Most of us know that movement matters. But between the conflicting advice, the gym intimidation, the endless content telling us to do more, lift heavier and optimise everything — it's become hard to know what our bodies actually need and how to build something that sticks.
In this episode of The Health Review I sit down with Tara Riley — founder of the Tara Riley Method, winner of Best Fitness Instructor London at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 and one of the most respected movement teachers in the UK.
Tara spent years working as a TV producer before completely reinventing her career — building a method that blends Pilates, Barre, strength training and dance into something distinctive, and a community of women who keep coming back year after year because of how it makes them feel.
She turned 50 this year, was featured in Hello! Magazine for her approach to longevity in movement, and has been managing rheumatoid arthritis throughout her career — turning what could have been a reason not to move into the very foundation of why she does.
We cover:
Tara's journey from TV producer to award-winning Pilates founder
Managing rheumatoid arthritis through movement — what that actually looks like day to day
The Tara Riley Method — why she needed to create something new rather than just teach one discipline and what makes a hybrid approach so much more effective
Why a lot of women are exercising in a way that isn't working for them — the most common mistakes and what to do instead
Strength training for women in midlife — the case for it, how to start and why it matters more than most women realise
Perimenopause and movement — what's actually changing in women's bodies in their 40s and how exercise needs to adapt
Rest and recovery — why high-achieving women find it so hard and why it's actually part of the work
Movement as medicine — how to shift from thinking about exercise as an obligation to something that makes you feel strong, capable and alive
What turning 50 felt like — and what she knows now about the female body that she wishes every woman understood earlier
About Tara Riley:
Tara Riley is the founder of the Tara Riley Method — a blend of Pilates, Barre, strength training and dance designed for real bodies and real life. Winner of Best Fitness Instructor London at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026, she has been teaching movement for nearly two decades and runs classes, retreats and workshops in London and beyond. Find her at https://tarariley.co and @tararileypilates on Instagram.
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own clinician before making changes to your exercise routine.
Topics: pilates London | women's fitness | Tara Riley Method | strength training women | midlife fitness | movement for women | pilates vs reformer | rheumatoid arthritis exercise | women over 50 fitness | perimenopause exercise | barre workout | hybrid fitness | joint friendly exercise | best pilates instructor London | movement as medicine | fitness in midlife | Muddy Stilettos awards | women's movement | pilates for beginners | strength training beginners | longevity movement | movement habits | fitness over 50 | pilates barre strength | women's health fitness | exercise chronic pain | mindful movement | Tara Riley pilates
Today's episode is sponsored by Coach Business School — Andy Ramage's world-class coach training programme, which I trained through myself. Use code HEALTH50 for £50 off the Foundation Certificate at: coachbusiness.school
Today's episode is supported by Totally Derma, the evidence-based collagen drink supplement recommended by dermatologists and cosmetic clinics across the UK. As mentioned in the episode, The Health Review listeners get 15% off their first subscription with code HEALTHREVIEW15 at checkout: https://totallyderma.com/?ref=115
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