About Stirling Pilates
My journey in the fitness industry spans over two decades, driven by a passion for helping people feel stronger, more confident and capable in their bodies.
Stirling Pilates (formerly Stirling Fitness) is my small, specialist studio here in Stirling. I'm Elaine Morgan Machray — local mum of two — and I've spent over 20 years in the fitness and leisure industry, bringing everything I've learned to every class I teach.
How it all began
I began my career in the early 1990s, managing a large gym in Newcastle before qualifying as a fitness instructor in 1997. With a background in running, dance and leisure management, staying active has always been a personal commitment, not just a professional one. I've always understood both the physical and mental benefits of exercise — because I've lived them.
In 2006, I founded Stirling Fitness, initially delivering classes across venues in the local area before opening my own studio in 2011. Having my own space meant I could create something more personal and supportive — centred on small group training and individual attention.
In 2007, I undertook formal Pilates training and gradually transitioned from general fitness instruction to specialising in Pilates. I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Pilates Matwork, a Freestyle Fitness Yoga qualification, and I'm trained in the Fitness Pilates method. I'm also a qualified pre and post-natal exercise specialist and am currently studying with the Functional Aging Institute of America.
My Approach
I've now been teaching Pilates for nearly two decades, and I invest in ongoing professional development every year — because I want my knowledge to stay current and my approach to keep evolving. Everything I do is grounded in a clear philosophy: helping people move better, feel stronger and build real confidence in their bodies through safe, structured and effective exercise.
What matters most to me is the people who walk through the door. I know the barriers many face when starting or returning to exercise, and I've worked hard to create a calm, welcoming and educational environment where clients feel supported from day one. I'm not interested in trends or intensity for its own sake — I'm focused on long-term wellbeing, and building strength, mobility and energy in a way that's both sustainable and genuinely empowering.
See my classes
