In Conversation with Sam Deville
I am delighted to introduce Sam Deville, founder of Sam Deville Pilates, and her curated SDP Method—the embodiment of Strong Dynamic Pilates.
Sam is not only a dear friend but also a constant source of inspiration. Her teaching, expertise and guidance have played an invaluable and integral role in my own wellness journey and recovery. It is a great pleasure to share her approach and philosophy with our community.
Welcome, Sam.
Celia X
How did you get into Pilates?
Completely by accident… although looking back, I don’t think it was an accident at all.
After having my twins in 2019, my body felt completely unfamiliar. I had a five-finger-wide diastasis recti, my core wasn’t functioning properly and I genuinely wondered whether I’d ever feel strong again. Doctors suggested surgery multiple times, but I was desperate to find another way.
What was the pivotal moment when you realised Pilates could be more than a personal recovery tool and become your career?
It was seeing how powerful it had been in my journey which ignited the fire, feeding a desire to share this with as many other people as possible. I realised I wanted to spend every day helping women surprise themselves.
In the studio, seeing someone walk out of class taller, happier and more confident than when they walked in honestly never gets old.
Tell us more about the SDP Method. How does it differ from traditional Pilates?
I always joke that if Joseph Pilates walked into one of my classes, he’d probably raise an eyebrow at all the dumbbells!
The SDP Method is strength-led Pilates. We still use all the brilliant principles that make Pilates so effective, but we blend them with heavier weights, athletic movement and progressive strength training.
I want people to leave class thinking, “Wow… I didn’t know I could do that.”
It’s challenging, but it’s also really fun. We work hard, we laugh a lot, and there’s always plenty of encouragement along the way. I genuinely believe exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment. It should make you feel capable and empower you.
How did your own rehabilitation journey shape the way you teach today? Massively.
It’s why I never promise quick fixes, because I know firsthand that lasting results come from consistency.
It’s also why I’m probably a little obsessed with technique and form. Once you’ve experienced what happens when your body is working well, you realise the little details really do matter. The tiniest form tweak can totally transform your end result.
More than anything though, it’s given me empathy. I know how frustrating it feels when your body doesn’t do what you want it to do, and I think that helps me meet people where they are without judgement.
What are the biggest misconceptions you see around postpartum recovery?
That you’ll just “bounce back.” I actually really dislike that phrase.
Pregnancy changes so much more than people realise. Your breathing, your core, your pelvic floor, your posture, your movement patterns… everything has adapted to grow a baby.
Your body is amazing, but it often needs guidance to reconnect all those pieces again.
The other misconception is that recovery has to be gentle forever. It absolutely doesn’t. My goal isn’t only to help women become strong, but to help them become stronger than they were before pregnancy, not just recover.
How has motherhood shaped your approach to wellbeing and self-care?
It’s made me realise that looking after myself isn’t selfish, it’s part of looking after my family.
When I move my body, I have more patience, more energy and I’m a much nicer person to be around!
Exercise has gone from being something I fit in around life to something that helps me enjoy life more. After the health and wellbeing of my family, it’s my number one priority.
How do you encourage mothers to prioritise their own wellbeing?
I always remind mums that their children are watching.
If your daughter grows up seeing you value your health, celebrate what your body can do and make time for yourself without guilt, that’s an incredibly powerful lesson.
I don’t want my girls growing up believing mums are supposed to come last.
Favourite way to unwind?
A good film and a pot of ice cream…. Or anything that involves laughing!
A chat with my husband, dinner with friends, playing silly games at bathtime with my girls or just being at home with a good coffee.
I’m definitely happiest when I’m surrounded by people I love.
How do you balance motherhood with the demands of running a successful business?
I don’t think balance is something you ever arrive at!
Some days I absolutely nail it. Other days I’m the mum who’s forgotten a water bottle, turned up with the wrong PE kit or answered an email at 10pm.
I’ve learnt to give myself a bit more grace. I will drop a ball at least once a week and that’s ok!
Having children has actually made me much more efficient. You become very good at asking, “Does this really matter?” because your time suddenly becomes incredibly precious.
What is the one thing about motherhood that no one ever told you?
That it’s the best job in the world… as corny as that sounds.
I honestly can’t remember who I was before I had children now, which is a slightly strange feeling! Motherhood becomes such a huge part of your identity, but for me that’s been a wonderful thing. It hasn’t made my world smaller; it’s made it bigger.
The other thing no one ever told me is just how mentally strong you’d become. I don’t think I’d have the resilience I have today without becoming a mum.
Having three girls under three was incredibly tough at times. There were definitely many days when I wondered how we’d get through it! But I’d do it all again in a heartbeat if I knew I’d end up with my little girl band. They are, without question, my greatest achievement.
What is the most important value you and your husband want to pass on to your children?
Kindness and courage. I always say to my girls, if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re probably not big enough. And I really do believe this. Aim higher, push further… it’s ok to want more for yourself.
I don’t necessarily want my girls to think they’re the best at everything. I want them to be brave enough to try things, even if they’re not immediately good at them.
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It grows every time you do something that feels a bit scary.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I’m incredibly excited about what we’re building. Every month our online community grows a little more, and seeing women from all over the world finding strength and confidence through the SDP Method is such a privilege.
I’ll never stop refining the classes, creating new programmes and finding ways to make the experience even better for our members. I’m a perfectionist by nature, so I’m always asking, “How can we make this even more brilliant?”
And hopefully I’ll keep proving that Pilates doesn’t have to be quiet or gentle. It can be sweaty, really challenging, full of laughs and genuinely life-changing.
Discover Sam Deville Pilates
https://samdevillepilates.com
@samdevillepilates
