Interview with Chartered Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor Georgia McCarthy

Georgia McCarthy is a busy working mum of 3 children aged 9,10 and 12, and she is also a respected Chartered Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor.

As a child, Georgia was a national tennis player but via a career-ending injury at 16, she found her love of Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation.

She attended Kings College London qualifying with an MSc and went on to have a successful career in the NHS, quickly realising that many of her patients would benefit from building up their muscular strength (and that this would lead to quicker recovery and protect from future injury). This led her to Pilates.

She has been combining her unique blend of Physio and Pilates knowledge to teach and train thousands of people over the past 15 years (including myself with her super online prenatal videos) and her hugely successful and sold-out classes inspired her to launch pilatesbygeorgia.com in 2016 alongside her brother-in-law and business partner, providing members with an online Pilates studio helping people recover, restore, and strengthen their bodies.

The site has helped thousands of people achieve their strength and fitness goals and has launched innovative features like bespoke Personal Pilates Plans, written for each member by Georgia and her team of qualified physiotherapists. This ensures every member works safely towards their goals.

Georgia has worked in elite sport especially Rugby for over a decade and she has just finished preparing and providing Pilates classes to the Australian Equestrian team for the Tokyo Olympics 2021!

It’s a joy to share Georgia’s brilliance on the blog.

 

Describe a typical day for you?

I teach early morning classes most days so I am always the first up, in the house. Classes finish at 7.30am so I quickly wake the children up then shower. It’s controlled chaos as I sort out breakfast for everyone, find PE kits and make packed lunches. Once the I’ve done the school-run. Physio clinic starts and I don’t stop until 3pm pick-up! My kids again keep me busy as I drive them to and from various sports practices but I’m back on my mat again by 7pm for more live classes for my Pilates By Georgia platform and I jump back on the computer for admin and personal plan writing, hopefully hitting the sack by 11pm… My days are long but I love what I do!

 

What do you feel are your greatest achievements?

I am so proud, alongside my husband, to have created and provided for my wonderful family whilst working hard to develop my own brand of Physio-led Pilates classes and my now growing Pilatesbygeorgia.com online studio. My Physio career continues to flourish and I continue to work with elite athletes, Olympians and professional sports players. Being known, respected and trusted by fellow Physios, doctors and medical professionals gives me a huge sense of pride.

What’s in your handbag/ satchel?

Phone – I don’t go anywhere without it! My Glossier Lip balm (Balm Dotcom) which is my absolute favourite beauty product ever, plus all the basics: purse, sunglasses, tissues and car keys which are on a super large keyring because I always struggle to find them in the bottom of my bag!

 

What are your ambitions in life?

I aim to provide affordable, quality Pilates classes and bespoke personal plans to help everyone look after their bodies whether its to rehab and prevent injuries, restore their bodies confidently following pregnancy and birth or and to me, most importantly, learn to love their bodies and enjoy exercise.

 

What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?

Well I have been a Physio for over 20 years now and at the start of my career, I was desperate to work exclusively in sport, however spending time in the NHS lead me to appreciate all areas of Physiotherapy from Paediatrics to Plastic Surgery. I started teaching PIlates nearly 15 years ago and wish I had had more confidence to create and deviate from the classical teaching earlier in my career – my specialist knowledge has allowed me to create a unique teaching style today – so if I could go back I would tell myself to trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to take bold chances!

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Working hard to continue to grow and support the PBG community. I plan to bring more Physiotherapists, Yoga Teachers and specialist Fitness Instructors to PBG offering more classes, knowledge and support to the platform. I hope to be helping more people to care for their bodies, educate and learn how to keep fit and strong and free of injury!

 

What advice would you give a budding Physiotherapist / Pilates Instructor?

Take your time to find your specialist area, be sure to work with lots of different clients and fellow practitioners. Learn from everyone and every situation. You will find what you love and when you do – go for it!

 

What advice would you give to a new parent?
Well I had 3 children in under 4 years and at time,s found myself wishing them to be older and less reliant on me – yet now I wish they would slow down as they seem to be growing too fast – so my advice would be take time to appreciate every stage – take lots of photos and videos and savour those early days.

 

Finally, happiness is…

A long dog walk followed by a caramel latte and an almond croissant whilst watching a feel good ‘rom-com’ – the simple pleasures!