Olena Kolesnyk, a 39-year-old Ukrainian who arrived in the UK in June 2022 under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, now runs Pilates with Olena in Poole, Dolphin Shopping Centre.
She offers a range of classes, including in-person, one-to-one, group and online sessions.
Olena began teaching pilates in 2021 after qualifying in Ukraine.
She said pilates was recommended to her after giving birth while she was having major health issues.
She said: “Pilates was recommended to help improve my health and manage the pain, and it completely changed how I felt physically and mentally.
“I decided to become an instructor.
“I wanted to learn more about it and help others. That experience inspired me to become an instructor myself.”
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Olena Kolesnyk, 39-year-old (Image: Submitted)
After starting out mainly with classes for fellow Ukrainians new to country, Olena said she has since expanded her client base to include people of all backgrounds and age groups.
She said: “I am currently very happy where I am. I am so proud.
“My classes are almost full in every session. I like to do small groups with five to eight people. It’s because I like to have more personal support to people.”
Olena currently teaches at AKA Studio in Dolphin centre, as well as holding sessions at BCP leisure centres, Baytime fitness, and The Junction Sport.
Before moving to the UK, she worked in finance and taught pilates as a second job, but her passion for the discipline led her to a full-time career change.
Olena Kolesnyk, 39-year-old (Image: Submitted)
She said: “I am very grateful for the people who have helped me here.
“Coming here, it saved me from the war and I would love to give something back to the community.”
She added: “I’m currently exploring the possibility of offering free pilates classes for staff at Poole Hospital, as I really value the work NHS staff do for the community.”
Olena also has plans to introduce sessions in the future for women during and after pregnancy as she is currently studying about ‘supporting perinatal clients.’