Our Team
MICHELLE MARAIS
Studio Owner: Personal Training, Pilates, ETM, Aqua & Children’s health and fitness Instructor
I am a committed, passionate fitness instructor; born and raised in South Africa. A proud resident of Cape Town, I nevertheless bring a real international flair to my work. Relocating to Spain in 2001, where I had two of my three children, I gained qualifications in a huge range of physical activities, disciplines and practices, predominantly from US and UK educators before moving on to the UAE. Here I developed a practice as a fitness instructor at firstly the Intercontinental and then Hilton chain of hotels. Within this role I introduced Pilates to an initially sceptical client base.
Purchasing Back To Basics in December of 2015 and a mother of two University aged children, spare time is not a huge commodity for me but given the chance I love nothing better than spending time outdoors on the beaches and amongst the landscapes of the beautiful Western Cape. Travelling is my leisure passion!
MEGAN BOND
Pilates, Pilates Rehabilitation, Preggy Pilates, Mommy+Baby & Personal Trainer
I started my pilates journey in 2007. Whilst looking for something to add to my portfolio. I qualified as a Personal Trainer in 2004 ETA (Exercise Teachers Academy). I started pilates training with James Raaff and progressing with advanced work under the guidance of Renee Watson. I found my passion for Pilates quickly grew and began to incorporate it in all my teaching practises.
I then developed knowledge of the use of equipment in my practice; completing my training with PilatesHere in 2012.
Relocating back to Cape Town leaving behind my own studio and client base was a tough but wise decision. I am in a career that I am passionated about; helping others develop “as I have”, in their pilates journey.
Clinton Shalkoff
Pilates, Mens Pilates and Personal Trainer
I began my fitness journey in 1999 as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and dance teacher specializing in hip hop and funk. As a former professional dancer, I spent most of my adult life immersed in high-impact workouts, always balancing them with Pilates training. Over the years, several operations and physical challenges inspired me to shift my focus fully toward Pilates—both as a tool for my own healing and as a way to deepen my understanding of injuries, recovery, and prevention.
After several years working in the Middle East, I returned to Cape Town in June 2025—a decision that allowed me to reconnect with my passion for helping people reach their goals. Today, Pilates is not just my profession but my way of life. My classes are known for being dynamic, fun, and memorable, powered by my upbeat and energetic personality. More than just exercise, I see Pilates as a journey of empowerment, healing, and strength that I am privileged to share with every client I teach.