Grace Espinosa is now teaching two specialist Reformer Pilates sessions a week at Wednesbury Leisure Centre

A 20-year-old from West Bromwich has gone from joining a leisure trust apprenticeship scheme to teaching her own Reformer Pilates classes in little over a year.

Grace Espinosa joined Kore Wellness, which operates eight facilities across Sandwell on behalf of Sandwell Council, as an apprentice towards the end of 2024.

She has since qualified as a pool lifeguard, level 2 swim teacher and level 2 gym instructor, and is now an accredited Reformer Pilates instructor at Wednesbury Leisure Centre (WLC).

The role came about following a £130,000 investment in a purpose-built studio at the High Bullen venue, which now offers “Pilat3s,” an immersive Reformer Pilates concept combining lights, music and screens.

‘An amazing opportunity’

Grace teaches two weekly classes: Align, which focuses on flexibility and active recovery, and Power, which builds strength and endurance using dumbbells and compound movements.

“I couldn’t say no to this amazing opportunity,” she said.

“I’m really grateful to Kore Sandwell for putting their trust in me.”

A former Birmingham Ormiston Academy dance student who has performed since the age of four, Grace said a career in fitness felt like a natural progression.

Kore Wellness centre manager Simon Bryan said: “Grace has been exceptional throughout her time with us and the Reformer Pilates coaching slots are her just reward.”