Maria Bentley has been teaching in the fitness industry for 15 years, teaching both fitness and dance to children through to adults. Her accomplishments started in teaching exercise to music with crowds in excess of 200. As the fitness industry has grown so have her accreditations, accomplishments, expertise and ultimately her reputation which she has attained to a high standard. Her teaching skills and choreography breakdown methods gained her recognition early on in her career leading Maria to be approached to teach in further education where she was employed as a Choreographer on the Exercise To Music Course which led to a level 4 qualification in teacher training.  Maria then progressed to become a lecturer teaching The Exercise To Music Course itself, passing on her knowledge and skills to students who themselves went on to become instructors and studio coordinators. Her work and training has taken her all over the country and as far as Northern Ireland where she trained with Disability Sport widening her expertise to teach in the Special Population Sector in turn gaining her more knowledge and skills to maintain her high standards in an ever changing and diverse industry.

Some ten years ago Maria trained with the Pilates Method with Michael King from the Pilates Institute London inspired by Joseph Pilates.

 ‘I was completely inspired by the Pilates method, it offered new challenges for me as a teacher and I realised it should be applied in all situations.  I now use Pilates in some way or form  in everything I teach’.

Maria undertook further training at the Pilates Institute with the Pilates method,   including Seniors, Pre and Post Natal and Pilates for Back Care. She has continued her professional development within The Pilates Method and gained qualifications with Future Fit Training.  Maria shows true passion for both the Pilates exercise method, its development and for the needs of her clients who continue to attend her classes and courses.

As a keen Salsa dancer in her spare time Maria was inspired to undertake an intensive training programme in London some 6 years ago with the only accredited training provider in the country to become a qualified teacher in Cuban Salsa. She has even had experience with dancing with some of the UK’s  finest Cuban Salsa Dancers and currently runs workshops throughout the year!  Maria has recently trained and obtained the  licence to run ZUMBA©  classes and courses in local venues .

‘I’m always looking to extend my choreography skills and actively seek new challenges’

Maria went on to train and qualify as a dance teacher for both children and adults, covering a wide range of disciplines and she is currently employed by local councils teaching in schools, one of which recently won ‘The Extended Services School Award’ which Maria is proud to be part of. Maria has recently undertook an intensive training  programme with YMCAfit , an organisation that is one of the UK's leading trainers of fitness professionals, gaining the YMCA Fitkids Qualification encouraging a healthier lifestyle for children through active play and dance.  

Maria currently teaches Pilates and various fitness classes for both adults and children across the South in private health clubs, leisure centres and dance studios. She has also recently set up her own community classes in the Portsmouth area and is  on The Register of Exercise Professionals as a Level 3 Advanced Instructor.

0777 222 32 36

Fitnessstar@hotmail.co.uk

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