Profile
Lou James
In one or two sentences introduce yourself…….
I am 33, a fraction under 5ft 2, the founder and programme director of Pink Pilates, a working physiotherapist and clinical pilates instructor, an executive trustee of the Pink Pilates Trust and mother of two young, very active boys.
What’s your biggest project going on now?
Pink Pilates is launching a new exercise top in conjunction with Maxbody, Max's new sports-luxe collection. www.pinkpilates.co.nz
What do you spend your days doing?
Tending to the family, working for the Pink Pilates Trust, tending to the family, teaching Pilates classes and seeing physio clients, tending to the family, managing the Pink Pilates Providers throughout NZ, and then hopefully fitting in a run or tending to my vege patch to keep me sane.
Where’s your favourite place in NZ?
Whangapoua Beach in the Coromandel. Steve, the boys, the Chocolate Lab and I try to head down to our wee bach at Whangapoua whenever we can. I feel instantly relaxed when we arrive!
What’s your favourite tipple?
Wine – any flavour, as long as I have good company to drink it with!
Who inspired/or continues to inspire you most in your life?
I am constantly inspired by the women affected by cancer that I meet through the Pink Pilates Programme. They have a tough journey but their strength, courage and determination is very inspirational to me.
The amazing women on the Pink Pilates Trust inspire me too – they are all extremely busy women with children, who also volunteer their time to help with all aspects of the Pink Pilates programme.
What’s the latest thing downloaded to your Ipod?
Kings of Leon’s latest album.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Trying to fit too many things into my life and getting frustrated that I will never be wonder woman!
If you weren’t doing what you are doing now you’d…
Be a desperate housewife…
What are you reading?
Emails mainly!...........my reading time has reduced considerably with two young kids. It takes me a very long time to finish a book these days. I’m currently reading ‘A novel of my wife’ Emily Perkins ( I think Emily is fantastic); ‘Raising Boys’ Steve Biddulph ( I really want my active little boys to turn into lovely, well-balanced Men and need all the help I can get); Paul Bangay’s Garden Design Book – (I’m trying to turn my back yard into a beautiful sanctuary –and there is a lot of work to be done yet…)
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A beautiful Summer’s day on Whangapoua beach with a happy, healthy family to enjoy it with.
What is your greatest fear?
Mice
What is your greatest extravagance?
High heels..
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had much much longer legs!
Finish these sentences:
It really irritates me that
My house constantly needs cleaning….. I can’t wait till my boys can eat a meal without most of it landing on the floor….
AND When TALL girls wear very high heels!
I just love it when….
Women who have completed the Pink Pilates Programme tell me how they have benefitted from their sessions …. it makes all the work I do feel so worthwhile.