m Delicia - though on socials you’ll find me as @moveshewantstomove. I’m a Londoner through and through. Pilates has been my practice for 14 years, and after two decades of management in the Corporate world, I shifted fully into teaching. Today, I lead as Pilates Manager at Nobu Pilates, founded by Marsha Lindsay in West London, as well as contributing to the Education team at James Shaw Pilates.
2. How did you discover Pilates?
Following my second abdominal surgery at 30 for fibroids - a myomectomy that left me with a c-section scar - I needed a practice that could hold me gently while rebuilding my strength. The reformer became that place, restoring me and helping me return to the modalities I loved.
3. How do you keep learning?
At a minimum, I aim to take a weekly 1:1 session, a group equipment class, and a weekly mat class, either in person or online. Each year, I commit to at least three in-person workshops; this year I trained with Christos Niaros and Mariano Dolagaray, and as a bonus, met Brooke Siler. Come July, I’ll be attending a workshop led by Kathryn Ross-Nash.
4. The best advice you were ever given as a teacher?
To believe in myself
5. Is there something you try and instil in each of your clients?
Ideally, my clients understand what they’re doing, what we’re focusing on, what the work gives them, and what they personally need from each session.
6. The best Pilates course you ever did was?
“The real learning starts once the course ends - applying the work, sharpening your eye, cueing what you see, and protecting your own practice. That consistency is what builds depth. Keeping the work in your body is the truest way to stay connected to the method.”
7. What’s your favourite piece of equipment to use with clients in studio and why?
I’d love for everyone to experience the Wunda chair, my favourite apparatus, but most clients typically start on the reformer - footwork provides immediate insight into the body on that day. The reality is that everything depends on the individual: what they need, how often they train, their age, and any injuries. You can’t pre-plan a session; the body decides.
8. How do you stay motivated?
I plan my schedule ahead of time to keep myself replenished, yet I still welcome spontaneity and the chance to say yes to something fun and off the cuff.
9. What makes you laugh the most?
It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain, because the simplest things set me off - an honest comment, an infectious laugh, a shared memory. I watched House Party with Scott Evans recently, and it had so many laugh-out-loud moments.
10. What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
It all depends on which day I have off - sometimes it’s a Pilates 1:1, sometimes it’s family time, a proper deep-clean in the home with a good playlist, or a great podcast episode. Whatever it is, I choose something that genuinely replenishes me, so I can keep showing up fully
11. How many pairs of grip socks do you own? Do you love or hate a stretch band?
Honestly, I prefer a regular sock over a grip sock or going barefoot - it’s just more comfortable for me.
12. Does your family ‘really know’ what’s involved in your job?
Of course not, haha - my family know I teach Pilates and that’s pretty much it.