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In their Pilates era! From Love Island’s Georgia Steel to Strictly’s Kristina Rihanoff – a look at the stars who have quit reality TV to become fitness instructors

BBG News

A variety of celebrities have emerged from popular reality television series like Love Island, Made In Chelsea, and Big Brother.

Instead of leading flashy lives in show business as influencers, actors, television personalities, or models, some individuals have chosen an entirely different route, steering clear of the spotlight.

In recent times, television personalities such as Georgia Steel, Coco Lodge, Verity Bowditch, and Kristina Rihanoff have chosen new careers in teaching Pilates and yoga.

Online exercise classes, a fitness trend that’s been popular for years, is experiencing a surge and becoming increasingly preferred among women as their go-to workout option.

On a popular social media site, the hashtag “#Pilates” boasts over six billion impressions, serving as a hub for enthusiasts to display their abilities and fitness achievements.

Lessons can cost more than £35 per session, and their instructors often recommend practicing three times a week. This makes it a relatively pricey pastime that tends to attract individuals from the middle class.

Georgia Steel

Georgia initially gained recognition on Love Island back in 2018, followed by stints on Celebs Go Dating, Ex on the Beach, Love Island: Aftersun, and Love Island: All Stars.

Currently, the stylish individual, who happens to be an influencer, posted on Instagram that they have officially become a certified Pilates instructor.

In a beautiful summer gown, she shared a series of pictures on social media, commemorating her fresh achievement, surrounded by her parents and beau, Harry Clarke.

Alongside the snaps, she wrote: ‘Pinch me!!!!

‘Can’t quite believe I’m a qualified Pilates instructor.

Yesterday was an absolutely amazing day, spent celebrating with my loved ones. I feel incredibly fortunate, as if I’m the luckiest woman on earth at this moment.

Georgia hasn’t yet shared her plans for teaching, or where her classes will be held.  

Coco Lodge 

In 2020, Coco gained widespread recognition when she appeared as a surprise addition to the Casa Amor villa on Love Island. However, she soon transitioned into a career as a Pilates instructor.

In January, Coco elevated her fitness career significantly by launching her own studio in Surrey.

At Poise Pilates, individuals have the option to buy a package of three reformer classes for just £60, saving money compared to dropping in for a single session that costs £30. Each class is led by skilled and experienced instructors who customize the workout according to your specific objectives.

On a regular basis, Coco posts workout videos for her 185,000 Instagram fans, and just lately, she roped in her partner, Joel Corry, to join in as well.

Claudia Fogarty  

Prior to revealing her pregnancy news, Claudia initially informed her followers about her decision to leave behind her reality TV background and embark on a fresh path within the fitness sector.

Claudia has started a fresh adventure, now serving as a certified Kore Reformer Pilates instructor following her acquisition of necessary fitness credentials.

In her activewear attire, Claudia posted multiple impressive photos during a Pilates class instruction session and expressed: ‘Entering the Pilates phase… I am starting a dedicated Pilates page where I will share all my reformer exercises.’

‘I would love for you guys to give me a follow and come with me on my Pilates journey.

I look forward to passing along plenty of knowledge and engaging in conversation with anyone interested in attending my classes or scheduling a one-on-one session with me.

She concluded: ‘So excited for this new chapter and to see where it takes me (love heart emoji)’.

On her Instagram story, she shared the announcement, saying: ‘Discovering a fresh direction in my life. Already enjoying this new adventure.’

I can hardly wait for what’s ahead, and there’s so much to experience together! I have a strong sense that this year will bring us plenty of joy (heart emoticon).

Additionally, she shared her class timetable, spanning from mornings to evenings. She suggested her followers not to hesitate in reserving spots promptly, since they’re being snapped up rather swiftly.

In the tradition set by her mother Michelle, who is a fitness coach, Claudia is now carving out her own path within the health and wellness industry.

Verity Bowditch

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but sing praises about Verity. She’s the star we adore from Channel 4’s Made In Chelsea, and here’s another reason to love her even more – in 2020, she added another feather to her cap by qualifying as a Pilates teacher!

She withdrew from her partnership with Mikey Pearce at Clean Kitchen following the decision to incorporate meat into a menu that was previously entirely plant-based.

Before joining the show and establishing her business, Verity earned a degree in Biomedical Science with a focus on anatomy and physiology from King’s College.

Currently, Verity offers a Pilates application known as “Pilates by Verity,” which is utilized worldwide and caters to individuals of varying skill levels. It also features specialized programs designed to achieve specific objectives.

Twice a month, she conducts on-site classes at remarkable global destinations like London, Bali, and Dubai. In October, she’ll host a retreat in Ibiza, followed by another in Bali in November.

Kristina Rihanoff 

After departing from Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, Kristina has since embarked on a fresh professional journey as a yoga instructor based in Northampton.

Kristina and her former partner, Ben Cohen, established Soo Yoga Group jointly in June 2017, which was four years following their romantic involvement that began during the 11th season of the popular BBC program.

This dancer, originally from Russia, boasts a 20-year journey with yoga, sparked by an enchantment with it during a class in Seattle back in 2001.

In an interview with the Daily Mail in 2021, she expressed: “We put all our savings and resources into this venture, not as a whim or pastime, but for substantial reasons. We wouldn’t casually label ourselves as celebrities doing wine or cheese business merely for amusement.

For us, it was different. I possess certifications in approximately ten distinct forms of yoga, including post-natal, pregnancy, and traditional. It wasn’t a case of me deciding on a whim, “I’ll start doing yoga now.

Ben and Kristina’s romance blossomed under the shadow of the notorious BBC show’s curse, as he ended his marriage to Abby in 2013 and began dating Kristina, but financial difficulties allegedly led to their eventual separation.

In my role as a lifestyle guide, I find myself reflecting on a personal journey that took an unexpected turn. After pouring all our resources into creating a serene haven for yogis—a yoga studio—my partner and I found ourselves drowning in crushing debt when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, causing our once thriving studio to crumble before our eyes.

According to The Sun, the couple are now left with a crippling £1million debt.

In a straightforward yet honest statement, Cohen confessed to the court, “Each day, I struggle to prevent losing everything – my vehicles, my home, and my relationships. My financial situation is dire.

When asked about the challenges in his and Rihanoff’s relationship, he responded by saying that they are still cohabiting and have shared financial responsibilities.

In our joint venture, it’s challenging because we launched our business prior to the pandemic, and unfortunately, we experienced some of its most severe impacts. To be frank, this additional issue is yet another hurdle I have to navigate.

My credit card balances exceed the limits, and both accounts are in the negative. Our business is also dealing with debt due to the pandemic. This is yet another challenge we’re facing.

TopMob was given an insight into the struggles during an interview with the couple in May 2021.

According to Companies House records, Soo Yoga Group Ltd had a deficit of £488,470 in their most recent financial reports, which were filed for the fiscal year ending on July 31, 2022.

Originally, the company was at risk of being dissolved. Since then, Cohen stepped down from his position as a director, making Rihanoff the sole leader. Meanwhile, other businesses connected to them have been encountering challenges as well.

The company could’ve been closed down. Cohen is no longer a director and now only Rihanoff remains in charge. Other companies tied to them are also experiencing troubles.

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2025-07-05 14:19

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