Miri is a dedicated Teacher, Sport Rehabilitator and STOTT® Pilates Instructor, who is passionate about helping others prioritise their health, their most valuable asset. She is committed to empowering women to take charge of their wellbeing, boost their confidence and find their voice – so that they can thrive in their careers and earn more money. Miri is a member of the Sports Massage Association (SMA), British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers (BASRaT) and Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
Miriam Moffat, Graduate Sport Rehabilitator and Educator
Tell us about a Pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today
After 15 years teaching A-Level Biology and GCSE Science, I realised I wanted more. My passion for learning and curiosity about the world were gifts from my late father. Among my earliest memories are Daddy teaching me to read and spell. We used to play a game called, ‘I spy with my little eye something beginning with…! Then, Daddy would have me spell the object. I took apart a transistor radio as a 10-year-old, eager to understand how it worked, only to panic when I couldn’t put it back together. Daddy calmed me down, and together, we reassembled it. I could see how much he loved sharing his knowledge with me, beaming with pride as we got it to work again. This moment ignited my lifelong love for discovery, learning and eventually, a career in teaching.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
My diverse career has had a strong focus on teaching, which I love. Effective teaching requires a passion for learning and the joy of witnessing students' lightbulb moments when they grasp difficult concepts. As teachers, we share our authentic selves, creating a safe space for students to do the same. When students sense our genuine passion, a strong teaching and learning relationship forms, with both adults and younger learners. Seeing them grow in confidence, develop new skills and expand their creativity brings deep joy. Helping others succeed is the ultimate job satisfaction. Teachers get to do this every day.
Tell us a bit about your story. How did you build your career until this point?
Teaching is incredibly rewarding, and also pretty stressful. Finding ways to meet the demands of the job while maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. I learned this the hard way during a period of enforced sick leave when I had to step back and prioritise my health. I joined my local gym and discovered how much I enjoyed the fitness classes. Even better when I started seeing results! I dusted the cobwebs off my old bike, gave it a little TLC, and started cycling to work—like I used to ride to school as a kid. It was a refreshing change that made a big difference.
But I couldn’t stop there, could I? With all the compliments on my fitter, toned body and the boost in my energy levels, I felt inspired to take it further. I grabbed the chance to train as a Fitness Instructor with YMCA in London. Before long, I was teaching Spin, Aqua and Aerobics classes at my gym.
Before classes, gym members would come to me with questions about their own injuries or medical conditions. I could relate—I’ve suffered with chronic low back pain since I was a teenager. At school, I was the last one picked for netball or hockey, and even cross-country running was a challenge because of pain. Cycling became my saving grace. Determined to learn about managing pain better, I enrolled in a Level 5 Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy Diploma course in London. That journey eventually led to a Master’s degree in Sport Rehabilitation from Middlesex University.
What are your next goals or projects?
I’d love to say that after graduating with my MSc in Sports Rehabilitation, I launched my own therapy business and turned it into a thriving enterprise. That’s what the next logical step is supposed to be, right? But the reality was very different. Faced with the challenges of starting and running a business—where every success or failure rested on my shoulders, with no guaranteed pay check—was unnerving. Suddenly, I had to delve into marketing, pitch to prospective clients, schedule sales calls and become adept at networking. To say it was a plunge into the deep darkness of the unknown, filled with the dread of uncertainty and fear of failure, would be putting it mildly!
I really missed the classroom—the daily, structured routine, the lively chaos of a school full of energetic kids, messy Science experiments, and inventive PowerPoint presentations. So, when a local school invited me to interview based on my application, I gladly accepted. Now I had even more skills to bring to the table, I reasoned. Research methods, critical thinking skills, deeper knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, healthy living and exam techniques. I had a fabulous lesson prepared and couldn’t wait to get back in front of students. The lesson went off without a glitch. I was impressed by the school, loved the students, and clicked with the staff who were observing and interviewing me. When they told me I got the job, I was overjoyed!
All aspirations for starting a business and becoming my own boss took a backseat. I had imagined setting my own hours, designing a beautiful treatment room, and working with carefully chosen clients to help them move past their pain and get back to enjoying life. Those goals were set aside, justified by the difference I would make to my students instead.
Orientation day in July was a chance to meet new colleagues and get to know the school and curriculum. It quickly turned into a harsh reality check! As I scanned my timetable, my heart sank—no Year 12 or 13 classes, only lower ones. It was like a punch in the gut! My excitement deflated. The schedule was overwhelming, packed to the brim. My husband, a former Head of Science, warned, "You’ll never teach the same lesson twice in any one week. You’ve got your work cut out for you!" I had made a huge mistake. It was too late to back out—the contracts were signed. I resolved to give it my best, as I pondered the MSc set aside, losing value over time. I made it through the first term, and welcomed a well-deserved Christmas break.
It is a misty February morning in East London and rush hour bedlam is in full swing. I can barely hear the voices of the kindly station staff amid the announcements and clacking of trains arriving and departing the station. “The paramedics are here!” After 7 gruelling months of burning the candle at both ends – early starts, late nights, weekend work, and constant fatigue – the relentless grind has finally taken its toll. The health and wellness practitioner with big dreams of transforming the health of her community one client at a time is now in the back of an ambulance on the way to hospital.
When we neglect self-care, life forces us to stop and recover. With time to reflect on the toll my job had taken on my health, I knew it couldn’t continue. I made it to the end of the school year, but it was clear—I needed to step away from teaching. It was time to chase my dream and start my own business. It might be small and messy at first, but it would be a start.
What drives/inspires you?
Looking back, I have learned that decisions made from a mindset of fear or scarcity can steer us away from our true purpose. Yet, what could have been an experience I would rather forget, turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons. There is always a silver lining if we choose to see it. During the summer of 2019 I had time to reflect on what truly matters to me. Health and wellbeing top that list because good health is the foundation of everything. Equally important is being a person of integrity. When guided by these values, decisions become easier, personal growth and development become much more attainable.
Our growth journey often requires facing challenges and even trauma. Just as athletes don’t become world class in their sport by taking the easy path, integrity isn't about choosing the smoothest route either. I firmly believe that chaos pushes us to invent ways to create order, to accept things as they are, and to recognise that if something isn’t working, we have the power to change it. We can always rewrite our story. Now that inspires me!
Tell us about your greatest achievement so far.
When I was first invited to take on a 4-day cycling challenge for charity, my initial reaction was sheer disbelief! London to Paris on a bike? You must be joking! It seemed so far beyond my capabilities that I couldn’t imagine agreeing to it. Yet, less than 24 hours later, I had hit the ‘Submit’ button on my application form!
I was teaching full-time in London and cycling to work most days, but this challenge felt different. Raising funds for Action Medical Research, a charity close to my heart, gave the ride a deeper purpose. I dedicated it to the memory of my late stepson, Paul, who tragically passed away just before his third birthday due to a congenital respiratory condition. My husband and I had also endured the pain of miscarriage, making AMR’s mission—researching complex medical conditions in children and babies—profoundly personal to me.
After four demanding days of cycling—conquering hills, dodging traffic, fixing punctures, confuting with the occasional furious driver—we finally arrived at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The exhilaration was indescribable. We averaged 80-90 miles a day, but this journey wasn’t just about the physical challenge. It was a ride through history. In northern France, we paid our respects at Thiepval, the solemn memorial to those lost in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. We visited war cemeteries, cycling along poppy-lined roads, acutely aware of the suffering and sacrifices made in those very fields.
My transformation had started. Inspired to take my own health seriously, I embarked on a journey dedicated to helping others reclaim their lives. Now, my passion is teaching people how to get out of pain and back to a vibrant, active lifestyle.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I am incredibly privileged that health and well-being are not just a passion but also my work. Every day, I schedule time for exercise, whether it’s a 40-minute walk to the supermarket, a Legs, Bums and Tums class at the gym, or teaching my own STOTT™ Pilates sessions. Diet and nutrition are important to me, and I’m mindful of what I eat.
When I encourage my clients to keep an eye on their blood pressure, weight, and how much sleep they get, it’s a reminder for me to practice what I preach. To have professional credibility I need to lead by example to truly help others improve their wellness.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
I envisage myself leading a successful practice that integrates health and wellness, STOTT™ Pilates, and personal development coaching. I would like to be recognised as a thought leader in women’s empowerment, helping them transform their lives by embracing health, confidence and fulfilling their potential. Good health underpins all that.
What is your motto?
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.”― Corrie ten Boom (Holocaust survivor and Author)
To forgive is to trade a disempowering mindset for a more empowering one.
Who inspires you to be the best that you can be?
I'm deeply inspired by those who overcame immense challenges to achieve something truly great, especially Holocaust survivors and those who risked their lives to save Jews during that dark time. One such hero is Gino Bartali, the Italian champion cyclist who saved hundreds of Jews. A twice Tour de France and three-times Giro d’Italia winner, Bartali secretly carried fake identity documents for Jewish and political refugees between 1943 and 1945. Disguised as "training" rides, he cycled thousands of miles across Italy, using his celebrity to avoid suspicion. His courageous efforts are credited with saving over 500 lives. On July 7, 2013 Yad Vashem recognized Gino Bartali as Righteous Among the Nations.
What is your work inspired by?
My work is driven by my vision, mission, and values. Here are four key principles I believe are irreplaceable in the workplace and help us deliver the best service to our clients:
Diligence. This is the key to winning every race. History’s most successful people had this one feature in common. It is a very powerful skill. Our clients notice when we go the extra mile to serve them. They know when we strive to be the best we can be.
Integrity. Ask the executives of Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco, to name but a few high-profile scandals, where lack of integrity in the workplace lead to serious consequences, including prison. Dishonesty may seem easy, and even bring short term advantages, but ultimately it steals our peace of mind and eventually, catches up with us. By making integrity a non-negotiable value in every area of life, we avoid being accused of deliberate wrong-doing. Its benefits are priceless. Along with building trust, it leads to being cherished by friends, peers, colleagues and especially, our clients.
Generosity. The quality that receives even more than it gives. When we give freely—whether it’s our time, finances, or support—we find that we never truly lack. And isn’t it true? When we’re generous with our clients, they’re more likely to stay loyal and recommend us to others.
Graciousness: The quality of graciousness is the key to true attractiveness, bringing honour, respect and admiration. But what does it mean to be gracious? It incorporates kindness, tact, elegance and appreciation. A gracious person can ‘read the room,’ upholding both their own dignity and that of others. To be gracious is a choice. It starts with being grateful for all we have.
What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future?
My big dream is to build a portable, profitable business that enables us to buy a home in Israel, where our family can thrive. It's a daunting dream, which makes it so compelling. Despite the conflict, Israel remains vibrant and beautiful, with stunning scenery, Mediterranean weather, and exquisite cuisine. It's the land where the Bible comes to life.
What is your purpose, mission and driving force for all the work you do?
My purpose is to help people overcome physical and emotional challenges so that they can live fulfilling, healthier lives. My mission is to empower women, especially those who feel invisible or undervalued at work, to find their voice and build self-assurance. I believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and respected, and that true confidence comes from knowing your own worth. My goal is to give individuals the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their health, careers, and life direction, and get paid according to their true value.
Is there a core value that you are most passionate about?
Yes, integrity. I believe change isn't possible without facing up to some tough, home truths. As Jesus said, "The truth will set you free," but he didn’t mention that it might hurt first. It takes courage to face limiting beliefs, fears, and unhelpful behaviour patterns. Stepping outside our comfort zones can be terrifying, but the choice is between the fear of action or the regret of missed opportunities. Pay now, or pay later—later is always more costly.
What key advice do you have for achieving success? Are there additional qualities that contribute to success?
Yes, get clear on your values. When you know what matters most, decisions become easier. For example, imagine you had to choose between two jobs—one with a great salary but limited growth, and another with lower pay but strong investment in professional development—the choice is simple if lifelong learning is your priority. You'd pick the job that offers growth and training, knowing it will boost your long-term earning potential through enhanced skills and development.
For success, it is important to see through an endeavour to completion. Be persistent! Amateurs give up when the going gets tough and overwhelming. World class achievers are consistent. Do not give up until the job is done.
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