Who We Are

The Core Collective Studio is based in the Blackhall area of Edinburgh. The studio offers group reformer pilates classes from beginners through to advanced, private pilates equipment sessions and sports massage appointments.

The studio has existed for 8 years at the garden studio at my house and in April 2026 we moved out to the current location at Blackhall Court. With the move, I chose to rebrand as I am not a one woman band anymore! There are other wonderful and experienced teachers also teaching here who will help support you through your Pilates journey.

As the owner of the studio I consider myself a solutions focused teacher and coach who uses mat pilates, pilates equipment and weights to help you solve issues you may have with injuries, medical conditions, sports performance and life goals.

I love helping people understand how Pilates and exercise can help everyone with their ability to withstand the rigours day to day life, whether you are a desk jockey, mum to be, mum to little humans or bigger humans, an athlete or just to move better, feel better mentally and physically and hopefully to live a more active life.

A home gym setup with a wall-mounted pull-up bar, a gray fitness step, a woven basket with a red and white object inside, and a part of a treadmill. The wall is painted white with visible brick texture, and the floor is wood or wood-like material.

What can we help with

  • Beginners wanting safe, guided pilates and strength training

  • sports injuries acute and chronic and general ongoing aches and pains

  • supporting your training plan for your sport

  • supporting you with your physio exercises and rehab and progressing them when the time is right

  • neck and back pain

  • supporting women achieve their best physical selves throughout their different stages of life from pre and post partum, through menopause to active ageing.

  • Busy professionals needing structured, effective sessions

  • Anyone wanting to move better, feel stronger, and improve daily life

Work With Us

Our Team

A young woman with red hair, fair skin, and wearing a gray top, smiling against a plain gray background.

Emily McDonald

Studio Owner

I have a vision for building a pilates hub in the heart of the community. We are just at the start of the journey.

Emily started life in the fitness realm as a massage therapist. Via a mid life change of career from investment, she upskilled her massage again, qualified as a Personal Trainer whilst completing her initial pilates matwork qualification with Body Control Pilates.

She has further trained with Lolita’s Legacy to complete her studio qualification and clinical Pilates with Breathe Education.

Constantly learning about movement helps her keep up to date with current guidelines around exercise and fitness. So whether you are looking help with rehab of injuries or prehab to maintain ease of movement Emily will support you through your journey.

A smiling woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a pink long-sleeve athletic top, standing indoors with a brick wall and window in the background.

Julie Roberts 

Teacher

Julie is a fully certified Body Control Pilates teacher with over 8 years of experience, specialising in supporting women through perimenopause and beyond.

Her approach combines Pilates, functional movement, and body-first healing to help women build strength, mobility, and resilience while navigating the physical and emotional changes of midlife.

With additional training in anatomy, bone health, and lower back care, Julie helps clients reconnect with their bodies and move with greater ease, confidence, and trust.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, pink highlights, and glasses smiling at the camera. She is in a room with a brick wall background.

Laura Weavers

Client Reviews

I have been practicing Pilates (reformer, barre, classes) for over 5 years now and Emily is hands-down my best instructor ever. She knows the body and how it moves and really tailors classes accordingly, closely monitoring progress or setbacks. Her one on one sessions are fantastic as are the reformer classes. Don't hesitate!

—  Google review

“I have been going to classes with Emily for three years initially to help with frozen shoulder. I loved the classes and Emily is so knowledgeable and tailors the classes brilliantly. Highly recommend!

—Google review

Hi, I have been attending both Mat and Reformer classes with Emily for 5 years now. Emily's passion for pilates got me started and hooked from the start. I can highly recommend her as an experienced pilates teacher who takes each person's needs into account and tailors the classes for building foundations before increasing fitness and flexibility. Variation in classes also keeps us improving our techniques and making progress. This is exactly what we clients need.

— Google Review

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